Are we linked to what others do, or what the greater group that we are a part of, does? For example, does the nation have a collective destiny or karma on account of actions taken by the government or group of policymakers? How, for instance, has the whole world ended up with a karma like the coronavirus? And how is it that just a handful of tiny nations seem to be managing better than the others? Is it something to do with their collective good karma?
If this were true, it would also hold that an individual, though he is part of the collective consciousness that makes up a group, could ‘jump out’ of his or her collective karma through certain spiritual efforts.
Believers in the karma-of-nations theory point out that just as we differ from each other because of our deeds, so, too, the economic development of each nation is unique as it is shaped by collective action, good or bad. Such was the belief till the coronavirus came along to spoil things for one and all. Or so it seems, for most of us.
Let’s go back to analyse the karma of nations theory. When we vote in a government and its members fall far short of our expectations, we are inevitably part of their misdeeds, intentional or otherwise. This would hold true even if you are one of those who did not vote, for by not exercising your franchise, you helped bring in a government that failed to deliver.
Either way, karma catches up with you. Only if you let it, though. For, as individuals, every one of us has it in us to evolve spiritually and transcend the worst of collective karmas. Let’s believe in this and overcome our group karma, by our own individual and responsible actions.
Once upon a time, countries like Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan were the “Big Apples” of the Middle East ― wealthy, prosperous, full of beautiful, happy people and smiling children.
Today, they are a shadow of their former selves. Are they suffering because of their past national karmas? And would their ‘enemies’ have to face karmic consequences for having decimated entire peoples and their heritage?
In that sense, why is it that the mighty USA has buckled under the coronavirus? People blame Trump for this huge mishap, but can you hold just one man responsible for the galloping outbreak of the virus in America? Sounds a trifle unfair to blame it all on one man.
Perhaps we should accept the truth that we are responsible for our own status and our own health and that each nation is responsible for the condition in which it finds itself in, now.
And so, karma indirectly means accountability. Every person, every government and every nation should be accountable for its deeds. There is no individual without his karma; and similarly, there is no nation or government without accountability. In the present world scenario, it does seem though that government action could have prevented this seemingly unstoppable outbreak. In that sense, perhaps, Trump should be held accountable along with all his supporters who tacitly agreed with his policies.
Since India is the world’s third worst country affected by the coronavirus, does it mean that it is our collective karma to suffer? I suppose, no one has an answer to that one.
Given the collective destiny that we are part of, can we remain detached, each an island, creating good karma? Buddha’s bodhisattvas who’ve attained nirvana choose to be with seekers, encouraging them to grab the lowest rung of the ladder of enlightenment.
Perhaps we could be ‘trainee bodhisattvas’, steadfast on a path that might be at variance with the country’s, and in this way, free ourselves of the country’s collective karma.
Seven of his siblings succumbed to a collective karma and submitted to cruel Kansa’s death blow. But not Krishna, the eighth child. Much later, his entire family dies in unhappy circumstances, again, a karmic consequence, but Krishna remains unaffected until it is time for him to ‘die’, albeit from an arrow wound.
Let’s stop fretting then about the fatality rates of the coronavirus. Wear your mask, follow strict sanitation rules and for now, at least, keep your distance from others. But let us stop being victims of paranoia. Let the arrow hit us when it is destined to do so, for it will hit us only when it is our time to go.
Reena Singh has more than 37 years’ experience in senior editorial positions in The Times of India (TOI) and Genpact. She was Deputy Editor with TOI’s spiritual newspaper, The Speaking Tree, where she spent nine years.
Good analysis. It is individual karma that makes the collective karma. I feel most nations are suffering and any thing not reported honestly doesn’t mean that it did not happen or not happening ( some countries managing well ).
We are globally suffering because we have messed up with nature for too long and tried to play God and now nature is allowing man made ( corona ) to play havoc in man’s life.
Best is to realise our mistakes. Work on them and cooperate by maintaining social distance, not mislead others with health issues ( eating paracetamol before travelling to avoid detection of any fever ). Wear masks outdoors and maintain hygiene.
We can pray that our learning period ends soon and we get back our normal routine having learnt to live consciously.
That is so correct, Nita. I suppose we have all learnt some valuable lessons. I can only hope that when things are back to normal once again, we continue to remember what can eventually happen if we behave selfishly and without moral values. I wonder if this is the great churning that happens from time to time in mankind’s history. Whatever it is, it has certainly brought the world to its knees.
Karma ki gati ati gahan hai…. Every action has reaction… Nature will balance itself… Beautiful post.. Hariom
Let us hope that this phase of nature balancing itself comes fast. And that we continue to remember what happened and behave responsibly with the earth’s resources, with mankind and are kind to the animal world too, once this is over.
A very different perspective Reena. Something to ponder upon .The sky…the air…the animals,trees all needed a break from us ,humans !
You are so right, Krishna, they all got a natural break from mankind’s plundering ways.