If we want to know the causes we have planted in our past lives, our experiences in this life are the effects.

If we want to know what our circumstances will be in the next life, just look at the causes we are planting in this life.{1}

This verse tells us that a person’s past deeds will decide whether his present life will be one of for-tune or misfortune, wealth or poverty; while his present life actions, whether wholesome{2} or un-wholesome{3}, will determine the good or bad of his future lifetimes. This idea of cause, effect, and karmic retribution is a core doctrine in Buddhism.

Buddhism does not just talk about cause and ef-fect, it emphasizes the three periods within which this concept exists.

Even after millions of kalpas, karma remains;

when cause and conditions ripen, retributions{4} will be effected.{5}

The above verse means that the karmas which we create will never disappear no matter how long the time is. Once the right conditions{6} are present, it will manifest. This is the fundamental idea of how cause and effect exists through out the three periods.

Cause and effect spanning the three periods does not necessarily mean a past, present or future life, it can even be last year, this year or next year; yes-terday, today or tomorrow; or even the previous, present or next second. In general, the three periods represent the past, present, and future.

【Key Words】

1. If we want to know the causes we have planted in our past lives, our experiences in this life are the effects. If we want to know what our circumstances will be in the next life, just look at the causes we are planting in this life. 欲知前世因，今生受者是。欲知來世果，今生做者是。
2. wholesome 善
3. unwholesome 惡
4. etributions 業報
5. Even after millions of kalpas, karma remains; when cause and conditions ripen, retributions will be effected. 假使百千劫，所作業不亡。因緣會遇時，果報還自受。
6. conditions 緣