Cause and effect, and karmic retribution1i are the laws of the universe, and the determination factors for joy and suffering in our lives. Being what determine the outcomes of our lives, they are created by our own actions, not by any god. They apply equally to everyone with no exemptions. They represent a bright future and endless hope for everyone, regardless of social status or who we are.

However, for some people, although they treat others with loyalty, they are still poor the rest of their lives, while others resort to mischievous ways to further their interests and get rich. For some, despite being filial to their parents, they are constantly affected by illness, while some enjoy good health even if they are unkind to their parents. In fact, the interpretation of cause and effect, and karmic retribution does not work in such a way. Loyalty and honesty, along with mischievousness each has their own moral causes and effects. On the other hand, wealth and poverty also have their own economic causes and effects. Health and illness are the causes and effects of hygiene. You may be loyal and honest, but incapable of management; as a result, you are still poor. Those who are unfilial to their parents may have good hygiene and eat nutritiously; naturally they will be healthy. Cause and effect, and karmic retribution{1} cannot be regarded in the same way. “Karmic retribution, whether good or bad, will arrive; it is only a matter of time.” From the perspective of time, the creation of karma and karmic retribution spreads over three different periods of time. For instance, the seeds of some plants are sown in spring, and can be harvested in autumn of the same year; some sown this year can only be harvested in next year, while some sown may take many years before it can be harvested. The Three Periods of Karmic Retribution are:


【Key Words】
{1} Cause and effect, and karmic retribution  因果業報