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Sometimes, someone may ask, “I have done so much good to others, so I should be leading a smooth and easy life. But why am I still facing adversities in life?”
Such a mindset is not right. “Wealth” and “Peace” meant by the Buddha are not determined by external factors. Instead, they are the outcome of our own state of mind. A heart and mind that is rich in love and filled with tranquility will remain calm and unperturbed no matter what happens.
The Dharma talks about the Law of Karma – one reaps what one has sown. However, although we might have created bad karma in a past life, we may still be able to bear the negative consequences with good grace in this life. When faced with such consequences, we should adjust our mindset and accept them with an optimistic attitude, and do good promptly to create a new destiny for ourselves.
Let’s take material wealth as an example. What is the relationship between life and material wealth? Actually, we only need one or two bowls of food at each meal, a few pieces of clothing, and a standard single bed for sleeping every night. Basic necessities are a must in life, but people should not want more than what they need. Since our basic needs in life are quite simple, even if we suffer a monetary loss as a result of karma, we can still remain peaceful if we are able to open our mind and accept it.
When we encounter bad karmic consequences, do not further burden our mind with more worries. We should be clear that whatever karmic consequences we are facing now actually arise from negative “causes” that we had created in the past. Hence, we should adjust our mindset to reduce our worries and anxiety.
Does practising Buddhism guarantee a smooth and easy life? Take a look at the Venerable Maudgalyayana. He was foremost in spiritual powers, and yet he was not able to escape karmic consequences and died in the hands of others.
Therefore, practising Buddhism does not guarantee a life free of adversities, but the Dharma benefits us by helping us to untie the knots in our hearts. By letting go and keeping an open mind, we will be able to receive care and advice from others, and thus find peace in our heart.
Extracted from “Xin Ling Zhi Chuang”:《心灵之窗》
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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