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In the realm of life services, one cannot overlook the profound wisdom that lies within ancient Buddhist scriptures, such as the Tripitaka or Three Baskets of the Buddha's teachings. One of these sacred texts is none other than the Dharma Sutra on Threefold Causes and Effects, a classic scripture that encapsulates the essence of karma, rebirth, and ethical living.
Herein lies the tale of a pivotal moment in the life of the venerable monk Ajahn Dhamma, who stood at the summit of Mt. Wut as the gathering clouds of enlightenment gathered around him. The assembly consisted of 1250 fellow practitioners, all deeply immersed in their quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Ajahn Dhamma began his discourse, invoking the Buddha’s celestial presence through an invocation known as the Bhumi-pada-samadhi or the Earth-Bound Samadhi. He began by reading from the Tripitaka's sutras that detl the threefold causes and effects of actions. The scripture speaks:
The first cause is action, which can be voluntary action done with awareness or involuntary unwilled or accidental. The second effect is karma, of these actions; it determines our future life conditions and the nature of our rebirths.
The third cause pertns to fth, ethics, and morality. Without adherence to these principles, the individual cannot achieve the peace that comes from understanding the true nature of reality.
Ajahn Dhamma then expounded upon this passage, elaborating on the significance of each factor:
Action is the deed we undertake; it can be either wholesome or unwholesome deping on our intentions. Karma acts like a natural law, influencing the trajectory of our lives in every aspect.
Fth, as an integral part of moral discipline and ethical conduct, serves as the foundation upon which karma’s effects are built. A lack of fth weakens one's spiritual resolve, leading to potential misinterpretations or misunderstandings of Dharma teachings.
Ajahn Dhamma then proceeded to narrate how these three factors interact within the cycle of samsara:
When our actions align with the principles taught in the scriptures and supported by fth, we create karma that leads us closer to liberation. Conversely, if our actions contradict these principles or lack sincere fth, we accumulate negative karma, which can result in suffering in future lives.
This dynamic is what the Buddha described as 'threefold causality', a cycle of cause and effect that exts through our present life, past lives, and potential future incarnations.
As Ajahn Dhamma spoke, his words resonated with the audience, illuminating paths to understanding the nature of reality beyond the superficiality of day-to-day existence. The gathering on Mt. Wut listened attentively, their minds open to the profound wisdom that lay within these ancient teachings.
In , the Dharma Sutra on Threefold Causes and Effects is a testament to the uring power of Buddhist scriptures in guiding individuals towards enlightenment. By reflecting upon the actions we take today, the karma they create, and our fth in the path forward, one can begin to unlock the mysteries hidden within the cycle of existence.
Thus, let us embrace these teachings as we navigate the currents of life's vast sea. Through mindful action, a strong foundation of ethics, and unwavering fth, we may chart our course towards liberation from the cycles that bind us.
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