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In the face of so many, seemingly insurmountable problems in society, in our families, friendships and other relationships, Karma is a sword of change in this world and in our lives. Better said, "Good Karma" is our "Non-Weapon" of change - a powerful tool without violence, hate, selfishness and taking.
How so?
Karma has always been seen as a cosmic "accounting book" of sorts, in which our actions (the meaning of the word "Karma") that are done volitionally (as an act of conscious choice) have good and bad effects which balance out, and work out, in the effects on the doer, whether in this life or in future lives. Bad effects come from our bad acts, but our "Bad Karma" can be balanced or remedied by the doing of good acts. "Good Karma" heals or 'redirects' our Bad Karma into good channels. If not, Bad Karma leads to suffering, now or later. That does not mean that one can "rob and pillage" freely at night so long as one does some good deed by day ... for we should avoid the bad acts at all times, as best we can.
Simply said, it is best to avoid doing bad but, if something bad is done, the best thing to do then is something good and, even better, double, triple or more good.
This clear formula can help us make the world, our towns, our workplaces, families and all relationships so much better despite the great problems. It is a medicine that can cure wrongs, and a sharp sword to heal wounds rather than make them. In other words, if there is bad in the world, bring that much more good.
In fact, many religions and secular philosophies guide us to "do good." That's good!
We don't all have to agree on the details of what is "The Good," but there are common boundaries that we should always honor, even if not fully in accord on what happens within those boundaries: "Good" avoids hate, anger and violence. "Good" encourages us to live together and be tolerant of each other, sharing this world in peace like good neighbors even if our lives are different. "Good" avoids excess taking and selfishness, and instead encourages generosity and loving kindness. "Good" points us toward caring for others, not being jealous or coldly looking away. These days, in our world of riches and plenty, we should make sure that all have food in their bowl, a safe place to sleep, medicine and mutual respect, not unlike the rules for monks sharing a temple. This world truly is our temple, and we should care for it, keep it peaceful and clean.Frankly we don't all have to agree on the exact meanings of "The Good" so long as we remain peaceful and kind in disagreeing. Nor should any of us, of any belief, sleep soundly in our home if others are hungry and afraid in theirs.
It is said that there is no such thing as "collective Karma" in Buddhism. Traditionally, Karma is done by individuals, and comes back to effect only that individual's future. It is true. However, what is often forgotten by those who say so is that your individual Karma, and mine, joining together with the Karmic acts of hundreds, thousands and millions of other individuals and their Karma, has effects on each and all of us. Thus, those who say that nothing can be done by one or a few are plain wrong. Let us join all our Karma together! Further, our "Good Karma" works to counteract "Bad Karma" even when done by other people, not only by ourself, when we "transfer merit," gifting the good effect to others, freeing them from the effects of Bad Karma with the good of ours. We help others when we stop their doing bad, and prevent the bad effects. We can do this in big and small ways too, both near and far away, with big and small effects, close at hand, caring for one's own children, as well as caring for children across the world. Doing one does not prevent the other, and we should not focus only on "mine" and "my own." In the Mahayana vision, we are all in the same boat, living in this world. In fact, we are all each other, the boat and the whole ocean too. So, when my good and bad acts have effect on you, they are having effect on me and you and all of us too.
It is said that Karma is about "future lives." It may be so, but it is also about this life, and effects now or very soon. Certainly, the effects of our actions, good and bad, will be felt by future generations, and "they" are just "us" tomorrow.
It is really that simple: Let us counterbalance the bad in this world, with many times that much good, joining together ...
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... because all things are change. 
223
223
-- 223, a Resistance-Non-Resistance Movement, is inspired by Dharmapada 223:
,
Overcome the angry by non-anger;
Overcome the wicked by goodness;
Overcome the miser by generosity;
Overcome the liar by truth.
Overcome the wicked by goodness;
Overcome the miser by generosity;
Overcome the liar by truth.
Gassho, J
stlah
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