KARMA & REINCARNATION
I couldn't write this page for quite a while. I kept walking over to the computer and thinking about where to start. Then I'd walk away, then I'd come back and try again. It's tough because karma and reincarnation are both deep subjects on their own, but they really go hand and hand. Getting to this point in my journey didn't come from simply exploring these beliefs ... I've actually had some pretty "mystical" experiences.
I don't think it's "essential" to your own spiritual evolution that you believe in karma and reincarnation. You can still live a positive life and make a difference with works of love and correct any karma along the way. The simplest man with little understanding is "pleasing" to God if he exemplifies love. But what this knowledge DOES do is add a whole new dimension of wonder and beauty to your current life ... like the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy opens the door in Lollipop Land ... it's no longer in black and white ... everything's in color. It kind of propels you on your journey because your thinking shifts from the limits of earthly awareness to a more expansive knowledge and love of the Universe, the galaxies, past lives, future lives, and the lives of other beings. Karma and Reincarnation are GOOD for the SOUL.
According to the dictionary, Karma is defined as "the cycle of cause and effect where actions, both good and bad, have consequences that shape future experiences." That's easy to understand, right? ... because in this life, our main concern is everything that happens within our own personal situation. We have free will and we usually know what outcomes our choices will generate. You've heard, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." or "You reap what you sow." or "Cause and Effect." And I'm guessing most of you have witnessed or lived through some type of karmic situation. I have "instant karma," and we've had a few laughs about it. One minute I'll make a snarky remark or think a negative thought; and the next minute I'll turn around, walk over a rake, and get the handle in my face. No lie! (If you haven't done so already, read BEES on the True Stories page). My youngest son thinks he has a bit of "instant karma" too!
But have you ever wondered why "bad things happen to good people?" Have you ever really thought about it? That concern was probably what got me looking into this subject in the first place. I have an overabundance of empathy when it comes to innocent victims being harmed ... sometimes it makes me physically sick. I mean they had no choice at all, right? It happens every day, and I've heard people ask many times ..."Why would God allow such a terrible thing!" Well, the answer is this: It was soul's choice and God allowed it for soul's own learning. There's a good chance that the soul of that victim came to "balance the scales" on its journey. Or it could be that the soul is playing a part in helping another soul through an experience. There's definitely a reason why "bad things happen to good people," and I needed to come to terms with that. It doesn't make it any less "hard to swallow," but it does help to understand these "injustices" a little better. God didn't create a soul and say, "I'm going to send you down to earth to be abused and beaten as a child." God did not create the situation. It was a choice made by Soul before incarnating into that life. As horrible as it seems, it was for soul's own growth, experience, or reconciliation.
According to Buddhists, and other cultures, Karma is "the sum of a person's actions in this and in previous states of existence, deciding their fate in future existences. This belief demonstrates that spiritual evolution is a continuation of lives, a continuation of "karmic" debts and experiences; and that the "level" an individual soul is on is the SUM of all of its lives. So, again, if a person suffers greatly in this life, it may be due to something that their soul wished to reconcile from a previous life to progress to higher learning in the next life ... or it may be that soul is helping another soul to evolve through something in theirs. If you do choose to read, "Journey of Souls," which is on my bookclub list, you will gain insight into the way that souls interact in each other's lives. It is really quite compelling.
MYSTICAL
As my dad used to say, "You can't make this stuff up!" And why would I anyway, right? I'm not here to convince anyone of anything. You will believe what your heart and mind are open to. But here's a story that might just stir the soul within.
This happened to me a couple of years ago. I was attending a spiritual seminar in the Midwest, and I was sharing a hotel room with a wonderful lady I had met the previous year at the same seminar. We were taking a break from classes, and we decided to walk "uptown" to get something to eat. The streets were crowded with people milling about and we kept to one side of the sidewalk looking for a decent restaurant. We ate lunch and then headed back to the seminar.
As we moved along, I spotted a tall black man approaching. He was wearing a hoodie and carrying a backpack. As he passed by me, we looked at each other, smiled, and said, "hello." Then I continued walking ... but I heard this man say from behind me, "Excuse me, miss, would you turn around, please?" The immediate thought in my mind, and in my roommate's, was, "Is he going to ask me for money? Should I even turn around?" My roommate kept walking; but curiousity got the best of me, and so I turned around. He came right up to me, stood fairly close, and said, "There is much power behind your eyes." And as he was saying those words, his face seemed three-dimensional. I can only liken it to "pixels." It was "luminous."
I felt overwhelmed by what he said and I stuttered, "Well, thank you." He smiled and said, "You're welcome," then turned around and continued on. I watched him for a moment and then shakily made my way back to where my friend was waiting for me. When she asked me what happened, I was at a loss for words, but I explained it to the best of my ability. "Wow, that's awesome!" she said.
On the way back to the seminar, so many thoughts were running through my mind ... "Who was that man? Why did he say that to me? Why was his face so shiny?" I knew something magical had happened. I just didn't know why or what it meant. We still had a little time to kill before our next class, so I went into the book room at the seminar to see what I could purchase and bring home. The very first book I picked up was an illustrated guide about past "Masters" ... "higher-level" men and women who had walked the earth as spiritual teachers throughout the history of mankind. I opened it to a page with pictures ... and right there in front of me was the black man who had spoken to me on the street. I knew his face immediately, and I went right into an emotional "tailspin." "That's Him!" I exclaimed. "That's the man in the hoodie!" I was dizzy with excitement. I bought the book. I even bought a 5 x 7 picture of him, which I have kept with me ever since. Then I went running back to my roommate and showed her. We were both in awe.
My next class was a group circle where you can share experiences or questions. I told the participants what had happened to me ... I was still looking for answers. The lady who led our group was definitely on another "level" ... you could feel it in her "aura." She looked at me, smiled, and said, "Oh, yes, he visits from time to time. I saw him once in New York City. You have most certainly been blessed!" Almost everyone in that circle was crying, myself included. They were all shedding tears of joy for me and my "encounter."
The magical part of this story is that this Master does not live in the realm of reality that we know as modern-day earth. He exists on another plane, a higher level of being, where he is guardian of one of the sacred books of this religion. I guess he comes here from time to time to assist ... we call these beings "Wanderers" and they are most holy. Why he chose to say that to me that day I still don't know, maybe I needed reassurance? But I do know that there are entities walking among us who have our greater purpose in mind.
(At this time, I do not feel it proper to divulge the name of this Master or even the religion that I was studying at the time. I don't know exactly why I feel this way, but I am following my instinct. I guess it might be because it's not prudent to introduce an entity that might open a door to skepticism or denial on the part of my readers. Even though I've moved on to other studies, I am choosing not to put this Master or this religion under any such scrutiny ... perhaps we'll discuss it at a later date or with readers of "like mind." We'll see.)
THE UNKNOWN
Because karma and reincarnation are considered such "mystical" subjects, I've decided to add another such topic to this page ... the creation and existence of other beings, or other SOULS.
Even if you don't believe in UFO's, you have to admit that it has been one of the greatest mysteries of humankind. For generations man has looked up to the sky with fascination and wondered about the possibility of other civilizations. Movies have been made. Books have been written. Ancient Aliens is popular on T.V. SCI-FI exists! But is it all fiction? Why have there been so many sightings and documented accounts of otherworldly occurrences? Are they all just imagination and lies? I THINK NOT!
First of all, why would God limit Himself to just human beings? He is far greater than that; and there again lies that "one and done" way of thinking. If anything, God might want a "do-over" (lol) because we haven't exactly been too kind to Mother Earth and the resources that God gave us. It is an "elite" viewpoint to believe that we are all there is. And there is only one reason why man would dismiss the possibility of another civilization ... FEAR ... or because he views it with hostility ... like they're going to come here and invade us. Rest assured that if an alien civilization could come this far, they would already be so much more advanced that there would be nothing they would want or need from us.
But just imagine, if you will, that there exists a civilization of beings that has already evolved to a much higher level than we are currently at. What would they think of us? Would they be impressed? Not likely. I think they'd look down on us and lovingly say, "We should help them!" Right? Well, that's exactly what happened about 11,000 years ago. And you can believe it or not, but I'll tell you what I know.
There came to Egypt, like I said, approximately 11,000 years ago, a race of beings that called themselves RA. I'm not talking about the egyptian god or any of his ancestors by the same name. Those deities got the name from this civilization. RA was a collective consciousness from the planet Venus and kind of like one big "ancient astronaut." These beings came to earth to offer help and spread the message of "Oneness." They built the pyramids and other structures as healing centers for man's use. However, it became apparent that the humans in charge at the time wanted these centers only for themselves. They did not want to share with the masses. RA decided that mankind was not ready for help or to understand "Oneness" ... and they left. RA indicated that beings from other planets do exist, but they will not interfere with our free will. They will only help if humankind asks. That is why we have seen evidence of other beings, but have never actually met them. They are letting us know that they are around, but they will not interfere. At this current time in history, can you imagine our world governments asking another civilization for help? We have way too much EGO for that. But who can predict the future? Maybe someday!
If you're ready to explore and you want to know more about RA, there is a series of books called, THE LAW OF ONE: THE RA MATERIAL. It was published by Don Elkins, Carla Rueckert, and Jim McCarty ... the three people who made contact with this civilization. These sessions took place from 1981 to 1984. Carla was the "channeler" through which the communications came, Don Elkins asked the questions, and Jim McCarty transcribed it all. He documented approximately 106 sessions, and it is absolutely fascinating. The core principle described by RA is that of Unity and Interconnectedness ... that the entire universe, including all beings, is a single unified entity, an expression of the One Creator. There are several key messages:
ALL IS ONE ... Everything in existence is connected, with no separation except perceived differences based on one's awareness.
LOVE & LIGHT IS THE ESSENCE ... Everything is considered love and light, which represents the connection between energy and consciousness.
SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION THROUGH DENSITIES ... There are "densities" of consciousness (I've been calling them "levels"). We evolve through these densities by learning the lessons of each and moving from basic awareness to higher states of being.
POWER OF FREE WILL AND POLARITY ... Free will is a crucial aspect of creation. We can choose service to others (love and compassion), which is the positive polarity, or we can choose service to self (individual power and control), which is the negative polarity.
HEALING ... Recognizing one's own disharmony and realigning the mind, body, and spirit.
SELF DISCOVERY ... Remembering our true identity as part of the Creator. Dealing with our own "shadow self" (the parts of us that need "work") and practicing forgiveness and unconditional love towards ourselves and others.
The books are a bit challenging in some parts because these are "sixth level" beings interviewed by "third to fourth level" humans. In other words, RA has to kind of "dumb it down" to be understood. I've read the collection once, but I plan to read it again and again. There's so much to absorb! If reading isn't your thing, you may want to check out AARON ABKE online. He has recorded a whole YouTube series entitled, "The Law of One." He has also recorded an entire series about reincarnation, as well as a series explaining the "densities." All of his videos are awesome, so check him out!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I'm sure we'll be discussing the subjects of karma and reincarnation together for a long time to come. There is so much to it! Till then, just ask yourself:
Have you ever met someone and instantly disliked them? You can't even put your finger on exactly why. But your energy shifts into the "negative" and you can't explain it. It's most likely the SOUL reacting to an unpleasant experience with that SOUL in a past lifetime. On the other hand, have you ever met someone and instantly felt a positive connection with them, like you've known them forever? That's the SOUL recognizing an old friend!
Even becoming aware of the things you enjoy in this lifetime or the things that are dear to you is an indication of your past lives. For example, I have an interest and love for the Native American culture. I have had revelations about living as a Native American in one of my past lives. I believe it was the life that was most dear to me. Also, what you fear in this lifetime is a good indication of a past-life ... for instance, if you're afraid of water or have a fear of heights, you may have had a negative experience involving those things.
Have you ever had a Deja Vu ... felt like you've "been there" before or that something is familiar? It could be a recollection of a past life, a retrieval of information from the Akashic Records (we'll go into those later), a spiritual awakening, divine guidance, or even just an indication that you are right where you're supposed to be. Call it what you will, but deja vu is a mystical experience and an indication of a consciousness beyond our earthly awareness.
I have a pretty good idea of what lessons I came back here to learn. The pain you experience is a pretty good indication. In this life I have felt unheard, undervalued, and "invisible" to those I love the most. I must have done something very similar to others in a past life or lives. What I have learned from those feelings is how to let go of my own EGO, be happy within my own space, draw boundaries, forgive, and exhibit compassion and understanding, even when others don't. The pain has been worth the learning.
There are so many happenings every day that go "beyond the norm." Most people just shrug them off and move along without giving them much thought. But those are the things that, if you pay attention, are really signs of something much greater than your daily life. I promise you that if you look for them, you will see them more and more. Your awareness and gratitude will increase and you will find so much more meaning and understanding of the "big picture." It really is wondrous and a cause for rejoicing. Pursue it ... with all you've got!
This Section Reserved For Your Insights
Please send to sandra@soul-in-control.net