Understanding and acknowledging one’s beliefs comes with time and experience, as the events occurring in one’s life can either shape or diminish them. Three core beliefs that I have personally developed include the existence of karma, the opposition between right and wrong, as well as the need to take responsibility for one’s own actions. Beyond its religious underpinnings, karma is a philosophical causal law suggesting that good or bad actions determine a person’s future (Browne, 2003). I believe in karma because I saw it occurring multiple times. For example, the more kind and welcoming I was to people and their experiences, the better their attitude was toward me. In cases when I did the wrong thing, such as speeding or being rude, the karma quickly got to me in the form of some minor accidents and disappointments.
Karma has also helped me understand that right and wrong things exist, and their basic framework is laid out in civil and criminal law as opposed to religious texts. I believe in right and wrong because they define the nature of human relationships and experiences, and if everyone had done what is right, we would live in a happier world. Therefore, taking responsibility for one’s actions is crucial – it is never a good idea to support a wrong decision with one’s moral or religious standards. Instead, it is essential to acknowledge wrong choices and grow from them as a person. I may be subjected to status quo bias and the curse of knowledge. Because my beliefs are highly concerned with the social aspect of interactions as well as doing what is right, the status quo bias has always been a struggle. I can rarely change my opinion about something that works and does not need changing, which makes me quite stubborn. Also, heavily reliant on my knowledge, it could be hard for me to accept facts even if I am not correct.
References
Browne, M. (2003). The power of karma: How to understand your past and shape your future. William Morrow Paperbacks.