Meditation on Karma

Question 1

Purpose:

Answer 1

to prevent future suffering and to build the basic foundation for the path to liberation and enlightenment.

Question 2

In our previous lives we performed various kinds of non-virtuous actions that caused others suffering.

Answer 2

As a result of these non-virtuous actions, various kinds of miserable conditions and situations arise and we experience endless human suffering and problems.

This is the same for all other living beings.

Question 3

We should judge whether or not we believe that the main cause of suffering is our non-virtuous actions and the main cause of happiness is our virtuous actions.

Answer 3

If we do not believe this we will never apply effort to accumulate virtuous actions, or merit, and we will never purify our non-virtuous actions, and because of this we will experience suffering and difficulties continually, in life after life without end.

Question 4

Sowing seeds in a field.

Answer 4

These seeds remain dormant…
- many lifetimes.

Question 5

The seeds that ripen when we die are very important…

Answer 5

similar to the way in which nightmares are triggered by our being in an agitated state of mind just before falling asleep.

Question 6

Examples of non-virtuous actions

Answer 6

When we abandon non-virtuous actions and apply effort to purifying our previous non-virtuous actions we are practising moral discipline.

Virtuous actions

Question 7

Meditation is a virtuous mental action that is the main cause of experiencing mental peace in the future.

Answer 7

Whenever we practise meditation, whether or not our meditation is clear, we are performing a virtuous mental action that is a cause of our future happiness and peace of mind.

Question 8

Quote:

Answer 8

While riding the horse of virtuous actions
I will guide it into the path of liberation with the reins of renunciation;
And through urging this horse onward with the whip of effort,
I will quickly reach the Pure Land of liberation and enlightenment.