What Is Intrinsic Evil?

All evil deeds arise from evil and afflicted minds, indicating an unwholesome disposition; hence, they all constitute inherent offenses. The karmic retribution for inherent offenses remains the same regardless of whether one has taken precepts or not. Because sentient beings possess the defilements of greed, hatred, and delusion, they undergo retribution within the cycle of rebirth in the six realms, with the majority falling into the three evil destinies. Those who have not taken precepts lack an affinity with the precepts in their disposition. When they violate the Dharma, the karmic retribution stemming from their disposition is identical to that of those who break precepts.

For example, even if someone has not taken the Five Precepts, killing another person will still cause them to fall into hell to undergo retribution for their evil deeds. After emerging from hell, they must still repay the victim with their own life when encountering them again. The same applies to killing animals; it constitutes an offense requiring retribution and repayment of life. Violating other precepts follows the same principle: whatever evil retribution is due must still be endured. If someone has not taken the Five Precepts but their actions of body, speech, and mind align with the Five Precepts, possessing a virtuous disposition, they will receive wholesome retribution, enjoying blessings and happiness. Furthermore, the sentient beings they benefit will reciprocate with corresponding benefits.

However, there remains a slight difference between taking precepts and not taking them: if a person who has taken precepts breaks them, they incur an additional offense of violating the precepts. Willfully transgressing the precepts itself constitutes disrespect for the precepts and thus incurs guilt. Willful violation carries heavier afflictions than unintentional violation, resulting in more severe karmic retribution.