i've found that the saying "what goes around comes around" often doesn't seem to hold true in other people's lives, but in my life it is a rule!  

it seems that any time i talk bad about another person or hurt them, the same thing is then visited upon me, often very quickly - even if i did not mean to hurt them, which seems very unfair to me.  i am convinced that anything i do wrong will find its way back to me, and this makes me rather paranoid.  i've had it happen too many times.

of course reincarnation teaches karma in different lives, but does anyone else have experience with same-life karma?  

it seems so unfair to me, because so many people "get away with murder" (figuratively or literally), but i can't get away with anything!   not that i want to go around being a jerk.. i just feel like i should have room to make mistakes without being punished for them, as i am only a human being...   i guess this is some great spiritual lesson plan, that souls agree to live out karma, but as a human being i totally disagree with that whole system   :-[

Hi TS-
I have the same "problem" - In fact I recall that years ago after some kind of spiritual experience I came ot the conclusion that I would have to stop screwing over my buddies and ripping off people who trusted me.  It was quite an awakening.  But after I stopped, things began to get better.

Generally, those of us that have "instant karma" are in a spiritually reactive state in which we not only get karma, but we also get whatever we pray for. (That can be a major surprise too! Like they say, watch out what you pray for!) That's not necessarily "better" than other ways to be, but it certainly keeps us on our toes.

Anyway, in your case, I'd suggest that instant karma is like having a totally honest and fair teacher always beside you to criticize your work. That's what we get at the very best schools and universities. Of course if you focus on the criticism it can be depressing, but if you focus on the ability for growth, and notice that you are actually making progress, then it can be viewed as an operational blessing. Hopefully, when we die we'll "graduate" to a more comfortable class.

dave

thanks for your input dave

i reluctantly admit that hard times can lead to personal growth.  i hate it, but it's true.  

As Dave says some do appear to get away unscathed after doing wrong, others get immediate responses.

Think a lot depends on your awareness or stage on the path, and what you need to or can learn. Unknowing error generates very little negative karma compared to knowing error. It may likewise be more appropriate to hold back karma for future lives  and more conducive learning contexts - for example if the lesson is too subtle for the person to learn....

the_seeker wrote on Jul 20^th, 2007 at 12:47am:

thanks for your input dave i reluctantly admit that hard times can lead to personal growth.  i hate it, but it's true.

I agree with that. Without my own hard times I would not be quite as empathic, quite as wise, quite as forgiving, quite as reflective. Not that I'm done learning, I've barely begun to scratch the surface. For the next few years, I think my main goal must be to learn how to interact with other people, to finally let go of my social anxiety.

Sorry, I have a habit of responding to one thing, and then start talking about something else. :D But you all seem to be such lovely people, so I have no qualms about letting my guard down here. :)