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General Buddhism => General Buddhism => Topic started by: nagaseeker on January 28, 2012, 07:30:31 PM
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Cause and Effect
[ At the time of Buddha, a farmer asked to be ordained as a monk. Shariputra did not see his merit. But, with a great, compassionate mind, the Buddha took his hand and said, "I will give you ordination. You do have a seed to attain arhatship...." ]
The Buddha explained, "Thousands and thousands of kalpas ago, this man was born as a fly. He was sitting on a pile of cow dung when a sudden rush of water caught the cow dung, along with the fly, and sent them into the river. Downstream, someone had placed a prayer wheel in the water, and that cow dung and fly swirled around and around it. Because of that circumambulation, this man now has a seed to attain arhatship in this lifetime."
Cause and result are so subtle that only omniscient wisdom can perceive every detail. That is why we must be very careful that our actions are truly beneficial.
Reciting just one mantra, protecting the life of even one small bug, giving a small thing--we should not ignore such actions by saying, "This is nothing; it makes no difference if I do it or not." Many small actions will gather and swell like the ocean. These are not merely Buddhist beliefs; these are the causes that create our world no matter who we are. Our study and practice give us the opportunity to understand this and to be sincere with ourselves even in small things.
Om Mani Padme Hum
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Thanks nagaseeker, I completely agree and surrender myself to cause and effect. For me, cause and effect is one of the universal law, like gravity. It does exist even if you can't see or touch it physically.
There was a very famous book a few years ago called "The Secret" which has sold over 21 millions copies and been translated to 44 languages. A lot of people are practicing " The Law of Attraction" promoted by the author, I think the theory is the same develop from the fundamental concept of cause and effects, it's not something new or magical.
Practicing Buddhism is practicing mindfulness towards our body, speech and mind to other people and things, it assembles the causes that is bringing back the same result to us. For lay person like me, this concept become a very stable foundation, which I dare to go against the living standard from secular thinking.
What you do is what you get, it's simple but it's not easy to do. I am doing my best now, hehe...
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Nagaseeker. Thanks for the nice story. It reminds us to be aware of every little things we do lest we generate negative karma. More importantly it reminds me of our precious human life. It is so rare and is the only realm where one can practically generate tremendous intentional positive karma. It is hard to do this in the other 5 realms.
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stories of such sure helps illustrate deep teachings…else how would one even explain the quality omniscience, all seeing!
I enjoyed reading the story as I find it encouraging in modifying one's action and behavior. Often times, we strive to accomplish big changes, puts forth high expectations and overlook the smallest actions which are critical to sustaining our practice.
A straw house can be built rather quickly but when the wind blows, it's the first to go. Some will say, well, at least the house is built.
It is good to focus on laying each brick well and firmly to build a strong foundation for the house.
It is good to focus on modifying our negative behaviors and developing virtues with each thought, though small, insignificant and unobservable as it is. Every effort counts...
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stories of such sure helps illustrate deep teachings…else how would one even explain the quality of omniscience, all seeing, karma etc...
I enjoyed reading the story as I find it encouraging in modifying one's action and behavior. Often times, we strive to accomplish big changes, puts forth high expectations and overlook the smallest actions which are critical to sustaining our practice.
A straw house can be built rather quickly but when the wind blows, it's the first to go. Some will say, well, at least the house is built.
It is good to focus on laying each brick well and firmly to build a strong foundation for the house.
It is good to focus on modifying our negative behaviors and developing virtues with each thought, though small, insignificant and unobservable as it is. Every effort counts...
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Cause and Effect
[ At the time of Buddha, a farmer asked to be ordained as a monk. Shariputra did not see his merit. But, with a great, compassionate mind, the Buddha took his hand and said, "I will give you ordination. You do have a seed to attain arhatship...." ]
The Buddha explained, "Thousands and thousands of kalpas ago, this man was born as a fly. He was sitting on a pile of cow dung when a sudden rush of water caught the cow dung, along with the fly, and sent them into the river. Downstream, someone had placed a prayer wheel in the water, and that cow dung and fly swirled around and around it. Because of that circumambulation, this man now has a seed to attain arhatship in this lifetime."
Cause and result are so subtle that only omniscient wisdom can perceive every detail. That is why we must be very careful that our actions are truly beneficial.
Reciting just one mantra, protecting the life of even one small bug, giving a small thing--we should not ignore such actions by saying, "This is nothing; it makes no difference if I do it or not." Many small actions will gather and swell like the ocean. These are not merely Buddhist beliefs; these are the causes that create our world no matter who we are. Our study and practice give us the opportunity to understand this and to be sincere with ourselves even in small things.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I believe this story teaches us a variaty of things. Among them for us to be extra mindful in things as you have pointed out. That even a small being have the potential to eventually reach the state of an Arhat, even if it takes a very very very long time.
It also teaches us the power of mantras and it is not to be taken lightly. Mantras are after all Buddhas in the form of word and sound.
One question, I believe there are mantras that we can blow to the feet so that if we accidently step on an insect unknowingly, the negative karma will be lighter... if i'm not mistaken. However, is there any mantras that we can recite to blow to our feet so that it can have the same effect as stated in the story above??
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This is very true nagaseeker. Before i know Buddhism, i read about a famous self-help book called "The secret". It's based on law of attraction and i can relate cause and effect in this book. The book teaches us "likes attract likes", think positively and positive thing will come back to us. On the other hand, if we are a negative person, of course bad things will most likely happen on us.
I find this book quite interesting and do really apply this principal in my life. Every little actions we do count, whether or not it is out of good will or bad motivation, karma bites and it comes back.
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Cause and Effect
[ At the time of Buddha, a farmer asked to be ordained as a monk. Shariputra did not see his merit. But, with a great, compassionate mind, the Buddha took his hand and said, "I will give you ordination. You do have a seed to attain arhatship...." ]
The Buddha explained, "Thousands and thousands of kalpas ago, this man was born as a fly. He was sitting on a pile of cow dung when a sudden rush of water caught the cow dung, along with the fly, and sent them into the river. Downstream, someone had placed a prayer wheel in the water, and that cow dung and fly swirled around and around it. Because of that circumambulation, this man now has a seed to attain arhatship in this lifetime."
Cause and result are so subtle that only omniscient wisdom can perceive every detail. That is why we must be very careful that our actions are truly beneficial.
Reciting just one mantra, protecting the life of even one small bug, giving a small thing--we should not ignore such actions by saying, "This is nothing; it makes no difference if I do it or not." Many small actions will gather and swell like the ocean. These are not merely Buddhist beliefs; these are the causes that create our world no matter who we are. Our study and practice give us the opportunity to understand this and to be sincere with ourselves even in small things.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I believe this story teaches us a variaty of things. Among them for us to be extra mindful in things as you have pointed out. That even a small being have the potential to eventually reach the state of an Arhat, even if it takes a very very very long time.
It also teaches us the power of mantras and it is not to be taken lightly. Mantras are after all Buddhas in the form of word and sound.
One question, I believe there are mantras that we can blow to the feet so that if we accidently step on an insect unknowingly, the negative karma will be lighter... if i'm not mistaken. However, is there any mantras that we can recite to blow to our feet so that it can have the same effect as stated in the story above??
Dear Q ,
The mantra you talk about is - Om Kre tsara gana hum hri soha . You should recite this mantra 3 times every morning n spit on your feet before you go out . Not only the negative karma will be lighter when you accidently step on insects unknowingly , it can also help the insect to have a good rebirth ! that is the power of Mantra. But i'm not sure whether it plan the seed for the insect to attain arhatship..... ::)
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Reciting just one mantra, protecting the life of even one small bug, giving a small thing--we should not ignore such actions by saying, "This is nothing; it makes no difference if I do it or not." Many small actions will gather and swell like the ocean.
I think this relates to the concept of universal responsibility. A lot of the problems we face globally is due to our belief that "I cannot make a difference or change a situation / solve a big problem, hence there is no point in ME doing something about it." But we never thought about how many other people share that same view as ME and the effect of them all not taking action to help solve a big problem.
If we had been thinking all this while that "I alone cannot solve the problem. But together, WE can" then perhaps our world would've been different.
Here's a 3 min video on how to start a movement ("it is the first follower that transformed the lone nut into a leader"): http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html (http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html)
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Dear Q ,
The mantra you talk about is - Om Kre tsara gana hum hri soha . You should recite this mantra 3 times every morning n spit on your feet before you go out . Not only the negative karma will be lighter when you accidently step on insects unknowingly , it can also help the insect to have a good rebirth ! that is the power of Mantra. But i'm not sure whether it plan the seed for the insect to attain arhatship..... ::)
Dear Nagaseeker,
If my memory serves me correctly, to plant the seed of enlightenment (or at least promote good rebirth), we should chant Om Ara Ba Sa Na Di (Manjushri's mantra) and blow onto any animals/insects that we encountered. Chant and blow this mantra on our pets - this is the best way to love them..
x
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As Buddhist we believe in karma - cause and effect. This story teaches us to be mindful of whatever actions we do whether is good or bad as all actions have its results. In order for something to manifest, even though it may take a very long time to manifest, we have to plant the seed. Thus if we want good results, we need to be mindful of our actions now and to use our precious human body to be of benefit to others by planting the right seed. It is easier said than done but it has to start from some where ;)
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Cause and Effect
[ At the time of Buddha, a farmer asked to be ordained as a monk. Shariputra did not see his merit. But, with a great, compassionate mind, the Buddha took his hand and said, "I will give you ordination. You do have a seed to attain arhatship...." ]
The Buddha explained, "Thousands and thousands of kalpas ago, this man was born as a fly. He was sitting on a pile of cow dung when a sudden rush of water caught the cow dung, along with the fly, and sent them into the river. Downstream, someone had placed a prayer wheel in the water, and that cow dung and fly swirled around and around it. Because of that circumambulation, this man now has a seed to attain arhatship in this lifetime."
Cause and result are so subtle that only omniscient wisdom can perceive every detail. That is why we must be very careful that our actions are truly beneficial.
Reciting just one mantra, protecting the life of even one small bug, giving a small thing--we should not ignore such actions by saying, "This is nothing; it makes no difference if I do it or not." Many small actions will gather and swell like the ocean. These are not merely Buddhist beliefs; these are the causes that create our world no matter who we are. Our study and practice give us the opportunity to understand this and to be sincere with ourselves even in small things.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Nice story to illustrate how all of us can be Buddhas by starting with what we can do first. Like helping out by returning kindness to our loved ones, transforming our negative traits, contributing to our favorite charity, performing our Sadhana, getting involved with our Dharma center, studying the Lamrim and following instructions of our Lama. These are just some of what I know that will help in small and big ways.
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thanks for this nice story sharing. I like it very much
This remind me DO NOT TAKE THINGS/ACTIONS/PPL AROUND US FOR GRANTED,
minor little action that beneficial others may lead to positive effect, precious human life the main purpose is to benefit others. Performing action that is beneficial to others definitely will collect merits.
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According to Buddhism, this inequality is due not only to heredity, environment, "nature and nurture", but also to Karma. In other words, it is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We are the architects of our own fate.
Perplexed by the seemingly inexplicable, apparent disparity that existed among humanity, a young truth-seeker approached the Buddha and questioned him regarding this intricate problem of inequality:
"What is the cause, what is the reason, O Lord," questioned he, "that we find amongst mankind the short-lived and long-lived, the healthy and the diseased, the ugly and beautiful, those lacking influence and the powerful, the poor and the rich, the low-born and the high-born, and the ignorant and the wise?"
The Buddha’s reply was:
"All living beings have actions (Karma) as their own, their inheritance, their congenital cause, their kinsman, their refuge. It is Karma that differentiates beings into low and high states."
He then explained the cause of such differences in accordance with the law of cause and effect.
Certainly we are born with hereditary characteristics. At the same time we possess certain innate abilities that science cannot adequately account for. To our parents we are indebted for the gross sperm and ovum that form the nucleus of this so-called being. They remain dormant within each parent until this potential germinal compound is vitalised by the karmic energy needed for the production of the foetus. Karma is therefore the indispensable conceptive cause of this being.
The accumulated karmic tendencies, inherited in the course of previous lives, at times play a far greater role than the hereditary parental cells and genes in the formation of both physical and mental characteristics.
The Buddha, for instance, inherited, like every other person, the reproductive cells and genes from his parents. But physically, morally and intellectually there was none comparable to him in his long line of Royal ancestors. In the Buddha’s own words, he belonged not to the Royal lineage, but to that of the Aryan Buddhas. He was certainly a superman, an extraordinary creation of his own Karma.
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Our actions are all we really have that truly belong to us,and we are bound to them all-past, present and future.The teachings also show that mind is the forerunner to all actions.Therefore, it is the wise person who is conscious and mindful of the quality of his/her thoughts and intentions before taking action.The law of cause and effect can produce positive or wholesome consequences,but it also serves as a reminder of the many negative or unwholesome things that can and will come into our life.But if we want to live a happy life and achieve positive results,we should learn to take a moment to notice the quality of our mind before we automatically respond to others and react to situations. taking responsibility for our actions by understanding the law of cause and effect can help attract more positive experiences to our life,as well as help us develop healthy relationships within our family,our community and the larger world.
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Thanks for the sharing! Nagaseeker. This remided me of another story,
Once a young monk who was siding in a monasetry in a mountain, one day after a few years of living in the mountain, he was sent by his guru to visit his own parents. He resisted as it was a long journey and he didn't want to leave his guru. But on the insistent of his guru, he started the long road home.
One day, as he was about to cross a small clear stream, he saw a school of ants gathered on a lotus leave, which was floating on water. Seeing that the leave was about to topple over, he rescued the ants by taking the leave frothe stream and placed it (with the ants on it) safely on solid group. And he continues his journey home.
A few month later, the young monks returned to his guru who was surprise to see him. He asked the Yong monk was there any particular thing that happened during his whole journey? Te young Monck couldn't think of anything except he had saved the ants.
His guru then explained that he was supposed to have died, hence he was sent back to see his parents for the
last time. But because of his kindness of saving the ants, his life was prolonged.
Amazing, huh ?
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Thanks so much to nagaseeker and Tammy for the wonderful stories you have shared here. It does seem like a small deed to rescue a small bug or ants but still it is a good deed. And we don't have to be religious to believe this. I reckon the best thing we could do all the time is have a good intention in all our action and not cause any harm no matter how small we think it is. For sure we learn in this two stories that no one can escape the law of cause and effect.
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Cause and result are so subtle that only omniscient wisdom can perceive every detail. That is why we must be very careful that our actions are truly beneficial.
Reciting just one mantra, protecting the life of even one small bug, giving a small thing--we should not ignore such actions by saying, "This is nothing; it makes no difference if I do it or not." Many small actions will gather and swell like the ocean.
In the teachings on Karma, Buddha taught that “the results of actions increase”. Even very small non-virtuous actions bear large fruits of suffering and very small virtuous actions bear large fruits of happiness. As long as we fail to purify a very small non-virtuous action, its power to produce suffering increases day by day. The story on the farmer who asked to be ordained as a monk shows that no matter how insignificant the virtuous act, it had planted a seed for the farmer to attain arhatship in that lifetime. Hence we should cultivate our virtues no matter how insignificant they appear as eventually these virtues will develop into attainments and eventual liberation from samsara for us! Similarly we should purify all our negative actions no matter how insignificant they appear to be.
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Thank you for sharing this story. It is very true what you said here. Whatever we do with out motivation, no matter how big or small, it should be done. No matter how small the merit or karma arising from it, it should be done to help. Even the greatest people alive eg. Mother Theresa, did not help the 100 people a day but she started and in the end, she accomplished and helped so many people.
If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. - Mother Teresa
(http://stuffpoint.com/thoughtfull-quotes/image/thumb/114142-thoughtfull-quotes-mother-teresa.jpg)
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This is such a nice yet simple story. When we were children, we were told many stories and i particularly found that many of these so call 'fairy tales' have a teaching behind them. That was how we learn and was guided to the many virtues in life.
Whatever we do, speak or think have repercussions. Be it positive or negative thoughts, the energy is 'sent' out and though unseen by the naked eye, these thoughts will affect our speech and our actions, and eventually affect our karma.
We must be constantly mindful of all our thoughts, speech and actions . We cannot escape from the first rule of Life - Every Cause has an Effect.
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Thanks for the sharing! Nagaseeker. This remided me of another story,
Once a young monk who was siding in a monasetry in a mountain, one day after a few years of living in the mountain, he was sent by his guru to visit his own parents. He resisted as it was a long journey and he didn't want to leave his guru. But on the insistent of his guru, he started the long road home.
One day, as he was about to cross a small clear stream, he saw a school of ants gathered on a lotus leave, which was floating on water. Seeing that the leave was about to topple over, he rescued the ants by taking the leave frothe stream and placed it (with the ants on it) safely on solid group. And he continues his journey home.
A few month later, the young monks returned to his guru who was surprise to see him. He asked the Yong monk was there any particular thing that happened during his whole journey? Te young Monck couldn't think of anything except he had saved the ants.
His guru then explained that he was supposed to have died, hence he was sent back to see his parents for the
last time. But because of his kindness of saving the ants, his life was prolonged.
Amazing, huh ?
Yes, I have heard of this story before too. I read it when I was very young, but the version I read was slightly different, the monk knew he was not going to live long, so when he saw the ants struggling for their lives, he immediately felts their pain and saved their lives.
I think stories such as this is very inspiring to me. Being a Christian at a certain point of my life, I have an ingrained thinking that my fate is written on stone, that whatever happens, my fate will sweep me no matter what I do. However, when it comes to karma... I have the comfort of knowing the effect of my actions... and thus I am actually in control of my fate, the question is whether I want to change and practice the Dharma to make my life lead to a more positive end.
I like being in control. Karma tells me I am in control of my life.