Here we touch on a seemingly puzzling question: In a given trial or difficult circumstance – such as having been scammed – why do some suffer more than others?
In documented scam cases, why do some encounter heart-rending and agonizing loss where their life savings disappear at the hands of merciless scammers – and others, while their loss is traumatic, only have a relatively small portion of their savings stealthily taken?
The same perplexing question arises in other situations, such as in the case of bushfires or other natural disasters. In Australia, for example, where bushfires are common in hot summer seasons, why are some homes burnt to the ground and others spared when the wind direction suddenly changes? For yet others, only the outer sheds may have been destroyed on their property, while their house remained intact.
One answer that can account for the above dilemmas – though this explanation of and by itself is also complex – lies in the universal law of cause and effect. This is commonly referred to as the law of karma or the law of compensation.
In explaining the reason for different outcomes in given difficult situations, this law posits that there is no suffering without a prior cause. In life, however, tracing the cause for a given effect – such as suffering – can be most difficult. (On the other hand, at times the correlation between cause and effect becomes crystal clear.)
If we accept the premise that the law of compensation, or karma, accounts for the different degrees of suffering in life – such as varying types of misfortune and misery in scam outcomes – then we need to first thoroughly assess our own karmic situation.
We can survey the circumstances of our life to discern the karmic patterns established in the past. (We can also check our current thoughts and actions as an indication of what will come!) For example, if we are kind and considerate toward others, then it is not surprising that people will respond in like manner toward us (but, of course, not always, and that is why the law of cause and effect is complex).
No person prefers suffering to happiness, yet almost all of us unfortunately create the causes for misery. Why? Unfortunately, we act oblivious to karmic consequences, seeking gratification in the moment – and then blame our bad fortune on negative outer circumstances as if these represented random occurrences of fate rather than direct results of our own conduct.
We need to, without equivocation, without hope of evading negative results if non-virtue remains unpurified, bear honest witness to our own conduct. Others may praise us for our fine behavior, but only we truly know if our actions are tainted with impure motivation or poisonous emotions.
Sooner or later, each us must journey on beyond this life into other realms – stripped of everything except consciousness and the forces of karma. Why sheathe ourselves in hypocrisy and rationalizations now when we must bear the results of our actions then?
In being aware of the law of compensation, and in the context of being inhumanly taken advantage of by a scam, we can use the situation to arouse compassion.
We can imagine the karmic forces that will overtake cruel scammers – unless they turn from their mean ways – when they die. And, proportionate misfortune may well rebound upon them in this life. It is possible that the comfortable lives of some scammers could suddenly be overwhelmed by tragedy – the unexpected consequence of their unsuspected karma!
Rather than continuing to act in ignorance with respect to awareness of karma, we each need to refine our sense of what to accept and what to reject. Also, being aware of the law of compensation, we need to cease blaming others and begin purifying our own mind.
We can endeavour to – through well-disciplined physical activity, well-chosen words, and beneficial intention – create the causes for fortunate circumstances. Ultimately, of course, may we all escape the bewildering tangle of karma altogether and fully enter the state of the divine realm.
Source: This section is based on Tromge, Jane. Ngondro Commentary. Junction City, CA: Padma Publishing, 1995.
In summary, we need to remain aware of the reality of karma (the law of cause and effect or law of compensation). “When causes and conditions come together, a result is sure to follow. So I will do my best to help others and engage in positive deeds.” (Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche)
Whatever we sow, we shall, in due time, also reap – both good or bad outcomes. The reaping may not occur immediately, or in this life, but it will come, even in our next realm of existence. May we maintain this awareness in all our thoughts and actions.
If we recognize that we have acted unwisely and unethically – and earnestly change our ways, with regret, remorse, and positive remedial action – then the bad effects of karma may be mitigated, that is, made less severe, serious, or painful!
In other words, in case of things going wrong in our lives, we need to examine our lives for non-virtuous actions that may have brought them about. While all trials are not necessarily the result of non-virtuous actions, self-examination is a good spiritual practice – being instructive and growth-producing.
Finally, the Sacred Word instructs us to remain mindful and aware of karmic consequences – karma is indeed real (yet a complex matter for us to fully understand as mortals). Here is a selection of five passages:
- “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12)
- “As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” (Job 4:8)
- “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” (Proverbs 11:18)
- Pr 22:8 – He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
- Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
Alexander and Eva Peck