“WHAT YOU DO TO OTHERS YOU DO TO YOURSELF” (E. FROMM. 1947.)

 

When reading this sentence many of us will immediately associate it with the word karma. What is karma? In Hinduism and Buddhism the term karma means action and it has to do with a cycle of cause and effect. Let’s remember that Karma is not a synonym of fate. As a matter of fact, our karma can change if we change some of our behaviors. Karma is not written in stone by any means. By doing to others what we would want them to do to us we can gradually change our life; and we should. According to Asian beliefs karma is a dynamic flow of energy that acts as a consequence for every one of our actions. If karma would determine our fate, we would be giving up our power to change our negative behaviors to become better human beings. Needless to say, the consequence brought about by karma has to do with our own wellbeing and serenity. Fromm found a great way to define what happens when we hurt others: happiness will forever evade us. Our life becomes an empty shell with no gratifications, with unpredictable moods, and a deep feeling of loneliness. On the contrary, when our behaviors have to do with compassion and respect for others suddenly our life expands and becomes meaningful. When I was young, I sometimes was less than respectful to others, especially when things were not going my way. As years went by, I understood that others are not responsible for whatever happens to me and became more respectful to those I encountered. The most difficult of all challenges was to be respectful to those who had hurt me or offended me. Then I learnt that I could confront these people in acceptable ways without losing my cool.  The result has been that by not denigrating others I have never denigrated myself.