If we find ourselves today in an unpleasant situation, it is because every thought we have ever had, every act we have ever performed, has brought us to that situation. Where we are now is the sum total of every thought we’ve entertained and everything we’ve ever done.
That’s the law of cause and effect. The effects we are now experiencing arise from previous causes. The Sanskrit word “karma,” often translated as “action,” can also be translated as the law of cause and effect because every action produces an effect.
If we find ourselves in a pleasant situation, it’s because every thought we ever held, every act we ever performed, has brought us to that situation. Where we are now is the sum total of everything we’ve ever thought or done.
But the best situation to be in is one that is perceived as neither good nor bad. If we adjudge our situation to be pleasant or unpleasant, our mind is defiled. Our thoughts are satanic if we categorize everything we do as something we enjoy doing or don’t enjoy doing. Our mind is satanic if we divide our personal acquaintances into people we like and those we don’t. Or countries we like and those we don’t. Or religions we like and those we don’t.
And if we find ourselves in a pleasant life and do not practice Zen (who needs it? I’m happy!), then we are merely coasting, using up the momentum of our good karma.
If we find ourselves in an unpleasant life, at least we know we are using up our bad karma, but only if we practice.
Either way, practice is the only worthwhile activity.
Satipatthana: The Direct Path to Realization
