If our life doesn't seem to be going in the direction we want it to, we can redirect the flow of our karma. At least so long as the strength of the karmic patterns in least so long as the strength of the karmic patterns in our life is flexible or medium - which most karma is.
Here are some of the most popular Hindu methods for clearing out our negative karma.
1. Pilgrimage. Hindus made long and difficult journeys to sacred sites. The journey itself is a form of spiritual practice, strengthening one's faith and reliance on spirit to help see oneself safely though to the journey's end. At Prayag, where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet, pilgrims bathe in the holy waters to wash away their sins. I don't know if you can really wash off bad karma with water, but the tremendous faith of the pilgrims I've seen at Prayag must certainly have some effect!
2. Charitable Donations. Since much " bad karma" is the result of debts we've incurred in previous lives, making generous donations helps us balance our karmic accounts. Hindus struggling Hindu families may go out into the woods or meadows near their homes each morning and offer food to wild animals.
3. Rituals. By making offerings to the gods, Hindus hope to restore a positive balance in the karmic forces at work in their lives. They hope to make peace with the forces of nature and request the god's gracious intervention.
4. Selfless Service. Offering one's time and energy for the benefit of others without any expectation of reward is considered one of the most effective means of defusing bad karma.
5. Self-Discipline. By undertaking vows to perform a certain type of austerity for a certain length of time, Hindus hope to overcome various karmic complexes. An example of a common vow is fasting for a predetermined period or on certain days of the week.
No comments:
Post a Comment