A Morning of Reflection and Karma

It was a lovely Saturday morning. The air felt fresh, and the world seemed calm. Birds were singing sweet songs, filling the air with cheerful melodies. The sun peeked shyly over the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and pink. In my backyard, tiny rabbits hopped around playfully, their little noses twitching with curiosity. I sat there, wrapped in the peacefulness of the moment, holding a warm cup of black coffee in my hands. The rich aroma of the coffee mixed with the gentle sounds of nature making everything feel just perfect.

My phone rang. Picking it up, I answered, "Hello?"

"Hi Chetna, it’s me, Deepa. How are you?" came the familiar voice on the other end.

"I’m good, Deepa. How about you?" I asked.

Deepa sighed. "I’m a little stressed. I couldn’t sleep last night."

Concerned, I asked, "What’s wrong?"

"I’ve been thinking about Karma," she admitted. "If I’ve always tried to do good, why am I still facing struggles and bad days?"

I paused for a moment and then replied gently, "Deepa, our karmic account doesn’t just come from this life. It also carries over from previous lives. If there are unresolved actions or consequences from a past life, they might show up in this one."

She sounded thoughtful. "So, it’s like cause and effect?"

"Exactly," I said. "Think of it like throwing a ball at a wall. It will bounce back to you. Karma works in a similar way, but sometimes the effect isn’t immediate; it might even take lifetimes to come back."

Deepa seemed to ponder this for a moment before asking, "But why do some great souls suffer so much while others who aren’t kind seem to have it easy? It doesn’t seem fair."

I smiled softly at her question. "That’s a deep one, Deepa. You see, people who act unkindly often have inner wounds or struggles. Their toxicity might come from the pain they’re carrying, sometimes from this life, sometimes from past lives. It’s not an excuse for their behavior, but it helps explain it."

"And the great souls?" she asked quietly.

I continued, "Great souls don’t suffer because they’re kind or good. Their hardships shape them into who they are. Challenges strengthen their values and build their character. Their kindness is often a result of what they’ve endured."

There was silence for a moment before Deepa spoke again, her voice lighter. "That makes sense. I think I understand now. No matter what happens, I’ll keep doing good deeds so I can improve my karmic account in this life and the next."

I smiled warmly. "That’s the spirit, Deepa. Remember, every good deed adds light to your journey."

"Thank you, Chetna," she said sincerely. "Talking to you has really helped me find some peace."

"You’re welcome," I replied. "Anytime." And with that, we ended the call. 

As the phone call ended, I sat back in my chair, the warmth of my coffee still lingering in my hands. The peaceful morning seemed even more serene now, as if the universe had listened to our conversation and smiled. Deepa's words echoed in my mind, her resolve to keep doing good, to bring light into her journey. It reminded me of how interconnected we all are, how a few kind words can ease someone’s burden and brighten their day. The sun had risen higher, casting a golden glow over the backyard, where the rabbits continued their playful dance. Life’s mysteries, like karma, may not always be easy to understand, but they teach us to grow, to reflect, and to keep moving forward with hope and compassion. No matter what lies ahead, I thought, kindness and understanding will always be the threads that weave us together.