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14 EASTERN HORIZON | TEACHINGS

might be developing a mind of By abstaining from the above, one a) Some people die prematurely
loving kindness and compassion. He develops the opposite virtues, the because in the past they have
might be criticised for seeking only ten courses of wholesome action. destoyed life. The karmic result of
his own good, but he might be doing killing is to be shortlived. Others
more to benefit the world than the Why Is One Intelligent And live long because they were kind
active do-gooder who is driven by Another Dull-Minded? and compassionate, they had
desire for name and fame. Why Is One Born Ugly And Another respect and reverence for life.
Beautiful? b) Some are sickly because they

The working of kamma is so have injured and hurt other
complex and so subtle that it is Kamma produces its results in beings.
almost impossible to make definite different ways. There are two general c) Those who were often angry
predictions. All that we can know ways in which it comes to fruition: and harsh become ugly, those
with certainty are the tendencies, 1. It produces the type of rebirth, who were patient and cheerful
but that is enough to guide our the basic rebirth consciousness. become beautiful.
actions. 2. It produces various results within d) Some are rich because they have
the course of an existence. been generous in the past, some
Unwholesome Actions are poor because they have been

There are ten main forms of At the time of death, a particular selfish.
unwholesome actions: dominant kamma may come to e) Some are influential because
Bodily the fore of the mind and steer the they have rejoiced in the good

1. Taking life stream of consciousness to the new fortunes of others.
2. Taking what does not belong to existence. Once rebirth takes place, f) Some are weak and powerless
oneself certain other kammas mature during because they have been envious
3. Engaging in sexual misconduct the course of life bringing either of the good fortunes of others.
(adultery, seduction, etc) favorable or unfavorable results. g) Some are intelligent because
4. Speaking falsehood they have been reflective and
Verbal The good and bad results that arise studious in the past, because

5. Speaking slanderous speech from kamma are not rewards or they always enquired and
6. Speaking harshly punishments. They are not imposed investigated matters. Some are
7. Engaging in idle chatter, in by any outside power. Actions dull and stupid because they
gossip produce their results naturally have been lazy and negligent,
Mental through the law of cause and because they never studied and
8. Covetousness, yearning for the effect working in the moral realm. did not think. EH
possessions of others This natural law is called “kamma
9. Ill will (Actively desiring harm, niyama”, the order of kamma,
suffering and destruction to which functions autonomously. The
come to others) Buddha explains how kamma is the
10. Wrong views (specially fixed cause of differences in the fortunes
wrong views which deny of people.
theefficacy of moral action.)