Why do some people believe karma no longer exists?

A friend recently messaged me after watching a YouTube video where someone claimed we’ve entered an era of no more karma, that we’ve transcended it. I can’t remember the rest of the message because I was too amazed by that statement. It’s the third time this year someone has sent me something along these lines.

I feel the need to speak out, as this isn’t just an inaccurate message – it’s dangerous and careless. It sincerely fascinates me as to why are people drawn to these kinds of messages. People in their heads addicted to anything other than what’s here, consuming fluff like a spiritual candy to fill a void that would be filled if doing sadhana, putting in the inner work, and having a good guide.

I completely understand the appeal of the modern new-age movement, wanting to be in Atlantis or a world of new beings greater than us, free of any pain, sorrow, or the challenges life throws at us. For decades, I’ve witnessed a rise in escapism and elitism in this arena, one I once used to belong to when I first started my search.

But here’s the thing – there’s very little grounding in these ideas and a lot of everything else. That’s where the misconception lies. It’s tempting to be drawn into a world of countless channels claiming divine connection, impressing us with their verbal adroitness and authority. Humanity, after all, loves to run from pain and chase pleasure, and that’s exactly what’s happening with these teachings.

Now, maybe there’s some truth in what they’re saying, something they intuitively sense but haven’t quite verbalised yet. But they need to develop clarity and language because anyone who truly understands karma would never make such a statement. Without karma, we wouldn’t even exist. Karma is so deeply woven into the fabric of life that if you took it away, there’d be no fabric at all.

So, what exactly are they trying to transcend? Personhood? Pain? Responsibility? Ordinariness? Possibly all of the above, but certainly the latter.

Without understanding karma from a place of deep presence within our being, we reduce it to a simplistic system of punishment. In reality, karma is a glorious teaching that offers profound freedom and acceptance in life – far more important than trying to become an alien or a saint just by saying loving affirmations or owning a vibration machine that promises to vibrate you into enlightenment. Of course, karma dictates if any of that is even meant for us.

If you really want to get on top of karma, look to dharma. Awareness. Step out of your head and ego. Examine your motivations, values, and how you react to life, and become conscious of everything. Love the divine, serve humanity, and be true to your word. You’ll still mess up, still feel pain, still bleed, and bad things will still happen. Sorry to disappoint, new agers, but that’s just how it is.

Recreating Atlantis would be nice, I get it. But the real work is in being here, now, fully present in this moment and being okay with it. Realising who you are – someone who couldn’t care less about Atlantis – and showing up for humanity during this colossal shift will help bring about the new world. Not fantasy.

Jai Maa 🌺