Karma Police, Rambling, and Thinking Out Aloud: Idealism and the Pursuit of Meaning

Amidst the ruins of a fractured world, the call for renewal and collective awakening offers a glimmer of hope for a more conscious and just future.

I hail from a place that some might label as paradise, but it’s definitely not the peaceful, picture-perfect version you usually think of when you hear that word. Our paradise is one of excess, decay, and the looming threat of destruction—a paradise that’s hanging by a thread. This paradise is called Manipur.

Most days, the vibe here is heavy with a sense of doom, filled with sarcastic jabs and cynical chatter. But every now and then, I find myself connecting not with the hopeless optimists, but with those who can catch a tiny spark of hope, a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel, or in our case, a leirak.

In this realm, ideas like light, karma, and action are believed to guide us toward salvation. The Buddha once mentioned that there’s no east or west in the sky, hinting that these divisions are just tricks of the mind. We create separations where none should exist. Essentially, we’re shaped by our beliefs, which are influenced by the culture we grow up in.

The Cycle of Rebirth and Salvation

Take the Meitei people, for example; they believe they were the first creation and that they’ll be the last to end: Haana semba, konna loiba as it is expressed. This belief is woven into their myths about where they come from and where they’re headed. Over time, though, these ideas got a bit tangled with new thoughts, like the idea that we need to die seven times to reach salvation. Yet, despite all this, climbing the sacred Koubru Hill is still as cherished as going to a devotional bhajan session.

Mystics have offered different paths, suggesting that the weight of strict asceticism and intense religious practices should be lightened. They argue that regular folks can follow the law of Manu, which promotes a balanced approach to both material and spiritual needs. These teachings emphasise the importance of hard work—earning a living—while also making time for rituals, pilgrimages, and respect. We need to walk the "right" path, at the "right" time, and in the "right" place.

Even though many think that sticking to certain rituals will guarantee a spot in heaven, people often struggle to meet those expectations. Instead, they find themselves trapped in a loop of failures, rebirths, and reincarnations. The earth, air, and water are also stuck in this never-ending cycle of life and death, just like us. We might have to go through this cycle at least six more times before we can finally achieve salvation. In those future lives, maybe we’ll conquer our laziness, cynicism, delusions, and feelings of helplessness. Perhaps in another existence, we’ll find ourselves in a better world.

But for now, we’re perched on a lofty tower of disillusionment.

Reconstructing Society for a Better Tomorrow

More than finding quick fixes or cookie-cutter solutions, idealism is more about cultivating the right mindset and moral compass, gaining the insight to analyse the problems we face, and finding better ways to act and achieve results. 

Honestly, I’m not too worried about what others believe or their faiths. However, I can’t turn a blind eye to the chaos around us—the violence, corruption, crumbling social systems, and the erosion of basic human values. Every day, we hear about people harming one another, money fueling evil, bombings and shootings, governments failing to protect their citizens, and young people vandalizing schools and libraries. Our society feels like a fragile structure ready to fall apart.

So, what can we do to replace this madness? We desperately need a fresh perspective, one that helps us tackle problems without causing more harm. In tough times, it’s crucial for each of us to put in a little extra effort to grasp what’s going on. I believe that collective awareness is key to addressing the wildfire of issues we face. It’s easy to point fingers; creating solutions is the real challenge. Instead of fanning the flames, we should focus on being more aware and seeking understanding.

We often overlook the things we cherish, and in doing so, we miss the chance to appreciate or improve them. Only by recognizing what truly matters can we spark real change.

The bond we share as humans should definitely outweigh the small differences that separate us. True mutual respect should be at the heart of our lives. Sometimes, it feels like the thoughts and feelings of people are way more intricate and meaningful than the biggest mysteries we try to unravel.

I think there’s a kind of rebellion that should be based on idealism. Idealism isn’t about quick fixes or cookie-cutter solutions. It’s more about cultivating the right mindset and moral compass, gaining the insight to analyse the problems we face, and finding better ways to act and achieve results. It’s about being wise and discerning, especially when the moment demands it. As the world shifts, we need to be ready to adapt, rethink our strategies, and tackle challenges directly.

That’s why I’m all for individualism. We need to think independently, challenge the status quo, and forge our own paths. Only then can we truly make an impact.