Karma is often misunderstood, seen as a way of the universe getting back at someone who may have wronged you or hurt someone in some way but this isn’t the true meaning of Karma. It goes much deeper than that and has a deeper history than some may realise.

Karma is Sanskrit word meaning “action”, also in Buddhism Karma holds even more meaning, they say it relates to wilful action. This means that Karma is really rather linked in with cause and effect in our lives. The things we choose to say and do can set this law into effect.

It’s not all about the Good and Bad!

Many people talk about good karma and bad karma, Buddhists have a very different view of good and bad, they tend to focus more on wholesome and unwholesome rather than good and bad. They advise people look back to see what caused the actions in the first place.

Unwholesome actions may stem from greed or jealousy, whereas as wholesome actions will come from being a loving, caring person and selfless acts of generosity. So to focus on why we do what we do, we must look at what triggers our actions in the first place.

In Paganism it’s often seen that what you put in you get out, this is when you will hear people talk of bad karma catching up with people who are bad or unwholesome in their actions or that good karma follows around those people who are kind and genuine. They often believe that those who are good will get more from life than those who are bad, mainly because of Karma.

How to bring Good Karma to you.

Here’s a great list of how to bring good Karma into your life:

• Don’t get angry – easier said than done in some cases but try and put things into perspective. If you’re angry at someone calmly explain why and see if you can find a solution, you’ll feel much better for taking that route. If you find your temper gets the better of you then try Yoga or mediation.

• Think Positive – Don’t have regrets and fret over what you could have done, see failures as life lessons, things that will ultimately help you to grow stronger and succeed the next time. Be optimistic and have hope because this will create better chances in life.

• Donate – This doesn’t mean throwing chunks of money at the nearest charity box (although that’s always a good thing!). Donating means giving, giving doesn’t have to mean money. Why not volunteer to help those less off than you? Maybe you can go see a friend or relative that doesn’t get out much and give a bit of your time and listening skills to them.

• Sympathise – Even if you can’t help a friend in need, that’s no reason to avoid them or turn away from them. Try thinking about how others may feel and this will broaden your horizons when it comes to dealing with people in future situations, a skill that can help many!

• Love your family – Family isn’t always blood so love those who you consider to be family to you. You may fall out, hurt one another, misunderstand and have all-out tantrums but remember to keep the love there. Once a loving bond is created with family it’s hard to break, it’s also a guard and guiding light to make you all stronger and better people.

• Love Yourself –  This is an often used phrase but what does it mean? It doesn’t mean if you are happy just pretend you’re not and ignore it. It means you have the right to have your down or sad days but when you’re not, then remember to love and look after yourself. Treat yourself, make targets, challenge yourself and if you can’t reach goals then know you have tried your best and that is good enough because you are good enough.

All of the above will score massive good Karma points in your life and will overall help you to feel good about you, your life and those around you. It can also assist in noticing people who have bad Karma around them a bit easier and thus giving you time to either avoid them or at least be wary of their actions.

Karma is a powerful tool, make sure you know how to use it following the advice above!