If you wish to know the causes you have accumulated in your past existences, look at the effects that are manifested in the present. And if you wish to know the effects that are manifested in the future, look at the causes you are accumulating in the present …
“The Opening of the Eyes” Gosho written by Nichiren Daishonin. 13th century Japan
The concept of Karma is a basic, core belief in Buddhism. Unfortunately, for most Westerners, we have a very limited understanding of Karma.
Buddhism teaches the principle of cause and effect. It expounds that, if people are unhappy, then there is a cause for such unhappiness, and it is a result of their own doing. As the passage above explains, by observing the conditions of our lives today, we can understand the causes that we made in the past, and we are able to imagine the circumstances that we can expect in the future. Why, then, do people become unhappy? Why do people continue to make bad causes? How can we start making good causes to change our karma?
Visit Myosenji Temple Sunday, Aug 7th
To get answers to the above questions, visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, August 7th, for a lecture on Karma. Our Priest will teach you how to properly chant and focus your mind. The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes about 3:15 pm.
If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) our Priest will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
Call or email the Temple if you have any questions.
