Karma seems difficult to understand – what exactly is it?

Sometimes when karma is described or explained, it can seem very complicated and quite difficult to understand. Sometimes it is even said beyond our conception, indescribable, impossible to explain. I feel that karma need not be that way, it need not be so complicated and confusing. It can be very simple.

When I first landed in Frankfurt, I saw lots of trees, lots of green, and this green was kind of fresh, healthy, shiny. It is not the same in India, there are trees, but trees are dusty, unclean, and unhealthy. So I found Frankfurt green and especially nice.

Therefore, when I came, when any new person comes, we come to know, no one has to explain that someone has cared for this greenery and trees. Without explaining we can see what kind of people live in this place. That is the karma.

HH, 17^th Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

From Kamashila
Short-Ngon-dro teaching
Germany, 2014