Sometimes in reality shows we see examples of spiritual principles played out dramatically. And it appears we have something like that happening this season on American Idol.

Sanjaya Malakar has floppy hair, a thin frame, and a heartwarming smile. He is a good singer, but few I think would call him a great singer. Yet here he is, week after week, carried along by a wave of popular enthusiasm, hanging with the big boys and girls.

It makes you think.

Is it just that he’s young, sweet (or so my wife tells me), and (looks at least) innocent and pure? Or is something else going on here?

Why do some people succeed when it seems by rights they shouldn’t — or at least, not to the extent that they do?

Consider this image: Someone works their whole life, striving for success and fame. They put out tremendous effort, but can’t quite reach their goal. We all have heard or know of people who have experienced this.

Is it possible that Sanjaya was someone like that in a past life? That he struggled and pushed so much — and fell just short of making it? To such a degree that in this lifetime, he only needs to put out a certain amount of effort — and success is his? Did he push against the fame barrier so hard in the past that he is breaking through now?

This principle would certainly explain some of the inequities of life.

I have studied the law of karma in action for many years and when I look at Sanjaya Malakar, I don’t see a nice young man with a big smile. I see a shining aura — the aura of someone coming into his own—the aura of someone who put out a lot of energy at some point to create that aura.

Sanjaya’s aura is bigger than he is. Sanjaya right now is more than the sum of his parts. We have seen his like before, and we will see it again.

Do not begrudge him his good fortune. According to the law of karma we all will eventually receive our due, whether in this lifetime or in a future one. And whatever you desire must eventually come to you.

Be at peace.

Richard Salva is author of the critically acclaimed book, Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh. He has lectured widely on yoga philosophy, reincarnation, and history, and has appeared on NPR and 21st Century Radio. His website is www.CrystarPress.com.

• RE: Sanjaya Malakar and What Good Karma Looks Like,Glow, 10:24 AM, 04-05-07
• RE: Sanjaya Malakar and What Good Karma Looks Like,bullzeye, 11:05 AM, 04-05-07
• RE: Sanjaya Malakar and What Good Karma Looks Like,finallytyping, 12:05 PM, 04-05-07
• RE: Sanjaya Malakar and What Good Karma Looks Like,Snidget, 12:42 PM, 04-05-07
• Locking - duplicate topic,Bebo, 12:52 PM, 04-05-07

LOVE this post. Thank you.

Is it possible that Sanjaya was someone like that in a past life?

Well, considering that Sanjaya has an Indian background (I believe), and many Indian people (Hindu's in particilar), believe strongly in reincarnation, maybe there is something to this.

A birthday present from Tribe

How would you explain his seemingly gigantic ego?

My cynical self wonders what karma will be derived from using Sanjaya as a vehicle to increase one's book sales/web site traffic. I mean he's already making a whole ton of money for the producers of AI. I'd like the post a whole lot more without the little ad at the end, but I guess that is one of those your mileage may vary things.

Had he been another ethnicity would his sucess be less karmic? I mean he's just the most recent in a long line of long haired boys whose masculinity is muted enough that it does not threaten 12 year old girls. There is usually one every season. However they are usually not someone you would associate with Eastern mystical ideas.

I am in general a big fan of Eastern Philosophy, just wondering why it isn't Haley with the big aura?

"I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you because someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top."
- An English Professor