Wednesday, April 6, 2011

frogs in the marsh


I sometimes wonder if age can affect the potency of our Karma.


If I had to guess, I'd say no, but many of my most regrettable actions were done before the age of 14.


Right at the top are things my neighbors and I did to frogs we caught in the marsh when we were boys.


Not too often, but occasionally, it will arise while I'm meditating, and I'll feel a burn spread through my skin. I'm not sure how I'll make up for it, but that will be taken care of regardless...

6 comments:

  1. Just today I was telling a close friend about something I did when I was 12 years old that I continue to regret and wish I could automagically undo.

    And, of course, I can't undo it. But I can live more responsibly in this very moment. In a very real way, that cleans up all the baggage.

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  2. It's really nice to hear from you, Barry!
    Hope everything's well!

    After writing this, I went upstairs to sit, and as the day's dust settled, I had a similar realization, that just changing must have a big impact.
    Thank you!

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  3. I found your blog today and am loving reading through your posts (and sharing them)!!

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  4. This makes me think if that poignant scene from the movie "Gandhi." When he gives advice to a grief-stricken Hindu man who said he was going to Hell for having killed a Muslim boy during the ethnic riots. Gandhi said, "I know a way out of Hell. Find a child, a child whose mother and father have been killed and raise him as your own. Only be sure that he is a Muslim and that you raise him as one."

    I believe there's always a way to right a wrong, though it's impossible to know, in the larger balance of all things, if there is a perfect equalizing or reckoning. I choose to think that when someone moves into awareness from unawareness by the commission of a shameful deed, then forgiveness and providence both move as well, to facilitate redemption. And I agree, Joseph, changing does have a big impact, I'm sure!

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  5. wow! Thank you!
    I checked out your site, as well. That little girl was really cute! And I really liked the painting of the two glass swans, amazing!

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  6. I would think: "me and the frog are the same. What I did to the frog, I did to myself". Once I really accept that idea, the pain becomes something autoinflicted. And then I would forgive myself for causing that pain to myself.

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