Theos-Talk Archives (January 1997 Message tl00084)

Tom: >As far as I know, the latest in scientific knowledge is that there 
>is inherent randomness, which, if true, makes a deterministic
>"cause-and-effect" view of karma not the whole story.

You are correct.  The "inherent randomness" exists at the
quantum level, and periodically effects our everyday level
in what I have called the Chaos Factor.  Karma as deterministic
is purely an exoteric teaching, not much better than saying
"God's will," and no longer scientifically acceptable. Chaos
and randomness allow for creativity, and without them, this
woould be a pretty dull place.  However, the most important
fallout of the inherent randomness of karma, is that the
teaching of instant enlightenment, the extinquishing of
one's accumulated karma, now can be seen to be a possibility.
As long as we look at karma as an endless series of
deterministic cause-effect, there cannot ever be an end
to it.  

Jerry S.
Member, TI