Kamma is usually an interesting subject because it concerns everyone and there are many different aspects of it. There are many natural laws that govern our lives but the most important is the law of kamma-vipāka
In a discourse (A.N. 6.63) the Buddha said, “Intention, monks, is kamma I say. Having willed, one acts through body, speech and mind”. This means that intentional action is kamma, and vipāka is the result or effects of it. The result may ripen immediately, later in this life or in a future life.
The Buddhist perspective of kamma is not one of fatalistic surrender, for the scriptures aptly document numerous instances whereby we can counteract or weaken the effects of our previous evil kamma by building up on our own treasure store of good kamma here and now.
We definitely cannot alter what has been sown in our past, but by skillfully exercising wisdom, loving kindness and compassion in our present actions, we can surely determine a future in line with our hopes and aspirations.
We can help our- selves by sincerely embarking on this journey of transforma- tion and with the greatest love for ourselves. For who else can help us but ourselves.
Venerable Dhammavuddho Thero was born in 1947 and worked as an electrical engineer with the Public Works Department for twelve years.
He went forth into the home- less life as a monk at the age of 35. He was first ordained in the Chinese Mahayana tradition. In 1986 he was re-ordained in the Therāvada tradition in Thailand.
After that he spent about ten years living the solitary lifestyle in quiet places. He has also written numerous booklets and articles on Buddhism.
Venerable Dhammavuddho is presently abbot of a newly established 15-acre forest monastery in Temoh, a small town near Ipoh, Perak.
