Have you ever wondered why certain things happen to you in life, especially those that bring pain and suffering?
After the Kurukshetra war, King Dhritarashtra, devastated by the loss of his 100 sons, sought answers. He turned to Lord Krishna and asked, "Why did this happen to me, Krishna? I had 100 sons, and they were all killed. Why?"
Imagine the scene: a father, heartbroken and desperate, looking for meaning in his immense loss.
Lord Krishna, with his infinite wisdom, gently explained, “Dhritarashtra, let me take you back fifty lifetimes. Back then, you were a hunter. One day, while hunting, you tried to shoot a male bird, but it flew away. In your anger, you ruthlessly slaughtered the 100 baby birds in its nest. The father bird watched in helpless agony as his 100 children were taken from him. The pain you caused that father bird is the pain you are experiencing now, as you see your 100 sons fall in the war."
Think about this: actions from a past life affecting your present in such a profound way.
Dhritarashtra, puzzled, asked, “But why did I have to wait fifty lifetimes to face this consequence?”
Krishna smiled and replied, “You were accumulating punya (pious credits) during these fifty lifetimes to be blessed with 100 sons. This required a significant amount of merit. Once you had enough, the time was right for you to face the reaction for the sin committed fifty lifetimes ago.”
Reflect on this: even good deeds over many lifetimes can prepare us for the lessons we need to learn.
Krishna continued, "As I say in the Bhagavad-gita (4.17): 'Gahana karmano gatih' – the path of action and reaction is intricate and profound. Only God knows the perfect timing for each reaction to manifest. Sometimes, the consequences of our actions come in this lifetime, sometimes in the next, and sometimes in a distant future lifetime."
Consider the wisdom here: the timing of karma is beyond our understanding, but it's always just.
Krishna shared an old saying, "The mills of God grind slow, but they grind exceedingly fine." This means that every action, no matter how small, will be accounted for eventually. Imagine a cowshed with 1000 calves. If you release a mother cow into that shed, she will unfailingly find her calf among the thousands. Similarly, our karma will find us among the millions on this planet. Out of thousands walking on the road, only one might meet with an accident – not by chance, but by karma.
Pause and realize: our actions, big or small, good or bad, will find their way back to us.
Krishna concluded, “The law of karma works with precise accuracy. It may be slow to act, but no one can escape its reach. Each action will have its consequence, sooner or later. Embrace this truth and live a life of righteousness and compassion.”
Ask yourself: how can you live today knowing that every action will have a consequence?
By understanding and embracing the law of karma, you can lead a life of purpose and integrity. Every kind act, every moment of patience, and every choice of compassion will shape a future filled with peace and fulfillment. Trust in the divine justice and walk the path of dharma, for it ensures that every deed is accounted for, guiding you towards a life of harmony and enlightenment.
Take a moment to reflect: what actions will you take today to shape a brighter tomorrow?
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