How are we to know what is “good” and what is “bad”? What makes something good and another bad? In a dualistic paradigm where all actions are balanced by an equal and opposite reaction, can we have good without having an equal quantity of bad to balance it? The answer is
to be found in the flow of energy which is the “life force”, the spiritual energy that permeates everything.
In fact everything is energy. Matter is the densest form of energy and is basically energy in a static, inactive state; potential energy. When matter is dematerialized, in other words destroyed, it reverts back to energy in a active state; kinetic energy. This is how energy is understood on the physical plain.
This configuration does not just pertain to the physical, it also applies to all levels of existence. The issue of what is “good” or “bad” hinges on whether or not the flow of energy is being impeded. If the flow of energy is impeded or perturbed there will be consequences in order to re-establish the balance that is required for a smooth flow of energy. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether the action that caused the turbulence is considered “good” or “bad”, that is just a human judgment, for the turbulence will cause both to happen. Karma is action followed by the consequence which is the inevitable reaction.
The next question is, can we escape this karmic cycle? Can we learn to transcend Karma? In short, yes, it is possible but as we all know, it is not easy and requires much study and practice to perfect. In simple terms, we have to learn to not make waves.
This might sound like a cop out, but that is not the case. If the energy, the life force, is unimpeded then change actually occurs more rapidly and more harmoniously than if one tries to control the flow and bend it to conform to our will. Since evolution is the name of the game, the more we facilitate this process, the more harmonious and rapid will be our evolution as individuals and for humanity as a whole. Once this is understood then we can dedicate our lives to correcting imbalance whenever and wherever we find it. In many cases this will entail not reacting to situations which would provoke marked or even violent reactions from the uninitiated.
An example of this would be a case where one is subjected to force, that could be either physical, emotional or mental. Reacting in a like manner would only re-enforce the original action and the resulting energy flow disruption. Re-action by definition implies repeating the action, in other words, an eye for an eye. Instead, we act to restore the flow of energy by not balancing the action in kind and, energetically speaking, we step aside and let the power of the original action dissipate. Force has no power if it meets no resistance. This is exemplified by, “turning the other cheek”. In conclusion, fundamentally nothing is good or bad, it’s a matter of whether the energy flow is continuous and harmonious. If one reaches a state where the cosmic energy flow is not disturbed, then the laws of karma will no longer apply.