In this session, we (Cristof and Sophia) talk about Karma and understanding how it affects our lives. We also share several ways of purifying past karma that we have learnt from listening to Venerable Robina Courtin. Video links in the blog post for more info on her teachings.

Suffering happens when our thoughts are not in alignment with reality, says Venerable Robina Courtin. Ajahn Brahm puts it like this: Accepting the present moment and giving it loving kindness leads to peace.

Transitions in life are omnipresent. One of our major transitions is to go into retirement. Today, Sophia is presenting what opportunity lies in it, especially for women: we need them as wise elders.

Life can throw us curve balls any minute. Like the milk rice burning on the stove or a stressful moment in a relationship or a neighbor giving us trouble for no apparent reason. Understanding karma helps us understand and deal with such situations in unconventional, yet surprisingly effective ways.

It’s always good to keep the basics in mind. Karma is a foundational principle of life, a natural law. Everything that we think, say, or do leaves an imprint in our mind. Like that, we create our future.

Life throws us curve balls left and right. Sometimes it is hard to make sense of it all. The law of karma helps us to understand, make sense of it all, and keep a calm and happy mind.

In today’s meditation class, we talk about compassion and the pillars that support cultivating compassion in ourselves.