Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound teachings on the nature of our existence. To understand our journey, we must first distinguish between two fundamental forces that shape our lives: Collective and Individual Karma.
Collective Karma refers to the that we must face together as a group. It is the shared environment and the common challenges that bind us. Individual Karma, conversely, refers to the unique outcomes that arise within that shared collective experience. Even when we face the same circumstances, the results we experience can differ significantly.
These two forces are deeply interconnected. Collective Karma generally acts as the foundation, while Individual Karma follows as the specific manifestation of our personal actions. The results of these karmic forces may manifest in several ways: they may occur simultaneously, affecting everyone at the same moment; they may manifest with subtle differences in timing, separated by mere fractions of a second; or they may unfold gradually, revealing themselves one by one over the course of time.
The Pandemic as a Mirror of Our Shared Reality
Consider the global pandemic as a clear example of these principles in action. The pandemic itself is a problem that we share across families, small communities, nations, and indeed, the entire world. This shared struggle is a manifestation of Collective Karma.
However, within this shared environment, we see the emergence of Individual Karma. After being exposed to the same conditions, the outcomes for different individuals vary greatly: some may lose their lives, some may suffer injuries or long-term health complications, and some may recover fully and return to health. These differing results are not random; they are the direct consequence of the unique karmic seeds each individual has planted through their own thoughts and actions.
The Power of the Mind and the Seeds of Action
The distinction between Collective Karma and Individual Karma is ultimately rooted in our hearts and our actions. Our mind influences our actions, and our actions are the manifestation of our mind. When we exist within a large environment, or when we share the same mental state as those around us, we create the causes for shared retribution.
This leads to the formation of Collective Karma, where we experience the fruits of our actions together. Yet, because our individual thoughts—whether they are rooted in Goodness or evil—differ from one another, we create unique karmic paths. This is why, even within a shared collective experience, we see such a vast difference between good fruit and evil consequences.
Transforming Karma through Diligent Practice
Beings who are controlled by karma are constantly caught in the cycle of Collective and Individual Karma. However, those who act based on the power of Vows are not controlled by these forces. They manifest differently, guided by their commitment to save all beings.
If you are a practitioner who has not yet transformed your karma, you will continue to be subject to the laws of retribution, whether collective or individual. Therefore, you must engage in diligent practice immediately. By choosing to practise the , you can transform your karma and change the fruits of your retribution. This is the only way to escape the control of karma and reach the state of an awakened being who has achieved true autonomy.
Living by Vows and the Path of
Once you have transformed your karma and achieved Awakening, you are no longer controlled by the forces of Collective or Individual Karma. In the face of shared adversity, you may remain healthy while others fall ill, or you may remain safe while others face danger. This is not a matter of luck, but the result of living according to the power of Vows.
Living a life of autonomy is a necessary condition for the work of saving beings. All dharmas are mind-only, and this truth is clearly visible in the interplay of Collective and Individual Karma. It is of the utmost importance that you always maintain good thoughts, a good heart, and perform good actions. By doing so, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
