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brought it down gently so that the whip fell transgressions arise from the mind; blessings
onto the practitioner’s back softly. Although are also created by the mind.” Thus, all good
the practitioner was whipped, he suffered and evil originate from the mind. Once we
very little. deeply comprehend the law of karma, we
will naturally rid ourselves of ill intentions
The Buddha said, “This filthy old bhiksu and hold good intentions in our minds.
was that prison guard in a past life, and the
man who was wrongfully accused was me. Blessings and wisdom can be seen as
He showed compassion toward me, and the two feet we stand on—if we care for
I have been hoping to repay his kindness them, we will have two strong feet that will
for many lifetimes.” In spite of the prison take us wherever we want to go. If, living
guard’s extreme brutality in his previous life, in this world filled with impurities, we can
which led him to suffer from poverty and remain unaffected by the contentious affairs
sickness in this incarnation, the compassion of others, regardless of the circumstances—
he showed toward the innocent practitioner and keep our hearts open, unobstructed, and
allowed him to meet and be personally joyous—we have attained wisdom. When
attended to by the Buddha. we see people suffering from illness, we
compassionately extend our hands to help
Every kind of cause and condition will them; thus, a compassionate heart creates
have a corresponding effect and retribution. blessings. If we are able to uphold our initial
The law of karma is infallible. If we create aspiration and persevere unwaveringly, our
negative karma, we will receive negative blessings and wisdom will naturally increase
retribution. If we create positive karma, with each passing day.
we will receive bountiful blessings. “Our

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