Karma (poem)

Summary

Leona Smith Kremser’s poem “Karma” distils the Jain understanding of cause and effect into a lyrical meditation. The poet opens by comparing karma to a wave that breaks not because of an external force but because of its own momentum – today’s experiences are shaped by yesterday’s actions, and what one thinks, says and does today creates the conditions for tomorrow. This portrayal emphasises the cyclical continuity of time and the inescapable moral law that links past, present and future. The central stanza attributes the teaching to Jina Nemi (the twenty‑second Tīrthaṅkara) preaching on the shores of Dwārkā: every living being moves by its own karma. By invoking this authority, the poet aligns her reflection with scriptural tradition while presenting it in simple vernacular language. The poem culminates in an exhortation to abstain from killing: not harming any living creature today ensures that tomorrow’s karmic ‘wave’ uplifts the soul rather than dragging it down. This ethical imperative resonates with the Jain vow of ahiṃsā and underscores that even seemingly small actions have far‑reaching consequences. Throughout the poem the language is direct yet evocative; imagery of pounding waves, living shells and upward movement conveys the dynamic interplay between action and result. The poem invites readers to contemplate their own responsibility in shaping their destiny and suggests that liberation (eternal bliss) is attained by consciously cultivating good karma. Although brief, the poem encapsulates core Jain values – non‑violence, mindfulness of speech and thought, and the understanding that liberation is self‑earned rather than bestowed. By presenting doctrinal concepts in poetic form, Kremser makes the doctrine accessible to a broad audience and encourages introspection. The poem also reflects the universality of karmic law, implying that it operates irrespective of one’s status and that ethical conduct is the key to spiritual upliftment. In its simplicity and sincerity, “Karma” serves as both a devotional hymn and a practical reminder of the moral consequences of daily choices.