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Someone asked Master Cheng Yen, “Yesterday, I heard of the concept of receiving mild retribution for severe bad karma. If a person is destined to suffer retribution in life, can do good help him ward it off?”
The Master answered:
We should believe in the concept of receiving mild retribution for severe bad karma. Some people face the same adverse situation with different mindsets, and as a result, their experience of “retribution” differs in terms of the degree of severity.
For example, when someone (who does good deeds) encounters a traffic accident, even though he is severely injured, his vehicle is damaged, he may feel upset and start complaining about why he has to face such a misfortune since he has been doing good regularly. However, an understanding person may think, “Luckily, I am safe and only sustained a mild injury. This is truly mild retribution for severe bad karma.”
An understanding person will feel blessed for being safe compared to being in a worse situation. In conclusion, do not feel troubled in the face of a problem. If we do not get upset and remain understanding, we will feel happy and peaceful in whatever situation we encounter.
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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