The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

51 TZU CHI 133 * Extracted from the book “Infinite Teachings, Infinite Meanings”. What is karma? Karma is created when our minds give rise to thoughts, which are then expressed through our actions. Is going along with our affinities eliminating or creating karma? Following proper affinities eliminates karma, while following improper affinities creates karma. Determining whether an affinity is proper or improper requires wisdom. Your judgment must be nimble. If someone asks you to join in committing a crime and you go along with this improper affinity, then you create karma. If someone asks you to help people and you go along with this proper affinity, then you eliminate karma. Eliminating karma is very different from creating karma. That is why I often say that whenever a thought arises, we must retain Right Mindfulness. Can karmic obstacles be eliminated? As long as we have an awakened mindset, then we are eliminating karma at every moment. When we see people that we have good affinities with, we should give rise to pure and joyful thoughts, not become attached and possessive. When we encounter people with whom we lack good affinities, we should guard against carrying on our negative connection with them. In this way, we can eliminate negative karma. When we face people that we lack good affinities with, if we give rise to negative thoughts and speak harsh words, then we add karma to already negative karma. We should instead be extra gentle to avoid hurting them or giving them reason to form negative thoughts. As time goes by, they will calm down and cease that anger, and our negative affinity with them will be dissolved. Then perhaps, when we meet them again, whether in this life or the next, it will be their turns to help us in our spiritual cultivation. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen