Not Believing in Cause and Effect Doesn’t Free You from It
Whether you believe in it or not, you are still living in the law of cause and effect every day.
Cause and effect does not depend on your belief, but operates as a natural law.
“If you don’t believe in cause and effect, why are you going to school? Why do you do good and avoid evil?”
Clearly, you are still acting based on expectations of outcomes – in other words, you are living within the law of cause and effect.
Cause and effect is not created by anyone.
- The Buddha did not create cause and effect.
- He was simply the one who understood the nature of cause and effect in life, and showed us the right path.
The Buddha is the Seer – Not the Giver of Blessings
One important point to understand:
The Buddha does not create cause and effect, nor does he give anyone anything.
The Buddha only sees clearly, points it out, and teaches us.
Thus:
- Sow good causes, reap good results.
- Sow bad causes, bad results will follow.
- You choose the cause, you will harvest the result – this is your freedom and responsibility.
Whether you believe in or reject cause and effect, the Buddha does not add or subtract anything.
He is simply the one who sees clearly and shows the way, like someone holding a lantern to guide you, but cannot walk the path for you.
Buddhism Is Not Just Rituals
Many people think that:
- Going to the temple,
- Bowing to the Buddha,
- Reciting sutras,
- Offering prayers for blessings – or for the deceased
is the entirety of Buddhism.
But that is just a small part – it’s supportive practice.
The essence of Buddhism is that each person must practice for themselves.
Practice to develop wisdom,
Practice to transform afflictions,
Practice to truly liberate oneself.
Mindfulness for Living Freely
Those who understand cause and effect are the ones who live with mindfulness and awareness.
- They know what they are sowing, thinking, and doing.
- They don’t blame others, don’t leave it to chance, and don’t believe in superstitions.
And it is this mindfulness that helps practitioners of Buddhism live peacefully and freely.
In conclusion:
- Cause and effect is a natural law; it exists whether you believe in it or not, and you cannot escape from it.
- The Buddha is the one who sees this law clearly and shows the right path.
- Practice to transform yourself – this is the core of Buddhism.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hoà
The Original Dharma Talk
Is karma real? – Venerable Thich Phap Hoa
Below is his original lesson:
Có nên tin vào nhân quả không? – Thầy Thích Pháp Hoà
