1

Not long ago, I encountered tough "barrier" in life, tried to break through it but ended up greatly humbled and forced to take step back. This got me thinking whether I should decouple from earthly desires like career, consumerism and similar. Was my experience divine punishment (karma) or display of better way ?

Note: I realize this question is not necessarily specific to one religion over other, but I think this community is more accepting to this type of question.

Improve this question
  • Karma is not divine punishment so it definitely wasn't that. But it could have been an accumulation of past deeds/misdeeds. Setbacks happen, spend time reflecting, seek spiritual or professional counseling. You'll be ok. – m2015 Aug 17 '20 at 14:45
  • I think you need to provide more details and clarity in your question, in order to get better answers that fit your situation. – ruben2020♦ Aug 17 '20 at 15:05
  • I think the practical question to ask might: 1) Should I try again? Or otherwise, next time should I try to attain a different goal? 2) And if I do try again, what should I do differently so that I don't fail again? That doesn't seem to be literally what you're asking though -- instead you're asking whether it's divine punishment, or a divine message ("display"). The answer to that, according to Buddhism, is probably "no" as explained in santa100's answer -- i.e. events can generally be seen to happen as a natural (not supernatural) consequence. – ChrisW♦ Aug 17 '20 at 18:43
1

Was my experience divine punishment (karma) or display of better way ?

Kamma doesn't need some divine intervention to take place. It's a natural law like physics. You throw a ball against the wall with a certain force and angle, and it'll bounce back and hit you. You touch a hot kettle, and it'll burn your hand.

  1. Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox.
  1. Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts happiness follows him like his never-departing shadow. ~~ Dhp I ~~
Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.