佛說佛名經 30.106

30.106

"Disciple[s]! Having briefly performed kṣamā for the kleśa-obstacles, we should now in sequence perform kṣamā for the karmāvaraṇas. Now, karma can adorn worldly rebirths everywhere; therefore one contemplates and seeks liberation that departs from the world. The reason the retributions in the six destinies are varied and forms and kinds differ is that they are all created by the power of karma. Therefore, among the Buddha's ten powers, the power of karma is extremely profound, and ordinary beings often easily give rise to doubt and perplexity regarding it. Why is this so? In the world today, one sees that those who perform good encounter rugged hardship, while those who commit evil find that everything goes smoothly; thus they say that under heaven there is no distinction between good and evil. Those who hold such views are all unable to deeply comprehend the principle of karma. Why is this so? The sūtras say: 'There are three kinds of karma. What are the three? First, karma with immediate retribution; second, karma with retribution in the next birth; third, karma with retribution in subsequent births. For karma with immediate retribution, one does good or evil in the present life and receives the retribution in the present body. For karma with retribution in the next birth, one does good or evil in this life and receives retribution in the next life. For karma with retribution in subsequent births, one did good or evil in immeasurable past lives, and either receives it in this life, or will receive its retribution only in immeasurable future lives.' When a person who just performed evil currently experiences good fortune, it is because good karma with retribution in the next birth or subsequent births from past lives has ripened; therefore they presently have this pleasurable fruit. How could this be related to currently doing evil deeds and receiving good retribution? When a person who performs good currently experiences suffering, it is because evil karma with retribution in the next birth or subsequent births from past lives has ripened, and because the strength of current wholesome roots is weak and cannot dispel it, they therefore receive this painful retribution. How could this be related to currently doing good and inviting evil retribution? How is this known to be so? Those who do good in the present world are praised and respected by people, hence it is known that in the future they will surely invite pleasurable fruit. Since there is such evil karma from the past, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas teach beings to associate with wholesome conduct and jointly practice kṣamā; those who thoroughly know these matters will be sharp-witted in attaining the Path. Therefore, disciple[s], today with utmost sincerity take refuge in the Buddhas: