This principle of karma allows you to measure yourself in terms that are entirely under your control.

"This principle [of karma] allows you to measure yourself in terms that are entirely under your control: your intentional actions in the present moment. In other words, they don’t force you to measure yourself in terms of your looks, strength, brains, financial prowess, or any other criteria that depend less on your present karma than they do on karma from the past. Also, they don’t play on feelings of guilt or force you to bemoan your past lapses. Instead, they focus your attention on the ever-present possibility of living up to your standards in the here and now."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "The Healing Power of the Precepts"

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