There is only one stream of karma: cause and effect.

There is only one stream of karma: that of the entire ecosystem.

There is no individual karma, all is inextricably bound together.

There is no individual karma, all return to the earth equally at death.

The good receive their just reward: rejoining nature, freed of ego.

The bad receive their just punishment: annihilated into nature, freed of ego.

Rejoining the original influence, the good are physically recycled for the nutriment of all.

Expunged of ill influence, the bad are physically recycled for the nutriment of all.

Those who wish worse for the bad misperceive their place in the ecosystem.

Those who wish better for the good misperceive their place in the ecosystem.

They think individually, but they are not individuals.

They think individually, but they are the one earth.

There is only one stream of karma: cause and effect.

There is only one stream of karma: that of the entire ecosystem.

Rotting Silver is a column devoted to this Earth in all its tarnished radiance: poetry, prose, and parables of ugliness alloyed with joy.

Parts of this piece were first published at The Witch’s Voice.

The Author

B. T. Newberg:  Since the year 2000, B. T. has been practicing meditation and ritual from a naturalistic perspective. He currently volunteers as Education Director for the Spiritual Naturalist Society, where he is creating an online course in naturalistic spirituality. His writings can also be found at Patheos and Pagan Square, as well as right here at HP.

Professionally, he teaches English as a Second Language.  After living in Minnesota, England, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, he currently resides in St Paul, Minnesota, with his wife and cat.

After founding HumanisticPaganism.com in 2011 and serving as managing editor till 2013, he now serves as advising editor, and feels blessed to be a part of this community.