The Retribution of Ignorance, Kleshas, and Karma

For those who have committed grave karmic offenses, repentance before the Buddha is required until auspicious signs appear, such as lotuses manifesting or the Buddha touching their heads to offer comfort. For generally less severe offenses, sincere repentance before the assembly can eliminate them. Remember: greed leads to rebirth in the realm of hungry ghosts; hatred leads to rebirth in the hell realm; and delusion leads to rebirth in the animal realm. When the manifestations of evil karma appear at the time of death, one will inevitably fall into the Three Evil Realms without escape. Therefore, regularly examine your mind and diligently use the principles of the Dharma to subdue it. Upholding precepts and cultivating concentration subdues afflictions relatively quickly. Those with extremely strong greed will suffer for a very long time in the realm of hungry ghosts. If this greed is directed toward the Three Jewels, the offense is especially grave. Those with intense hatred will endure retribution in the hell realm for a very long time. If this hatred is directed toward the Three Jewels, the karmic offense is even more severe. Those deeply entrenched in delusion will commit major evil deeds, which goes beyond merely falling into the animal realm. They will first descend into hell to undergo retribution, then pass through the realm of hungry ghosts, and only afterward enter the animal realm.

All afflictions arise entirely from delusion. Delusion is the root of afflictions. Without delusion, greed and hatred would not arise, and afflictive karma would not be created. In the future, when afflictions are eradicated, greed and hatred will be eliminated first, while delusion will be the last to cease. This world is filled with a vast expanse of deluded sentient beings—far too many and profoundly afflicted.

Once, a layperson slandered an Arhat. The Arhat told the layperson, "I have attained the fruition of Arhatship. You must repent before the assembly; otherwise, you will certainly fall into hell." The Arhat then rang the bell to gather the assembly. The layperson apologized and repented before everyone. Nevertheless, upon death, the layperson still fell into hell. Why? Because the karmic offense of slandering an Arhat is far too grave and heavy; repentance alone cannot completely eliminate it. Without repentance, the offense would have been even heavier, resulting in a much longer period of retribution in hell. In hell, being released even one minute early is considered fortunate and cause for rejoicing. The severity of offenses determines which hell one falls into and the intensity of suffering endured. Slandering those who have attained the first, second, or third fruition of enlightenment is also extremely grave. People in this world pay no heed to others' spiritual attainments or status; when afflictions arise, they slander indiscriminately, disregarding the consequences, prioritizing only the venting of their emotions. How foolish!

If one studies Buddhism without any intention to subdue afflictions, even if one masters the teachings of an eighth-ground Bodhisattva, after creating afflictive karma and falling into the Three Evil Realms, the Dharma of an eighth-ground Bodhisattva cannot save oneself. Ordinarily, indulging one's afflictive tendencies without considering the consequences, following one's whims and desires, acting however one pleases while disregarding others—all for the sake of personal comfort—will result in retribution that brings a millionfold discomfort. Is the ratio between comfort and discomfort proportional? Not at all. When that time comes, one will regret, thinking, "Why did I ever act that way? It was utterly worthless," gaining nothing but suffering from evil retribution.