This is not an either/or consideration but a highly complex equation of very detailed energetics. Understanding in and of itself is revenue neutral. What is needed to mitigate the effects of a karmic debt is forgiveness and atonement. The application of loving intentions. Usually, the latter requires more than a fleeting gesture in order to balance things. This is why many times people end up as a caregiver or humanitarian living a life of service to others or even making self-sacrifices. That is usually satisfying and uplifting to such dedicated individuals acting in divine alignment, as they would be doing, so it is not truly suffering but it is certainly a giving of the self that uses up some of the lifespan in other-directed activities.
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