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Instant Karma
Zesty, subversive and warm-hearted, Instant Karma is internationally bestselling author David Michie at his thought-provoking best.
‘Imagine if karma went instant?’ said Anton. ‘How crazy would that be?’
What if we all woke one day to discover that every act of generosity was followed, soon after, by an unexpected windfall? If theft or betrayal led to rapid calamity? Within minutes, the effects of instant karma would be felt by each one of us. Within hours it wouldn’t just be ordinary folks trying to figure out the new order – it would be everyone from the President down.
Instant Karma is the story of that day. An extraordinary vision, by turns hilarious and poignant, and early adopters are quick to capitalise on the new dynamics while karma change deniers vehemently dig in their heels. A little-known Buddhist monk, Lama Tashi, suddenly becomes TV’s go-to man, sought out for the wisdom he imparts with such oceanic benevolence. Amid the roller coaster of events, Instant Karma takes us to unexplored places. How much would human behaviour change if we had to live with the immediate consequences of our actions?
‘Imagine if karma went instant?’ said Anton. ‘How crazy would that be?’
What if we all woke one day to discover that every act of generosity was followed, soon after, by an unexpected windfall? If theft or betrayal led to rapid calamity? Within minutes, the effects of instant karma would be felt by each one of us. Within hours it wouldn’t just be ordinary folks trying to figure out the new order – it would be everyone from the President down.
Instant Karma is the story of that day. An extraordinary vision, by turns hilarious and poignant, and early adopters are quick to capitalise on the new dynamics while karma change deniers vehemently dig in their heels. A little-known Buddhist monk, Lama Tashi, suddenly becomes TV’s go-to man, sought out for the wisdom he imparts with such oceanic benevolence. Amid the roller coaster of events, Instant Karma takes us to unexplored places. How much would human behaviour change if we had to live with the immediate consequences of our actions?
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About the author
David Michie
96 books670 followersDavid Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.
In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-Michie/e...
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In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-Michie/e...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidmichiea...
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dnmichie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmichieom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 8, 2022
A Life Changing View of Reality
I’m going to re-read it. Start to finish immediately. Partly because Instant Karma presents a view of reality that feels more reassuring than the daily news, but also for the teachings. Putting the principles and practices into personal narratives has greatly clarified them. I want everyone to read this. It’s a life changing view of personal reality. I highly recommend it.
I’m going to re-read it. Start to finish immediately. Partly because Instant Karma presents a view of reality that feels more reassuring than the daily news, but also for the teachings. Putting the principles and practices into personal narratives has greatly clarified them. I want everyone to read this. It’s a life changing view of personal reality. I highly recommend it.
May 27, 2023
Good concept but it got too cheesy for my liking - cures and happiness and success. Some of it didn’t sit right for me either, like the Wall Street broker who figured out how to get richer quicker, surely that wasn’t pure karma he was projecting, he was doing it for his own gain. So something has gone terribly wrong there. The ulterior motive should be not to expect anything in return.
Author did get the Lama quite accurate though, I once sat through (a very long) spiel from the current Dalai Lama himself and the similarities were uncanny except I don’t think the current DL has a cat.
The two actions I completely agreed with? Ban guns and go veggie.
Author did get the Lama quite accurate though, I once sat through (a very long) spiel from the current Dalai Lama himself and the similarities were uncanny except I don’t think the current DL has a cat.
The two actions I completely agreed with? Ban guns and go veggie.
November 9, 2022
Looking for a positive good read before bed? Looking to better understand the concept of Karma, its conditions, causes, objects, intentions, actions, and completions? In Instant Karma, David brings yet another fantastic learning entertainment story to life. Whether you need encouragement that good begets good or looking for a deeper meaning to life’s challenges, you can find it in the pages of Michie’s narrative. David has a gift for bringing characters to life that teach as well as delight.
November 13, 2022
I was privileged to receive an Advance Readers’ copy of Instant Karma. Loving everything that David has written, I dove in immediately to this book and finished it over two days. While a work a fiction, David opens his soul in this book to his beliefs and hopes for the world. What if we were all a bit kinder to each other and to creation? What if we realized that anger and hatred make us ugly and harm the world? What if we lived in a place of abundance and generosity? What if we slowed down and realized the consequences of our actions? Instant Karma provides us with answers to these questions in each page. The characters show us the way – how can we move from darkness to light and stay there even when being pulled back into greed and negativity? I will be re-reading this piece of fiction as I remind myself how best to show up in the world. This is a brilliant book. Like all of David’s work, it is best to read this book in a quiet space where you can take in the wisdom that is offered from Lama Tashi and the other characters, and indeed from David himself. Buy a copy now! Give it to your friends! And imagine a world where we all understood karma and lived in generosity and love. And then perhaps start practicing living in positive karma! Join the movement! Live abundantly! Care for others and for the world. Thank you, David, for this inspiring and quick-paced piece.
February 15, 2023
I did enjoy this one and I found the ideas in it interesting, however I felt there were too many characters, I had trouble keeping track of them and I would have liked to follow some characters in more depth while others never really connected with me. Still a good read but for me it lacks the charm of some of his other books.
February 3, 2024
I can’t believe the stars this book had as I found it virtually impossible to finish. The writing was poor, the concept in my opinion infantile and the idea that you should use instant karma to get rich is appalling. I ploughed through as it was my book club read and the ending just got more ridiculous by the minute. I would not recommend it.
March 2, 2023
The perfect book for our Spiritual Book Circle.
Great story, and great characters - made for great discussions. We all have a better idea of what karma is, and how we are creating it. Made us think about the repercussions of what we do, and how we act in life.
Great story, and great characters - made for great discussions. We all have a better idea of what karma is, and how we are creating it. Made us think about the repercussions of what we do, and how we act in life.
November 30, 2022
A paper version of tuning across a shortwave band pausing for 5 seconds at each station where every presenter is talking absolute bollocks. Made it to page 40 before the pointless jumping from one thing to another induced vomit. DNF
August 22, 2025
o autor relembra-nos que as nossas ações têm consequências e que estamos todos ligados.
December 28, 2024
5 stars-one of those books I'll read again down the road. Well, what if karma WERE instant? Is that not a fascinating concept? Fanciful, charming, profound. An engaging and well-written introduction to the concept of karma with many levels of understanding.
May 22, 2024
Audiobook. Interesting concept- definitely makes you think. Only thing, if you give money away, to charity, only because you are guaranteed that you are going to get more back, not because you have any desire to help anyone or make their life better, is that a good deed deserving of riches? It didn't seem to fit with the rest of the message of the book somehow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
Brilliant! Hot off the press and I couldn't put it down. I admire David Michie so much for his skillful, sensitive and beautifully crafted fiction (as well as his non-fiction Buddhist-centric books), and this book rises to the top of my enthusiasm. What if.... Karma became instant? ! :) I highly recommend it!
Read this again May 2025. Thoroughly enjoyed this second reading, and I can imagine I will read this book again! David Michie is a favorite author of mine, but he is also so much more than an author. Look for him on Substack. And read every single one of his fiction and non-fiction books. And join his portal for world-wide heartfelt adventures. He is as close to a Tibetan Buddhist guru as any non-guru can be.
Read this again May 2025. Thoroughly enjoyed this second reading, and I can imagine I will read this book again! David Michie is a favorite author of mine, but he is also so much more than an author. Look for him on Substack. And read every single one of his fiction and non-fiction books. And join his portal for world-wide heartfelt adventures. He is as close to a Tibetan Buddhist guru as any non-guru can be.
January 16, 2023
Instant Karma: The Day It Happened is a work of fiction that affects one's reality. It's a funny yet profound book about kindness and love and putting someone else's needs before one's own. Even though it's not really short, it's so easy to get through that I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, lighthearted, before-bed read.
The different stories within the main plot were all engaging in their own way. I did have my favorites, but none of them fell flat. The characters were funny, and it was refreshing to read as they went through their day-to-day life.
This book feels like one of those timeless works one revisits every couple of years. And not only that, but it's the kind of book that shifts your perspective in life.
The different stories within the main plot were all engaging in their own way. I did have my favorites, but none of them fell flat. The characters were funny, and it was refreshing to read as they went through their day-to-day life.
This book feels like one of those timeless works one revisits every couple of years. And not only that, but it's the kind of book that shifts your perspective in life.
April 23, 2023
Interesting concept but a bit samey once you’ve understood the ‘instant karma’ thing right at the beginning and the rest of the book is just more examples of the same. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it but I was a bit bored and struggled to keep track of which character was which a bit.
It could also really benefit from a proper proofreader - far too many instances of missing words or other errors that I find really irritating as a reader.
It could also really benefit from a proper proofreader - far too many instances of missing words or other errors that I find really irritating as a reader.
August 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, but I was put off by the sheer number of typos, misspellings, and missing words. Entirely too many for an author of this caliber. The proofreaders should be fired.
December 19, 2023
David Michie Instant Karma Aquamarin Verlag 2023
Mögen alle Lebewesen frei von Leiden sein
Viele Menschen glauben nicht an Karma. Was aber wenn Karma sofort eintritt? Instant Karma? Wenn auf jede Tat sofort die Antwort kommt? Bei guten Taten eine Belohnung und bei schlechten Taten was negatives? Darum geht es in diesem Buch. Es werden viele verschiedene Geschichten mit Protagonisten beschrieben und erzählt wie ihr Leben bei Instant Karma verlaufen würde. Das passiert über Spontanremissionen bis hin, dass die Mafia sich selber umbringt. Es geht aber auch so, wenn dir jemand was böses sagt und du bist wütend, bist du hässlich. Wenn du dich aber in Geduld übst, wirst du schön.
Amy gewinnt eine Reise, schenkt diese ihren Eltern, weil sie erst ihren Job angetreten hat, daraufhin erfährt sie, dass sie als Erbin von einem Verwandten eingesetzt wurde. Grace rettet eine Biene, als sie dann bei der Krebskontrolle ist, dauert die Wartezeit viel länger, weil ihr Arzt die Spontanremission abklären möchte. Zudem scheint es eine Lebensmittelvergiftung geben und Hurrikans, die einzelne Häuser zerstören.
Mir gefallen die Bücher des Autors sehr, auch dieses Buch war wieder viel lehrreicher, interessanter und spannender als ein Krimi. Daher benötige ich viel mehr Zeit um das Buch zu lesen. Ich denke dann mehr über mein Leben, über das Leben allgemein und über Verbesserungen nach. Der Autor hat einen wunderbar fesselnden Schreibstil. Die Charaktere waren sehr bildreich beschrieben, so dass ich sie mir gut vorstellen konnte. Grace hat mir am allerbesten gefallen. Es war, als ob ich per Kopfkino dabei war. Alles klang so authentisch, so schön, einfach genial. Vor allem die buddhistischen Lehren in lehrreichen Geschichten zu verpacken gefällt mir total.
Mein – Lesezeichenfees – Fazit:
Sehr humorvoll, lehrreich, eindrücklich beschreibt David Michie die buddhistischen Lehren und wie wir alle ein glücklicheres Leben führen könnten. Ich liebe die Geschichten des Autors. Sie sind wie moderne Märchen und gleichzeitig ein buddhistischer Wegweiser, was wir in unserem Leben verbessern können. Die Bücher sind so eindrücklich, dass ich sehr lange davon zehre und sie nicht in 08/15 lesen kann, wie jeden x-beliebigen Krimi. Außerdem sind es Behaltis, weil ich auch dieses Buch noch mal wieder lesen möchte. 10 Feensternchen und eine Leseempfehlung für jeden.
Mögen alle Lebewesen frei von Leiden sein
Viele Menschen glauben nicht an Karma. Was aber wenn Karma sofort eintritt? Instant Karma? Wenn auf jede Tat sofort die Antwort kommt? Bei guten Taten eine Belohnung und bei schlechten Taten was negatives? Darum geht es in diesem Buch. Es werden viele verschiedene Geschichten mit Protagonisten beschrieben und erzählt wie ihr Leben bei Instant Karma verlaufen würde. Das passiert über Spontanremissionen bis hin, dass die Mafia sich selber umbringt. Es geht aber auch so, wenn dir jemand was böses sagt und du bist wütend, bist du hässlich. Wenn du dich aber in Geduld übst, wirst du schön.
Amy gewinnt eine Reise, schenkt diese ihren Eltern, weil sie erst ihren Job angetreten hat, daraufhin erfährt sie, dass sie als Erbin von einem Verwandten eingesetzt wurde. Grace rettet eine Biene, als sie dann bei der Krebskontrolle ist, dauert die Wartezeit viel länger, weil ihr Arzt die Spontanremission abklären möchte. Zudem scheint es eine Lebensmittelvergiftung geben und Hurrikans, die einzelne Häuser zerstören.
Mir gefallen die Bücher des Autors sehr, auch dieses Buch war wieder viel lehrreicher, interessanter und spannender als ein Krimi. Daher benötige ich viel mehr Zeit um das Buch zu lesen. Ich denke dann mehr über mein Leben, über das Leben allgemein und über Verbesserungen nach. Der Autor hat einen wunderbar fesselnden Schreibstil. Die Charaktere waren sehr bildreich beschrieben, so dass ich sie mir gut vorstellen konnte. Grace hat mir am allerbesten gefallen. Es war, als ob ich per Kopfkino dabei war. Alles klang so authentisch, so schön, einfach genial. Vor allem die buddhistischen Lehren in lehrreichen Geschichten zu verpacken gefällt mir total.
Mein – Lesezeichenfees – Fazit:
Sehr humorvoll, lehrreich, eindrücklich beschreibt David Michie die buddhistischen Lehren und wie wir alle ein glücklicheres Leben führen könnten. Ich liebe die Geschichten des Autors. Sie sind wie moderne Märchen und gleichzeitig ein buddhistischer Wegweiser, was wir in unserem Leben verbessern können. Die Bücher sind so eindrücklich, dass ich sehr lange davon zehre und sie nicht in 08/15 lesen kann, wie jeden x-beliebigen Krimi. Außerdem sind es Behaltis, weil ich auch dieses Buch noch mal wieder lesen möchte. 10 Feensternchen und eine Leseempfehlung für jeden.
December 2, 2023
Humorvolle Was-wäre-wenn-Geschichte, die zum Nachdenken anregt
Amy gewinnt eine Reise und schenkt diese ihren Eltern. Direkt danach erhält sie die freudige Nachricht eines sehr großen Geldsegens, den sie erwarten kann. Grace rettet eine Biene vor dem sicheren Tod und erhält direkt danach von Ihrem Onkologen die unglaubliche Nachricht, dass ihr unheilbarer Krebs weg ist (Spontanremission). Gleichzeitig bricht im ganzen Land eine Art Pandemie aus, die nur diejenigen trifft, die Fleisch essen und mehrere Unglücke weltweit merzen die viele der bösartigsten Menschen aus. Alle fragen sich, was da los ist, bis der sympathische Lama Tashi ihnen die Lösung nennt: Instant Karma, also das sofortige Einsetzen einer Wirkung auf unsere Gedanken und Taten. Stellen wir die Bedürfnisse anderer über unsere eigenen, werden wir belohnt, andersherum vom Karma gestraft. Dies setzt außergewöhnliche Ereignisse in Gang und ein sofortiges Umdenken.
Es hat so viel Spaß gemacht, dieses Buch zu lesen! David Michie schafft es, mich gleichzeitig zum Schmunzeln und zum Nachdenken zu bringen, mir den Buddhismus auf lockere Art noch ein bisschen näher zu bringen und mich dabei wunderbar zu unterhalten. Und weckt in mir den Wunsch, dass alle Welt von jetzt auf nachher diese Erfahrung erlebt, damit auch wir endlich in Frieden und Glück alle zusammen existieren können. Ohne Neid, Leid, Krieg, Hass und dergleichen. Was wäre das schön, oder? Doch leider funktioniert das mit dem Instant Karma im echten Leben nicht und die Menschen haben keine ausreichende Vorstellungskraft, um sich da reinzudenken. Oder wollen es halt auch einfach nicht glauben. Ich mag die Aussagen dieses Buchs bzw. des Buddhismus sehr und würde mir wünschen, dass viel mehr Menschen danach leben. Sie können nur gewinnen.
Sehr gerne lege ich Instant Karma allen aufgeschlossenen Menschen ans Herz. Egal ob Buddhismus-Profi oder völliger Neuling. Hier kommt jeder auf seine Kosten, sei es einfach durch die tolle und sehr humorvolle Story, oder durch die neuen Erkenntnisse, die durch das Lesen dieses Buchs möglicherweise erlangt werden. Mir hat es unglaublich gut gefallen. Es kommt so gut wie nie vor, dass ich bei einem Roman kleine Post-Its ins Buch klebe. Hier sind es einige geworden, weil es so viele Stellen gibt, die zum Nachdenken und immer wieder durchlesen anregen und die ich mir unbedingt merken möchte. Natürlich 5/5 Sterne! Ein richtig gutes Buch!
Amy gewinnt eine Reise und schenkt diese ihren Eltern. Direkt danach erhält sie die freudige Nachricht eines sehr großen Geldsegens, den sie erwarten kann. Grace rettet eine Biene vor dem sicheren Tod und erhält direkt danach von Ihrem Onkologen die unglaubliche Nachricht, dass ihr unheilbarer Krebs weg ist (Spontanremission). Gleichzeitig bricht im ganzen Land eine Art Pandemie aus, die nur diejenigen trifft, die Fleisch essen und mehrere Unglücke weltweit merzen die viele der bösartigsten Menschen aus. Alle fragen sich, was da los ist, bis der sympathische Lama Tashi ihnen die Lösung nennt: Instant Karma, also das sofortige Einsetzen einer Wirkung auf unsere Gedanken und Taten. Stellen wir die Bedürfnisse anderer über unsere eigenen, werden wir belohnt, andersherum vom Karma gestraft. Dies setzt außergewöhnliche Ereignisse in Gang und ein sofortiges Umdenken.
Es hat so viel Spaß gemacht, dieses Buch zu lesen! David Michie schafft es, mich gleichzeitig zum Schmunzeln und zum Nachdenken zu bringen, mir den Buddhismus auf lockere Art noch ein bisschen näher zu bringen und mich dabei wunderbar zu unterhalten. Und weckt in mir den Wunsch, dass alle Welt von jetzt auf nachher diese Erfahrung erlebt, damit auch wir endlich in Frieden und Glück alle zusammen existieren können. Ohne Neid, Leid, Krieg, Hass und dergleichen. Was wäre das schön, oder? Doch leider funktioniert das mit dem Instant Karma im echten Leben nicht und die Menschen haben keine ausreichende Vorstellungskraft, um sich da reinzudenken. Oder wollen es halt auch einfach nicht glauben. Ich mag die Aussagen dieses Buchs bzw. des Buddhismus sehr und würde mir wünschen, dass viel mehr Menschen danach leben. Sie können nur gewinnen.
Sehr gerne lege ich Instant Karma allen aufgeschlossenen Menschen ans Herz. Egal ob Buddhismus-Profi oder völliger Neuling. Hier kommt jeder auf seine Kosten, sei es einfach durch die tolle und sehr humorvolle Story, oder durch die neuen Erkenntnisse, die durch das Lesen dieses Buchs möglicherweise erlangt werden. Mir hat es unglaublich gut gefallen. Es kommt so gut wie nie vor, dass ich bei einem Roman kleine Post-Its ins Buch klebe. Hier sind es einige geworden, weil es so viele Stellen gibt, die zum Nachdenken und immer wieder durchlesen anregen und die ich mir unbedingt merken möchte. Natürlich 5/5 Sterne! Ein richtig gutes Buch!
November 9, 2022
“Why doesn’t everyone believe in karma?” This was the question at the start of Instant Karma that did make me think ‘why don’t they?’ The story captivated me from start to finish and I thought how timely it was given events happening around the world and also here at home in the UK. That saying; be careful what you ask for – it resonates the same for me as karma. When you do good, good always finds a way back to you – when something goes wrong, it’s ok it will pass.
I loved the way different experiences were weaved together and shared the end result for me kept coming back to kindness matters and we should all be a little more mindful and considerate of others. The sentence that really struck a chord for me was “May all beings be free from suffering” – it’s such a simple ask yet so many people are still suffering. Compassion, empathy, caring for others – these things don’t cost anything, and it's not just living beings but an appreciation of all that we have no matter how big or small.
A few of the sentences that especially jumped out at me were:
“three things can never be hidden forever: the sun, the moon and the truth”
“when actions are driven by delusions, they can only have negative outcomes”
“as we think, so we become.”
A lot of the work I’ve been doing lately is around restorative justice and resolving conflict in a peaceful manner without dehumanising another person, understanding each side and not being judgemental. David always delivers when you need to be reassured you’re on the right path and that your journey is just where you need to be. Simple and humble – I absolutely loved Instant Karma and urge everyone to read it…
I loved the way different experiences were weaved together and shared the end result for me kept coming back to kindness matters and we should all be a little more mindful and considerate of others. The sentence that really struck a chord for me was “May all beings be free from suffering” – it’s such a simple ask yet so many people are still suffering. Compassion, empathy, caring for others – these things don’t cost anything, and it's not just living beings but an appreciation of all that we have no matter how big or small.
A few of the sentences that especially jumped out at me were:
“three things can never be hidden forever: the sun, the moon and the truth”
“when actions are driven by delusions, they can only have negative outcomes”
“as we think, so we become.”
A lot of the work I’ve been doing lately is around restorative justice and resolving conflict in a peaceful manner without dehumanising another person, understanding each side and not being judgemental. David always delivers when you need to be reassured you’re on the right path and that your journey is just where you need to be. Simple and humble – I absolutely loved Instant Karma and urge everyone to read it…
April 23, 2023
I've always loved David Michie's books about the fictional cat of the Dalai Lama. They're a great way of introducing 'Buddhism-light' to those of us who can't really handle the heavy stuff. Instant Karma fits the same niche but without the advantage of a feline narrator.
It's a quick story that envisages a world in which the rewards for our good actions and punishments for our bad ones no longer take several reincarnations to take place. Do something good and rewards will fly your way in no time at all.
If we got instant response to our actions, how would we then modify those actions? That's the thought behind this book. If eating animals left you in the hospital or lying on the floor erupting at both ends, we'd soon accept a vegan diet. If being nice stopped wars, being generous stopped poverty, and saving a tiny life could save your own, wouldn't the world be a very different place?
For me - and I called a very Buddhist friend to check - good actions should be done without expectation of reward or they're not really good actions. She said that was probably true but confirmed that the laws of karma are very complicated.
If it wasn't, wouldn't we be justified in thinking that people who are disadvantaged in some way had somehow 'brought it on themselves'? I'm not ready to go there just yet.
Let's just leave it at that. Karma is complicated.
It's a quick story that envisages a world in which the rewards for our good actions and punishments for our bad ones no longer take several reincarnations to take place. Do something good and rewards will fly your way in no time at all.
If we got instant response to our actions, how would we then modify those actions? That's the thought behind this book. If eating animals left you in the hospital or lying on the floor erupting at both ends, we'd soon accept a vegan diet. If being nice stopped wars, being generous stopped poverty, and saving a tiny life could save your own, wouldn't the world be a very different place?
For me - and I called a very Buddhist friend to check - good actions should be done without expectation of reward or they're not really good actions. She said that was probably true but confirmed that the laws of karma are very complicated.
If it wasn't, wouldn't we be justified in thinking that people who are disadvantaged in some way had somehow 'brought it on themselves'? I'm not ready to go there just yet.
Let's just leave it at that. Karma is complicated.
November 8, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of a David Michie’s new book “Instant Karma: The Day it Happened”. Instant Karma is not in the same vein as his ‘Dalai Lama’s cat’ series so some readers may be a little disappointed but this is an inspiring and profound read. The title of “Instant Karma” was very intriguing as I am sure we have all, at some time, said that some negative actions of a person will result in Karma or the end result of Karma - what goes around comes around focusing on the negative rather than positive aspects. DM’s story or scenarios looks at both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ karma and conveys the Buddhist teachings without being preachy - something he has done so well in his previous books. A. couple of the scenarios were, in my mind, a little far-fetched but they did convey effectively the cause and effect of Karma. It is a book that you will probably want to read several times to fully appreciate the messages and it is certainly a book that will prompt interesting discussions amongst fellow readers. Whether or not you believe in Karma or Buddhist philosophy hopefully other readers will appreciate how their actions may affect someone or something.
Sent from my iPad
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of a David Michie’s new book “Instant Karma: The Day it Happened”. Instant Karma is not in the same vein as his ‘Dalai Lama’s cat’ series so some readers may be a little disappointed but this is an inspiring and profound read. The title of “Instant Karma” was very intriguing as I am sure we have all, at some time, said that some negative actions of a person will result in Karma or the end result of Karma - what goes around comes around focusing on the negative rather than positive aspects. DM’s story or scenarios looks at both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ karma and conveys the Buddhist teachings without being preachy - something he has done so well in his previous books. A. couple of the scenarios were, in my mind, a little far-fetched but they did convey effectively the cause and effect of Karma. It is a book that you will probably want to read several times to fully appreciate the messages and it is certainly a book that will prompt interesting discussions amongst fellow readers. Whether or not you believe in Karma or Buddhist philosophy hopefully other readers will appreciate how their actions may affect someone or something.
Sent from my iPad
November 18, 2022
David Michie has written a whole book about and provided much more insight into an issue I've thought about a lot. It's always bugged me that we have to wait sometimes several lifetimes for karmic results to show up & then we don't even remember what the original cause was. Because that's how it was designed. Phooey.
Solution: Instant karma, where cause and effect are clearly related. While we now occasionally have instant - or at least fast - karmic results, it's not guaranteed. In David Michie's book it *is* guaranteed: The righteous are rewarded and the not-so-righteous get their comeuppance in mostly real time.
This is a fine read, where we learn from the lighthearted wisdom of Lama Tashi. Highly recommended.
[full disclosure: i didn't actually read the paperback, i read the ePub edition, but that's not one of the canned options. there ARE other eboox readers out there besides Kindle.]
Solution: Instant karma, where cause and effect are clearly related. While we now occasionally have instant - or at least fast - karmic results, it's not guaranteed. In David Michie's book it *is* guaranteed: The righteous are rewarded and the not-so-righteous get their comeuppance in mostly real time.
This is a fine read, where we learn from the lighthearted wisdom of Lama Tashi. Highly recommended.
[full disclosure: i didn't actually read the paperback, i read the ePub edition, but that's not one of the canned options. there ARE other eboox readers out there besides Kindle.]
April 23, 2023
This work of fiction is an ingenious way of presenting the Buddhist tenets regarding the workings of karma. A group of meditators and their teacher talk about changes coming soon, and Lama Tashi gives them guidance. He even helps prepares one student’s studio so she can expand her podcast when she needs to.
Then, one morning, strange things start to happen. Suddenly, fast food restaurants serving meat cause all their customers to be poisoned, until its learned that there’s no reason for people to be sick, it’s not poison, but karma due to the mistreatment of living beings. People who are kind to living things are suddenly being cured of their illnesses.
A business man donates to charity with a bodhichitta, and immediately makes more money. A gun lobby group leader massacres 68 people, including shooting the US president, until he’s stopped by an illegal immigrant. Religious leaders are challenged by Lama Tashi, who speaks simply and isn’t taken in by newsgroups, experts, or other offers of fame.
By the end of the day, Lama Tashi’s message is to continue as if karma is instant, whether or not it truly is, because giving will be given back tenfold, killers will be killed, cheaters will lose all they have, those who foster all life will be well.
If karma was so clear, this could be achieved, maybe not in a day, but gradually. Alas, the powerful aren’t stopped, rule breakers aren’t punished, and justice has largely become a mockery. In movements for equity, inclusion, and diversity, challenges to systemic oppression, there is hope that the tide will turn, but it will be very slow.
Then, one morning, strange things start to happen. Suddenly, fast food restaurants serving meat cause all their customers to be poisoned, until its learned that there’s no reason for people to be sick, it’s not poison, but karma due to the mistreatment of living beings. People who are kind to living things are suddenly being cured of their illnesses.
A business man donates to charity with a bodhichitta, and immediately makes more money. A gun lobby group leader massacres 68 people, including shooting the US president, until he’s stopped by an illegal immigrant. Religious leaders are challenged by Lama Tashi, who speaks simply and isn’t taken in by newsgroups, experts, or other offers of fame.
By the end of the day, Lama Tashi’s message is to continue as if karma is instant, whether or not it truly is, because giving will be given back tenfold, killers will be killed, cheaters will lose all they have, those who foster all life will be well.
If karma was so clear, this could be achieved, maybe not in a day, but gradually. Alas, the powerful aren’t stopped, rule breakers aren’t punished, and justice has largely become a mockery. In movements for equity, inclusion, and diversity, challenges to systemic oppression, there is hope that the tide will turn, but it will be very slow.
November 12, 2024
It caught my interest immediately, but the explanations about karma got repetitive and boring after awhile. The stories of several of the individuals were interesting.
What didn't sit well with me was that everyone started doing good deeds specifically because they would instantly get something back....stockbrokers suddenly donating to charity so they would get richer? Anybody eating meat getting violently ill instantly?
There were enough typos and sentences that weren't quite sentences that I would get confused and would have to re-read the sentence. Better proofreading would have been beneficial.
I finished the book, found it interesting, but my initial enthusiasm waned towards the end.
It was an interesting read, and I was thinking of suggesting it for my book club, but I have changed my mind. There are many books out there that are so much better!
What didn't sit well with me was that everyone started doing good deeds specifically because they would instantly get something back....stockbrokers suddenly donating to charity so they would get richer? Anybody eating meat getting violently ill instantly?
There were enough typos and sentences that weren't quite sentences that I would get confused and would have to re-read the sentence. Better proofreading would have been beneficial.
I finished the book, found it interesting, but my initial enthusiasm waned towards the end.
It was an interesting read, and I was thinking of suggesting it for my book club, but I have changed my mind. There are many books out there that are so much better!
November 9, 2022
LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC. As I was reading the book the first time, I kept glancing up to the page number, hoping upon hope, that I still had lots of pages left - I didn't want it to end.
The story lines were engaging and full of life lessons. We all know plenty about what we should be doing and why, but the reminders were beautifully illustrated in this amazing novel. I have since reread the book and was still delighted with the content and the feelings of gratitude to be engaging with such a beautiful piece of work. Thank you, David Michie for this gift. I hope everyone who reads it gets as much joy from it that I did.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC. As I was reading the book the first time, I kept glancing up to the page number, hoping upon hope, that I still had lots of pages left - I didn't want it to end.
The story lines were engaging and full of life lessons. We all know plenty about what we should be doing and why, but the reminders were beautifully illustrated in this amazing novel. I have since reread the book and was still delighted with the content and the feelings of gratitude to be engaging with such a beautiful piece of work. Thank you, David Michie for this gift. I hope everyone who reads it gets as much joy from it that I did.
December 19, 2022
Absolutely amazing.
What would the world would like if the karma was instant? We follow the lives of many characters on this weird day in humanity. Some people have a really good one, others don't and every one of them needs to sit back and mesure how their actions causes each reaction.
Saving a life could save yours. Thinking selfishly about your needs could make you loose everything.
This book made me rethink about the concept of karma, give places to think about our own lives and own actions in a world where we all but forgot the concept of karma.
If I could put more stars to this bookI would do.
What would the world would like if the karma was instant? We follow the lives of many characters on this weird day in humanity. Some people have a really good one, others don't and every one of them needs to sit back and mesure how their actions causes each reaction.
Saving a life could save yours. Thinking selfishly about your needs could make you loose everything.
This book made me rethink about the concept of karma, give places to think about our own lives and own actions in a world where we all but forgot the concept of karma.
If I could put more stars to this bookI would do.
December 30, 2022
Full disclosure: I pre-ordered this book. I am a fan of David Michie's, and this was a special gift to myself. I was not disappointed. There is no need to provide a synopsis here, several others have done that very well. Suffice it to say that I highly recommend all of DM's books, and this one in particular. I can see that it may upset some people because they hold certain beliefs very strongly, and I can only suggest that the need to defend is often a sign of underlying doubt. I will be re-reading Instant Karma several times, and expect to find new wisdom each time. I hope that you will also.
January 2, 2023
Enlightening
I enjoy all Up the books written by David Michie. At first, I was a little bothered because I don't care for books that move from one person to another. I wanted learning grow but I don't wanna keep track of everybody.
This book is an exception, I could hardly wait To move from one chapter to another. I learned more about karma and understood more about karma through the examples in this book. I loved it! It is one of those books you want to read the entire book at once! It made me think deeper about the different aspects of karma. I thought I knew and understood what karma was but there was so much more to know and understand. Thank you David Michie!
I enjoy all Up the books written by David Michie. At first, I was a little bothered because I don't care for books that move from one person to another. I wanted learning grow but I don't wanna keep track of everybody.
This book is an exception, I could hardly wait To move from one chapter to another. I learned more about karma and understood more about karma through the examples in this book. I loved it! It is one of those books you want to read the entire book at once! It made me think deeper about the different aspects of karma. I thought I knew and understood what karma was but there was so much more to know and understand. Thank you David Michie!
June 1, 2024
This review is for my own memory, if you want to know if you will like the book read it and find out. My reality is not your reality.
For me, at this point in my life, the book was awesome. It was well written, with a good pace, a bunch of interesting characters, and great examples of what instant karma could look like. There was one story line that I felt was not fully developed but it was a minor story line and was fine to end where it did.
It was a great reminder that the best way to have a better life is to help others have a better life.
I found the book enjoyable, uplifting, and, at times, touchingly poignant.
For me, at this point in my life, the book was awesome. It was well written, with a good pace, a bunch of interesting characters, and great examples of what instant karma could look like. There was one story line that I felt was not fully developed but it was a minor story line and was fine to end where it did.
It was a great reminder that the best way to have a better life is to help others have a better life.
I found the book enjoyable, uplifting, and, at times, touchingly poignant.
December 2, 2024
The story takes place over just two days, when Karma becomes instant and people begin coping with the repercussions and seeing how it can benefit them.
It got a bit confusing with all the different characters but the ideas were really interesting. I've learnt a lot about karma and Buddhism and it makes sense, the principles can be applied to other faiths too.
Some of it was a bit silly and I wasn't sure about the getting rich part of it. (American mentality?) Also the sentence structure needs editing.
This was something a bit different and an enjoyable read, it's one of those books that will stay with me.
It got a bit confusing with all the different characters but the ideas were really interesting. I've learnt a lot about karma and Buddhism and it makes sense, the principles can be applied to other faiths too.
Some of it was a bit silly and I wasn't sure about the getting rich part of it. (American mentality?) Also the sentence structure needs editing.
This was something a bit different and an enjoyable read, it's one of those books that will stay with me.
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