The Principle of Mitigated Retribution for Heavy Karmic Offenses

Suffering karmic retribution for future misdeeds in the present life constitutes receiving lighter retribution for serious offenses. The better one's spiritual cultivation, the sooner karmic retribution manifests, resulting in less karmic interest accrued—this is highly worthwhile. If you encounter a car accident in this life, you should think: "How wonderful! This means I won’t have to fall into hell to endure retribution in the future, nor face sudden untimely death or a shortened lifespan." If someone makes things difficult for you, wrongs or humiliates you, or insults and scolds you, you should reflect: "This person is truly doing me a favor. Now I won’t have to suffer from major illnesses like cancer, nor endure accidents such as car crashes. Such karmic retribution is being settled in this manner—what a beneficial exchange." The minor setbacks encountered through cultivation help avoid major calamities in future lives. The significant hardships encountered through present cultivation avert even greater future misfortunes—such as severe crises, illnesses, suffering, death, and retribution in the Three Evil Realms. This is profoundly advantageous. Therefore, regardless of circumstances, continue to diligently cultivate the Way.