An important factor to consider in Ayurveda is the natural law of Karma, that is, “for every action there is an opposite reaction” or “for every cause there is an effect”. This can be compared to Newton’s Third Law of motion.
An analogy that can be used is that of the arrow leaving the bow, once strung and released the arrow cannot return, it must exhaust its potential energy. Similarly, if we throw a ball against a wall it will bounce back. However, the angle and speed and distance it travels will relate to what the ball is made of, the surface of the wall, the angle it was thrown, the strength used, and so on.
Karma is often misunderstood as people tend to apply judgment to it or label it as good or bad. There is no such thing as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Karma! It is our reaction to a situation that deems it good or bad, not the situation itself. Karma is a natural law just like gravity. Such laws are unbiased. Do we call gravity good or bad!
Knowing and realising that Karma is a natural law, we come to understand why we are born the way we are, whether born stable or disturbed.
We see that all that happens has a cause even if we cannot recall when or what it is – as not all effects happen immediately. They need the right conditions to manifest.
This understanding allows us to accept our situation as it is and realise we were born with this unique body and mind as an instrument in order to experience our karmic obligations in a certain way.
The science of Ayurveda teaches us how to manage our unique constitution so we are able to be as stable and comfortable as possible and have the discipline to maintain this stability and live in the “NOW”. This ‘living in the now’ ensures that we are abiding by the law of Karma.
Read more about the Principles and Philosophy of Ayurveda.
