Author: ECKANKAR

---

I want to be social and hang out with friends, but what do I do when everyone only wants to drink and smoke? I feel like 99 percent of people in my age-group do it, so how do I stay on my path without isolating myself? What can I say to them? Also, a few friends and I have another question: If a youth decides to drink or experiment with drugs, smoking, etc., is there still a place for him in Eᴄᴋᴀɴᴋᴀʀ?

Drinkers, smokers, and users of illegal drugs have auras that harm both them and others within their circle. To nurture such friendships is playing with fire.

Early in life, I was thrown in with people of this kind, and they tried many approaches to have me join them. I declined politely but firmly. They wanted my approval; I did not need theirs.

ECK was my way!

Choices. Life is all about choices. Some bring us down, others leave us unchanged, and the right ones lift us spiritually. Choices so often are tests.

Any who indulge in the destructive practices you mention are gathering a store of bad karma, which will later need to be addressed. Why anyone would choose such a dangerous undertaking is proof they have given the ECK teachings a backseat.

Your question really gets down to finding love and happiness. When you prove yourself worthy of love, all else will be added unto you.

—Sri Harold Klemp

---

I have heard the saying “eye for eye, tooth for tooth.” What techniques can be used so our actions are aligned with Divine Spirit? How can we forgive ourselves and not feel guilty when we judge or hurt someone we love?

“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” is the strict Law of Karma. This law is to teach people self-responsibility. It’s unforgiving. Under it, people hope others get punished.

A higher law is the Law of Love. With this law comes the understanding that indeed what will be will be. But the difference here is that we do not wish or expect others to get punished for their misdeeds. Instead, we give them love in return.

How does this work out in daily life?

If someone cheats us out of our property or goods, we will, of course, try to get it back by whatever legal means possible. The difference is that we will do so without feelings of hatred or anger. Such feelings tie us to the strict Law of Karma.

How can you forgive yourself? Just do it. Apologize, then, for your thoughtless behavior and try to do better next time. Don’t just try—do it.

And always apologize with thoughts of the Inner Master’s love for you.

—Sri Harold Klemp

---

Do we hold our country’s karma as well as our own? Do I accrue karma when my government takes an action, because I’m a member of that community? How does this affect me?

You most certainly do hold your country’s karma as well as your own. On top of that, there is other karma too.

Family karma comes to mind right away. But any political, religious, social, racial, ethnic, geographic, professional, trade, or other grouping lends its own weight to your karmic load.

In fact, all kinds of karma affect you.

The enormity of it would be crushing if we dwelled upon it. But there’s no need to. The karma is part of the divine plan to strengthen Soul spiritually.

Yes, it may be the lot of people to accrue karma when their government takes an action. In time of war, for example, some may be called into the military to serve their country.

How, then, is it possible to keep from making karma?

Easy. Doing everything in the name of Divine Spirit will guide you past every pitfall. I do hope this helps you to understand.

—Sri Harold Klemp