It is difficult to understand why some karmic debts have to be paid in the next life. What can I learn from this if I did not know what caused it in the first place? As a physician, I see a baby born blind or with some incurable problem. I often find this baffling from spiritual standpoint. Why could this soul not have paid its debt in the previous life instead of the next? Thanks in advance and peace be to all.
—sridhar kaushik, USA
Dear Sridhar,
It’s important to realize that karma is something that we need to overcome and release. It’s a burden in the sense that it prevents us from being who we really are – children of the divine light.
But karma, and its consequent suffering, is also that which pushes us to make the effort to transcend our ego and limitations, and reach to the heights of our highest potential in God. Even if we don’t understand the cause resulting in our karmic challenge, we have the incentive not to get pulled down by any further negative actions or thoughts.
It’s not that karmic debts have to wait be paid in the next life! That is true only if we are unable to overcome that karma in our present life. In reality God gives us endless opportunities (and lifetimes!) to overcome our karma. Sometimes (or perhaps I should say, usually!) it is suffering that prompts us to make the real significant changes in our lives.
The reason why a baby is born blind or with some incurable problem can seem like a mystery or seems unfair. Partly that’s due to the limitation and/or presumption on our part, and not understanding what is happening in a longer rhythm for that soul.
Remember that the destiny of each soul is to return to its home in God, in ever new bliss. God is not punishing anyone; rather God is always inviting everyone to turn toward the light of transformation – it is up to each soul to awaken and allow that light to enter.
An excellent resource for further reading on karma is the book, Karma and Reincarnation by Paramhansa Yogananda, available from Crystal Clarity Publishers.
In divine friendship,
Pranaba
