龍舒增廣淨土文 6.36

6.36

Those beset by many hardships should not blame Heaven nor reproach others; it is all brought about by one's own karmic conditions. If one is joyful upon seeing others, one obtains the retribution of joy; if one vexes and harms others, one obtains the retribution of vexation and harm; if one facilitates things for others, one obtains the retribution of having things go as one wishes; if one obstructs others, one obtains the retribution of discord and frustration. Every kind is rooted in what was done in past lives, just as a shadow follows the form and an echo responds to a sound. Thus, the reason one is beset by many hardships in this life is that in past lives one did not perform wholesome deeds nor cultivate karmic blessings. Since what is past cannot be undone, from this time forward one should diligently repent and constantly recollect Amitābha Buddha. Not only can one eliminate past obstacles, but one can also increase wholesome conditions, so that in future lives one will be born in Sukhāvatī and never again have these hardships. Do not say that the future life is far off; as soon as one's eyes close, it is right here. If one turns around to transform others, causing them to exhort and transform one another in turn, one will obtain blessings in this present life, and after death will certainly be born in the middle and highest grades.