Chapter 4

Listen to the Buddha's teachings on cause and effect:

Wealth and honor all come from fate, the results of past actions. Those who uphold and practice, will enjoy blessings and fortune in every life.

To know the causes of your past life, look at what you experience now. To know the results of your future life, look at what you do now.

Good men and women, listen sincerely, to the Sutra of the Three Lifetimes' Causes and Effects. The causes and effects of the three lifetimes are not trivial; the Buddha's words are true and not to be taken lightly.

Why do you hold an official position in this life? Because in your past life, you adorned the Buddha with gold. The blessings of this life come from the cultivation of the past life, seeking purple robes and jade belts before the Buddha.

Adorning the Buddha with gold adorns oneself, covering the Buddha covers oneself. Do not say that holding an official position is easy; where would it come from if not for cultivation in the past life?

Why do you ride horses and sit in carriages? Because in your past life, you built bridges and repaired roads. Why do you wear silk and brocade? Because in your past life, you gave clothes to help the poor.

Why do you have food and clothing? Because in your past life, you provided tea and meals to the poor. Why do you lack food and clothing? Because in your past life, you did not give even a penny.

Why do you have tall buildings and mansions? Because in your past life, you built temples and pavilions. Why do you have abundant blessings and fortune? Because in your past life, you gave rice to temples and monasteries.

Why do you have a dignified appearance? Because in your past life, you offered flowers and fruits to the Buddha. Why are you intelligent and wise? Because in your past life, you recited scriptures and chanted the Buddha's name.

Why do you have a virtuous wife and beautiful women? Because in your past life, you formed many connections at the temple. Why do you have a long-lasting marriage? Because in your past life, you offered banners and canopies to the Buddha.

Why do you have both parents? Because in your past life, you respected and cared for the lonely. Why do you lack parents? Because in your past life, you hunted birds.

Why do you have many children and grandchildren? Because in your past life, you released birds from cages. Why do your children not thrive? Because in your past life, you drowned infants.

Why do you have no children in this life? Because in your past life, you filled holes and destroyed nests. Why do you have a long life? Because in your past life, you bought and released living beings.

Why do you have a short life? Because in your past life, you slaughtered many lives. Why do you have no wife? Because in your past life, you committed adultery and plotted against others' wives.

Why are you a widow? Because in your past life, you disrespected your husband. Why are you a slave or servant? Because in your past life, you were ungrateful and unrighteous.

Why do you have clear eyesight? Because in your past life, you gave oil to light the Buddha's lamp. Why are you blind? Because in your past life, you gave unclear directions.

Why do you have a cleft lip? Because in your past life, you blew out the lamp before the Buddha. Why are you deaf and mute? Because in your past life, you used harsh words to curse your parents.

Why are you hunchbacked? Because in your past life, you mocked those who bowed to the Buddha. Why are your hands clumsy? Because in your past life, you committed evil and harmed others.

Why are your feet lame? Because in your past life, you robbed and plundered on the road. Why are you a cow or horse? Because in your past life, you owed debts and did not repay them.

Why are you a pig or dog? Because in your past life, you deceived and harmed others. Why do you have many illnesses? Because in your past life, you killed and harmed lives.

Why are you free from illness? Because in your past life, you gave medicine to save the sick. Why are you in prison? Because in your past life, you committed evil and harmed others.

Why do you die of hunger? Because in your past life, you wasted grain. Why do you die from poison? Because in your past life, you poisoned living beings.

Why are you lonely and destitute? Because in your past life, you had a malicious heart and plotted against others. Why do your family members laugh and enjoy? Because in your past life, you helped the lonely.

Why are you insane? Because in your past life, you got drunk and insulted monks. Why do you hang yourself? Because in your past life, you robbed in the mountains.

Why are you widowed, orphaned, or alone? Because in your past life, you had a cruel and jealous heart. Why are you struck by lightning or burned? Because in your past life, you used unfair scales and measures.

Why are you bitten by snakes or attacked by tigers? Because in your past life, you were an enemy and a foe. Whatever you do, you will receive the consequences; who can blame the suffering in hell?

Do not say that cause and effect are unseen; they are far in your descendants and near in your own body. Do not doubt the benefits of fasting and cultivation; just look at those who are blessed now.

The good deeds of the past life bring blessings in this life; the evil deeds of this life lead to downfall in the next. Those who slander the Sutra of Cause and Effect will fall and lose their human form in the next life.

Those who uphold and practice the Sutra of Cause and Effect will have the gods and bodhisattvas as witnesses. Those who write the Sutra of Cause and Effect will see their descendants and families flourish.

Those who wear the Sutra of Cause and Effect will be protected from disasters and misfortunes. Those who speak the Sutra of Cause and Effect will be wise in every life.

Those who sing the Sutra of Cause and Effect will be respected in the next life. Those who print and distribute the Sutra of Cause and Effect will enjoy wealth and honor in the next life.

Those who bow to the Sutra of Cause and Effect will have everything go smoothly. Those who deeply believe in the Sutra of Cause and Effect will be reborn in the Western Paradise.

The causes and effects of the three lifetimes cannot be fully described; the heavens do not fail those with good hearts. May all people have the heart to widely spread and encourage; may the printing and distribution of this scripture bring auspicious stars.

The Buddha's teachings on cause and effect are given to all who read.

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