“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 …”
written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Japan
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. The reason why many of us have trouble with Karma and continuously struggle with the existential question “Why Me?” is that there is often a time lag between the cause and the effect. Our cause and effect connections are often difficult to see and understand.
As we start this new decade, make your new beginnings meaningful and deeply felt. Buddhism teaches you how to make the right causes to achieve the best effects for your life. 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.
Karma Lecture – Sunday, January 19th
Visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, January 19th, to hear our Chief Priest explain how you can change your karma, effectively reflect on your karma, and understand the causes you make and the effects you receive. Discover whether or not your current thinking is counter-productive to your happiness.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public and free.
- 310 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD 20901 entrance on Burnett Ave
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) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
