Stress Concept - Karma/ Anubhava

In the situation, information comes in through our senses. Then, based on past experiences, feelings, associations, genetics etc., we apply a like/ dislike tag to it, evaluate risk and evolve a coping response to the stimulus. This response is called Karma (Sanskrit- Action).

All Karma (Actions) leads to some form of Anubhava (experience). Anubhava (direct cognition in sanskrit: anu – after/ bhava – being) has an external impact on others and an internal (learning) component on ourselves.

External impact- All karma either increases or decreases energy levels in us. When energy level is increased, there is motivation

(Aashirwada- blessing/ benediction) and when there is a decrease in energy levels, there is (Abhishapa - curse/ charge/ accusation). When Abhishapa (negativity) reaches a level where believe we can no longer cope, we have Distress/ Stress.

Internal Impact- Anubhava (experience) leads to internalization of the experience in the form of lessons, Vijnana and Jnana.

Vijnana (Applied knowledge) is the transactional lesson, understanding how things work. The learning is more in terms of application (how to) and side effects (what happens & why).

Jnana (Concept knowledge) When we do anything repeatedly, the subtler aspects of the subject begin to come out resulting in a deeper understanding of the subject. Jnana develops from vijnana.

For example- Let us consider car ownership. Dharma is our attitude to car purchase and use, whether we buy based on brand or cost, technical ability, maintainability, or cost of ownership etc. Svabhava is the attitude we adopt to driving and owning our car. Karma is the act of driving. When we drive, we are constantly experiencing situations, getting anubhava.

There is an external impact and an internal learning. When we drive responsibly, others are comfortable with us. This is aashirwada. When we drive aggressively, honking all the time, cutting lanes, others are disturbed and stressed. This is abhishapa.

There is an internal lesson also. Driving is a skill that develops. First we learn basic co-ordination of the gears, clutch, brakes and accelerator. This skill is learned and we have to consciously remember to press the clutch when we shift the gears. This is vijnana (learning of an application). Over time, gear shifting becomes automatic and part of our subconscious or instinct. This is jnana. We don’t need to be instructed or be conscious about when to change the gears. It happens automatically.

Jnana is the conceptual output of Vijnana. Jnana becomes our Dharma.

Share your opinion & experiences…

• Does anubhava change when we “sleep over” a situation?

• Is there anubhava when we are doing nothing?

• Is environmental degradation an anubhava of nature?

• Is HIV an anubhava of nature? What about mad cow disease?

• Does nature perform Karma?

• Can inanimate objects increase/ decrease energy in others?

• What are the ways in which we can increase energy in ourselves & others?

• How do we avoid reducing energy in ourselves & others?

• How is Karma related to Bushido, Zen, Arête etc.

• Can we control situations we get into?

• Can we perform actions with complete awareness?

• Karma & accountability?

• How does Karma result in experience?

• Difference between responsibility & accountability.

• Karma and society

• Karma & wisdom

• Relationship between Dharma & Karma

• Other aspects of Karma