Peace and Joy Handbook

The law of nature and the law set by society are equally important. In this case, Karma is a natural law. The law of karma is one of the most important laws governing our lives. Karma refers to the idea that intentional actions have consequences for the agent, in this life and in future lives; in fact, it is karma that leads to rebirth. It is the law of cause and effect, whereby everything that exists arises due to specific conditions. In this sense, the law of karma is a sort of natural law, so that actions are naturally followed by consequences, not as the result of divine judgment. Evil actions, like killing, stealing, lying, and so on, are bad karmas and will lead to rebirth in an unpleasant human situation or in hell. Good actions, on the other hand, such as generosity, make merit and leads to good rebirth in a pleasant human situation or in heaven. When we understand the law of Karma and live our understanding, when we act on what we know, then we experience a sense of peace and joy. If we live in a way that is out of harmony, ignoring the nature of things, we then experience dissonance, pain, and confusion. The law of karma is one of the fundamental natural laws through which we create these vastly different realities. It is as though we are all artists, but instead of canvas and paint, or marble or music, as our medium, our very bodies, minds, and life experience are the materials of our creative expression. A great sense of fulfillment in dharma practice comes from knowing this and from actively creating and fashioning our lives. A person may not escape the consequences of his actions, but he will suffer if he himself has made the conditions ripe for his suffering. Ignorance of the law is no excuse whether the laws are human-made or universal. When we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.