The Law of Karma--as explained by the Buddha--is complex, and yet any understanding that leads to belief will steer our actions in a positive direction without much effort. This is why it is so beneficial to try to grow our belief and mindfulness of karma.  In this episode, we look at how to practice mindfulness on karma in daily life. There is also a simple practice given to help us purify our karma.

 

Hasten to do good; restrain your mind from evil. He who is slow in doing good, his mind delights in evil.

Should a person commit evil, let him not do it again and again. Let him not find pleasure therein, for painful is the accumulation of evil.

Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.

It may be well with the evil-doer as long as the evil ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the evil-doer sees (the painful results of) his evil deeds.

It may be ill with the doer of good as long as the good ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the doer of good sees (the pleasant results of) his good deeds.

Think not lightly of evil, saying, “It will not come to me.” Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the fool, gathering it little by little, fills himself with evil.

Think not lightly of good, saying, “It will not come to me.” Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References

Buddha. The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom. Translated by Acharya Buddharakkhita. Buddhist Publication Society Kandy, 1985. pp. 41.

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1. Pages 209-245. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.