10-15-2013, 03:38 AM
(10-14-2013, 06:08 PM)Shannon Wrote: In one way, there is no difference in the significance of anything, in my view, because ultimately, all things are united. There is no separation. The separation is an illusion created to focus our attention in specific directions so we can learn.
In another way, significance depends on what we are focused on and trying to learn. The material world is intended to act as a stage upon which we learn to be truly wise. How rewarding it is, or not, depends on what you are looking to gain from experiencing it and whether or not you do what it takes. It is always up to the individual as to how important a lifetime is toward their ultimate learning goals (sometimes you just need to take a break and have fun), and how seriously they apply themselves to doing what is necessary to achieve their stated goals each time.
This is what I mean. Suppose you can be at peace with everything, and go through life completely "Zen-like". Does that mean you'll never achieve anything? No, but it also means you're outside the karma reward system. If you don't value material things, you cannot be rewarded that way, because it won't "work" on you. Same with suffering. If you take things as they are (simply events) you are effectively beyond the influence these carrot/stick dynamics would entail.
For example: bad things happen and have happened to me. I accept it as other people's craziness, not my own karma, OR as bringing it on myself through a faulty action.
I continue to go towards my goal in life without stopping because of a "bad" or "good" situation. I find a way to reach my destination, and take responsibility for everything that I can.
I am not a victim of karma, so I believe that karma (if it even exists) has to bend around me.
