If someone does wrong to you, how do you react? Do you think karma will take care of it, or do you want revenge or have a fighting spirit? Whatever your response, you will find a solution to what is right and what is wrong.

Origin of Karma

Karma is a concept originating from the Rig Veda, the oldest collection of Hindu philosophical and religious texts, and according to Vedic mythology, it was introduced during the Bronze Age, around 1500 BCE. In Vedic mythology, karma means that the sum of a person’s actions determines whether good or bad things will happen to him in this life and the next.

Karma has both idiographic and religious applications, the religious of which explains and applies to a person’s life path and the afterlife. Living honestly and doing good deeds yield positive results, while deplorable deeds yield negative results. Samsara refers to the cycle of rebirth, while moksha represents liberation from this cycle and freedom from karma.

Author Devdutt Patnaik defines karma in Hinduism as “Every event that happens before us or to us is the result of the seeds we have sown in the past. Therefore, we must take responsibility for the events that happen in our lives…The human mind is capable of conceiving a world of karma where every event happens because it has to happen: there is no need to blame anyone and, therefore, no need to forgive anyone.”

The attraction of karma

Karma is like the ultimate justice system – one that doesn’t require you to do anything. The idea that the universe will eventually balance the scales is extremely appealing. It means you can wash your hands of the matter, confident that cosmic forces will take care of the matter.

Relationship expert and author Shahzeen Shivdasani says, “Some people have a strong moral compass and a good sense of right and wrong. They believe in the concept of karma, that there is a balance in life and nature. Where there is goodness, you will be rewarded and where there is evil, life will ensure that justice is served. Many people who live by this moral compass find comfort in the belief that those who have wronged them will one day face the consequences.”

But while this sounds comforting, it also makes us think about a few things. How long does karma take to do its work? Is it worth the wait? Why don’t those who do wrong to us suffer immediately?

Revenge is petty. Take the high road instead

We know how it feels when we are wronged and we just wait for everything to happen on its own. It can be really frustrating. So, what do you do with pent-up emotions? You choose to take the right path.

You exercise your self-control and maturity and understand that seeking revenge often makes things worse.

Maitreyi Sen, a Delhi-based psychology researcher, says, “When you take the high road, you are essentially saying, ‘I don’t want revenge. I can forgive but not forget and be cautious to avoid exploitation in the future.’ Revenge is a negative emotion, so as psychologists, we try to encourage people not to indulge in negative attitudes. Instead, we recommend using anger and frustration to do something meaningful, which can ultimately lead to personal growth and resilience. Also, when you focus on yourself instead of focusing on what they have done and what should happen to them, you become a bigger person, and that feeling is liberating.”

“Make yourself so good and capable of pursuing your goals, and living your best life that you don’t feel anything about the person who has done wrong to you. I think, this is also a way of taking revenge or fighting back, which doesn’t require bloodshed, but the satisfaction is sweet!” she adds.

Work on yourself

“Havoc only creates resentment and anger, which ultimately doesn’t affect the person you have these feelings against. It only starts harming your body. These are very powerful emotions,” says Shahzeen.

“So, focus on what you can do for yourself. Keep busy with things that you love, that excite your soul. If you have a hobby or passion, immerse yourself in it. These activities can distract you from your troubles and lift your spirit. Spend time with people who are good to you, who can change your mood and can always be there for you. I also strongly recommend yoga and meditation. This is why these practices are becoming so popular,” she adds.

take away

Waiting for karma to punish someone who has wronged you feels a bit like waiting for a dramatic finale. It requires patience and faith. While it is a soothing concept to imagine balancing the scales of the universe, remember that you have a role to play too, and by that we don’t mean a desire for revenge. Sometimes there is nothing more liberating than peace of mind and personal growth. So, make it happen and watch them burn!