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At first glance, I loved the simple wisdom of this existential or spiritual principle and knew it applied to many experiences, but upon further reflection, I knew The Law of Mirrors missed something huge, and almost instantly obvious to me.
But first, here’s a simple explanation of what it is, and how it is interpreted in these modern times: Writer Doe Zantamata says “The Fifth Law of Karma is the Law of Mirrors. It has two distinct parts. Overall, it’s the Law of Personal Responsibility.
The first part of this Law is that:
If we can label a quality in another person, then it means that quality is also within us. This can be good or bad news!
Think of the people you know, and think of or make a list of the qualities you would say they have. Be honest. This is just an exercise for you.
Some people, you may describe as kind, generous, thoughtful, or others you may say are arrogant, self-centered, or inconsiderate. All of the qualities on your list are also in you. This is at first difficult to believe, as when we’re calling someone arrogant, we certainly don’t think we are, too.
Whatever you believe about someone, they probably also believe about you.
Have you ever been told you were so thoughtful by someone who you believe is very thoughtful? Have you ever been called controlling by someone who you believe is controlling? Or insecure by someone you think is insecure?
In all of those cases, you’re both right.” [The Hiyl.com * Full link below]
Of course there is a nugget of wisdom in this “law.” But you don’t have to be a sociopath to identify sociopathic behavior. You don’t have to have dyslexia or be a gifted athlete or artist to recognize or name it in another.
So what sayeth thou to this HUGE elephant in the room, that the Karmic Law of Mirrors fails to mention? Or is there yet another unwritten interpretation of this law?
I think it is a brilliant mindfulness practice which guides us to empathy, compassion, and perspective taking BEFORE WE CRITICIZE or COMPLAIN.
HOWEVER, even if you consider DoeZ’s interpretation, ie, adding the concept of Reflected INTENTION, and not just action, it still has a big ole blindspot.
The elephant in the room that seems immediately obvious is that The Karmic Law of Mirrors wouldn't apply to the Master, the Expert, the Wise, or the Intuitive Genius, esp. of human behavior, spirituality, or psychology. I concede that at times a Wise Master can have a weak moment and judge from their shadow side, misinterpreting the intention or hidden circumstances behind another’s behavior.
But to be at that Expert level, by definition they should be able to reliably and correctly identify symptoms, patterns, and often discern hidden intentions which are common to all humans. Humans have a limited number of basic wants and needs, and we have a limited range of coping strategies when we struggle to fulfill those needs. An empathic/ emotionally intelligent person can observe behavior patterns and at least narrow cause and effect down to a shortlist, again, without currently struggling with the issue they have identified in another.
So what sayeth thou to this HUGE elephant in the room, that the Karmic Law of Mirrors fails to mention? Or is there yet another unwritten interpretation of this law?
I think it is a brilliant mindfulness practice which guides us to empathy, compassion, and perspective taking BEFORE WE CRITICIZE or COMPLAIN.
HOWEVER, even if you consider DoeZ’s interpretation, ie, adding the concept of Reflected INTENTION, and not just action, it still has a big ole blindspot.
The elephant in the room that seems immediately obvious is that The Karmic Law of Mirrors wouldn't apply to the Master, the Expert, the Wise, or the Intuitive Genius, esp. of human behavior, spirituality, or psychology. I concede that at times a Wise Master can have a weak moment and judge from their shadow side, misinterpreting the intention or hidden circumstances behind another’s behavior.
But to be at that Expert level, by definition they should be able to reliably and correctly identify symptoms, patterns, and often discern hidden intentions which are common to all humans. Humans have a limited number of basic wants and needs, and we have a limited range of coping strategies when we struggle to fulfill those needs. An empathic/ emotionally intelligent person can observe behavior patterns and at least narrow cause and effect down to a shortlist, again, without currently struggling with the issue they have identified in another.
If this Karmic Law included a clause that stated "we must first *truly understand* or *once have experienced* a quality before we can *truly identify* it in another," then this law could approach universality.
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