The Fruits of Karma

The Buddha taught that its incorrect to believe that for every harmless act there will be inevitable long term benefits, nor will every harmful act result in apparent karmic payback. Look around the world and it's clear that people get away with horrendous acts. But how they feel internally we cannot observe with any certainty.

The fruits of karma should not be thought of as entirely external or material or visible in nature; the teaching of karma is actually a profoundly internal, psychological insight. As the buddha stated in the kalamas sutta: "Even if there is no rebirth, and there are no external results of actions rightly and wrongly done, then here, in the present life, I will live with ease, free from hostility, ill will, free from trouble as a result of my harmlessness."

So our actions, good and bad, are like seeds we plant; they will flower into future mind states. If we want to live in inner peace, its best to plant seeds that present the greatest likelihood of flourishing into serenity: acts of compassion, kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, generosity.

When looking at our own actions, we shouldn't feel trapped by them, rather, we should learn from them and feel an appropriate amount of dismay at their unskillfulness. We all have our past karma, but there's new karma we're planting right now. We can choose to act skillfully right now. We don't deny our mistakes, we don't allow them to define us; we acknowledge them, but we don't brood on them, for if we do, we don't pay sufficient attention to the karma we're creating right now. (by Josh Korda, facebook: korda.josh)

Citta Vagga: The Mind

DHP 33-43: The third chapter of verses from the Dhammapada, a classic collection of concise teachings from the Buddha. Read by Gil Fronsdal. Audio from suttareadings.net

Similar Texts:

Cittavagga: The Mind

translated from the Pali by
Acharya Buddharakkhita

Source: accesstoinsight.org

33. Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft, even so the discerning man straightens his mind — so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.

34. As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers, even so is this mind agitated. Hence should one abandon the realm of Mara.

35. Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness.

The Sutta Readings and Texts: On Giving

 The Sutta Reading from suttareadings.net Ready by Steve Armstrong, Six short suttas on the theme of giving. Passages include Iti 26; AN 8.33; AN 4.57; AN 5.148; Iti 107; and AN 8.35.

The Similar Texts:

Iti 26: If People Knew the Result of Giving, translated by John D. Ireland

 This was said by the Lord...

"Bhikkhus, if beings knew, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would they allow the stain of meanness to obsess them and take root in their minds. Even if it were their last morsel, their last mouthful, they would not eat without having shared it, if there were someone to share it with. But, bhikkhus, as beings do not know, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, they eat without having given, and the stain of meanness obsesses them and takes root in their minds."

A Life of Blessings

“Those who only know Buddhism from a distance sometimes come to the conclusion that it is more relevant to monks and nuns living in remote forests in ancient India and that it has nothing significant to say to 21st century humanity. This small book will quickly dispel any such misinformed views. The Buddha addressed the perennial concerns of all human beings - the nature of good and bad, how to be at peace with your neighbor, the meaning of life, and most importantly, how to be a happy and fulfilled individual. The author has selected four discourses by the Buddha that deal with all these issues and has written a commentary on each of them. The result is a readable, practical and common-sense guide to living the Buddhist life.” ~Buddha Dhamma Mandala Society, Singapore , Author of “Good Question, Good Answer”

This is one more book I link from justbegood.net to share with everyone who haven't read it. Please click on the book to download ebook as pdf. Be Well and Happy!

Anyone Can Go To Heaven Just Be Good

“Buddhism is more than a religion, it is a way of using the mind. Buddhists don’t just have different beliefs from others, they gradually learn to use their minds differently and with the transformation of the mind everything else changes. This little book offers a clear and easy-to-understand introduction to the Buddha’s teachings. The reader will be challenged in some ways but inspired and encouraged in others. And those who take its message to heart will have the promise of a new, happy and fulfilled life.” ~Buddha Dhamma Mandala Society Singapore

This is the name of the Dharma Book I found in the webiste justbegood.net and I am sure this book is very useful for everyone who need the happiness life through practicing the Buddha's Teaching. You can click here to download the ebook. Be Well and Happy!