Transforming Karma
Transforming Karma
Transforming Karma
We might even hear ourselves asking: 'Why has this disastrous situation happened to me?
What did I do to deserve it?' When we ask ourselves questions like this, the Buddhist principle
of karma can help us understand what we can do to break out of the repetitive patterns that
might cause ourselves and others suffering.
1. What is karma?
Originally the Sanskri word 'karma' (or 'karman') meant 'action' or 'act'.
Buddhism teaches that we humans create karma through making causes with our
thoughts, words and deeds. Whatever we think, say or do is stored in our mind as
karma. They are the causes that we make, for which the effects can come in present or
future lifetimes. Karma is the constant link between our past, present and future.
Yess….we can We all have our own karma , n strength of each person’s faith also differs …n
we never know what challenges we will face in life. We the Buddhist practitioners can dispel
all darkness and cast off even the heaviest chains of karna. In Nichiren Buddhism, the theory
of karma is an empowering teaching that can revitalize people’s lives. The Daishonin teaches
us that there is no negative karma, no matter how heavy, that cannot be transformed for
the better. The Daishonin declares that ,” IF one experiences extreme hardship in this
lifetime. “ I.e.if we face persecution for the sake of the Lotus Sutra, or if we face problems
while living a life devoted to faith – then “ the sufferings of hell will vanish instant, in this
lifetime itself, not some future illness.” HOW CAN WE CHANGE( TRANSFORM) KARMA ? • By
dedicating ourselves to the mission of kosen- Rufu and continuing to strengthen and
improve ourselves, we can transform our karma... • Chant abundant daimoku.. • Trusting in
the power of the Gohonzon... • Strive fearlessly and patiently.. • Refuse to accept defeat.. •
Never retreat a single step In the end, you r certain to TRIUMPH!!
You will recall that 'beneath' the eighth consciousness (the alaya consciousness, or karmic
storehouse) lies the ninth, which is the source of our Buddhahood, or the cleansing and
purifying energy of our Buddha nature. When we stimulate and activate our Buddhahood it
flushes through the other layers, not just showing us the karmic tendencies which cause us and
other people to suffer, but eclipsing the effects of that karma with the power of its life-force.
Nichiren advises, “You should base your mind on the ninth consciousness, and carry out your
practice in the six consciousnesses” (“Hell Is the Land of Tranquil Light,” The Writings of
Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 458). Regarding this passage, Sensei says:
By establishing faith in the ultimate reality and incorporating Buddhist practice into our daily
lives, we can access infinite wisdom, power and compassion; we can achieve a fundamental
inner reformation and establish an unshakable foundation for true happiness. By analogy,
while a piece of wood floating in a stream will be swept away at the whim of the current,
even the most powerful of currents cannot shift an island of rock. (Unlocking the Mysteries of
Birth and Death, p. 164)
c. A little about karmic retribution