Haibun: The Mathematics of Retribution

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flash
Member

since 2010-11-28

Posts 213
miami beach, florida

0 posted 2011-09-16 04:56 AM

The Mathematics of Retribution

"Karma is unfathomable," I inform her.

It's late and the conversation turns heavy.

"Seems simple to me," my girlfriend responds. "If I murder you, then it stands to reason that I will be murdered in this or another life to balance the ledger."

"Not necessarily so," I'm quick to rejoin. "What if you murdered me in this life because I murdered you in a prior life? Karmic debts and dues are now equalized."

"But what if I get caught and go to jail for life. Where's the equal payback in that?"

"As I said, Karma is unfathomable."

We continue the discussion, adding "reincarnation" to the mix and wondering if there is such a thing as "group karma." Finally, at daybreak, we dozz off to sleep

cattle cars . . .
between the slats
human faces

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

1 posted 2011-09-16 05:38 AM

Oh my, this gives me goosebumps, dear Al!

So much food for thought ...

Impressive work.

Love,
Margherita

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

2 posted 2011-09-16 06:09 AM

Oy Vey!

I think your girlfriend is right.
Nice write Mr. Flash.

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

flash
Member

since 2010-11-28

Posts 213
miami beach, florida

3 posted 2011-09-16 07:51 AM

Margherita, JL: Thanks for the read and comments.

Yes, I guess Karma is unfathomable--left to God to untangle the threads. But I still wonder if those responsible for sending millions (in "cattle cars") to the concentration camps and eventual death

shtetl at twilight
the smell of scorched hair
from the chimneys

will receive their just due.

I'm sure they will. But--thank God--it's not up to me.

flash

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

4 posted 2011-09-16 08:08 AM

Horrible story, dear Al! I just read the book by Primo Levi (an Italian Jewish writer), original title "If this is a man - Se questo è un uomo", and in the USA "Surviving Auschwitz". It is considered a must read for those who don't want to forget of what "men" are capable! It's his personal story ... he is one of the few "lucky" ones who survived.

I can't but repeat: may we all awaken to Love!

Impressive sharing!

Love,
Margherita

flash
Member

since 2010-11-28

Posts 213
miami beach, florida

5 posted 2011-09-17 04:54 AM

Margherita: Thanks for returning and offering your insightful thoughts. Yes, the whole of life's journey to move from selfishness to selflessnes. As Avatar Meher Baba once declared: "True happiness lies in making others happy"

So true.

Al

Angel4aKing
Senior Member

since 2006-09-27

Posts 1372
USA

6 posted 2011-09-17 07:03 PM

Karma has always been a favorite topic of mine....a topic that can take you in circles all day and all night....where does it all end....

Karma is natures way
of making us pay
even if sometimes
it's for not even a whole day

who says what's fair???

~~~kingsangel~~~

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