They say, ‘action speaks louder than words’. This is true of everything in life. Much like the arrow that has left the bow and will never return, so too our intention-filled actions put out in the ethers of nature cannot be retrieved by us. The Nature (the all-pervading Dharma) brings it back to us in bounties at a certain ripe time. This is known as ‘karma’. The word karma denotes actions or deeds; but an action is not to be seen in isolation. Every action carries within it the seed of a deep intent, thought, contemplation and emotion.

Every aspect of life is an action. Seeing, hearing, speaking, smelling, crying, getting angry, being vengeful, gossiping, hating, lusting, etc are all actions.  Therefore when you do a certain action, you are bound to receive the fruit of that action as well. There is no escape route out of it. Before doing an act, there are a million opportunities given to think about it. You can think before you speak or do something. But you cannot revert to the original state that which has already been done or spoken. The nature immediately records it and carries that imprint bearing your signature. The innate quality of nature is to give back manifold what you give unto it. By the term ‘giving unto Nature’, we imply everything right from your everyday interactions with friends, loved ones, family, colleagues, and even random persons that you may meet to caring for the environment around you.

When you resist the consequences or fruits of your own action, and react in negation, then you end up in a loop of more sufferings. It is like violently flapping your legs in order to get out when you are caught in a quicksand. Resistance only brings more negative reactions and in turn more unfavourable outcomes. Instead, when you learn to accept your actions and their fruits, then life becomes a smoother sail.

So think before you act. Keep still and observe the thoughts. Not all thoughts are your own. Give it time. Breathe deeply. Allow for some spaces between those thoughts. Meditate. When the mind stops to waver and remains steady, then the right answer will flow to you and guide whether the act is necessary or not. Follow the inner guidance.