Dear Reader,
So the thinking is, how to see connections between the various situations that occur in our life as a result of actions that were committed earlier. The actions can be of different kinds, one of which is the emotional. For example, cruelty consciously carried out leads to strong reactions. Whereas action done disinterestedly does not affect us to that extent and hence the emphasis on creating objectivity. Being born in a particular culture with particular understanding and knowledge does make us act in a certain way. We talk of a materialistic culture. A conditioning does occur but these states can be changed and one can enjoy even better states, where the understanding could be so superior, one can overcome certain effects that these experiences caused earlier, so that one protects oneself for a future time.
Very interestingly, in the commentaries, it is suggested, that what can be considered as heaven, is in fact such a state where the individual while experiencing pleasure is still conscious, to carry on his activities, in such a manner that he can enjoy in future, the good effects of the actions done at that time.
However, the theory of karma does take us further and further, into the mechanism that is involved in causing actions. For example, it is thought that pleasant feelings that are generated, lead to certain cravings, certain latent desires, which are stuck in us as memories, memories to enjoy again such a pleasant situation. These memories in turn, get activated when provocative situations arise and become strong desires in our present life. These strong tendencies which are technically called klesas ultimately lead to action, actions of such a nature, that a certain amount of hurt is caused to others, and this in turn builds up potential reactions. The reactions are the karma. We are really only concerned with the end part where the reactions lead to feelings of pleasure or pain. So generally, we are unaware of the earlier mechanism, and it is because of our unawareness that we indulge in pleasurable activities, remain unconscious while enjoying this pleasure, about how it is certain good actions that were carried out by us earlier that are contributing to the pleasantness of the situation. Unmindful of this, it happens that we create also during such enjoyments, tendencies and actions that later lead us to pain and suffering.
So the message is, let us remain mindful and conscious while the going is good, realizing what is really contributing to the pleasantness of the situation. And mindful again that we do not create, while enjoying the situation, such tendencies that can later on lead to pain and suffering.