Diligent Practice Is the Fundamental Principle to Avoid Creating Evil Karma and Suffering Retribution

What did the Buddha do when King Virūḍhaka led his army to exterminate the Śākya clan?

During this pandemic, although we Buddhist practitioners have not personally treated patients or eradicated the virus, we have made our due contribution to the nation and, to some extent, delivered sentient beings by employing methods unique to Buddhism for saving beings—such as dedicating the merit from reciting sutras, chanting the Buddha’s name, and studying the Dharma—to expedite the end of the pandemic. The extent of this contribution cannot be precisely quantified, but it can be said that the effect of such dedication is far from negligible. Given that the merit of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is immeasurable, do they not possess countless expedient means to resolve sentient beings’ calamities—whether natural or man-made—without resorting to killing or creating negative karmic ties with beings?

When sentient beings lack sufficient merit and wisdom, they can only conceive of killing and hostility as solutions to disasters, unable to envision better methods. Yet with ample merit and wisdom, a single thought can dissolve calamities. Thus, when disasters strike, sentient beings naturally turn to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, for their wisdom is vast and profound, enabling them to resolve such issues effortlessly.

Therefore, everyone must strive diligently in practice, for practice is the fundamental truth. Without practice, one can never avoid committing unwholesome karma and subsequently suffering its retribution.