Transforming Habitual Afflictions and Karmic Retribution Through Practice

Question: Is everything that happens to us now the best arrangement, and are they all destined to occur without any element of chance? I often feel self-reproach and distress over my inability to control many of my actions.

Answer: Actions are governed and dominated by the manas (the defiled mental faculty). When the afflictions and defilements of the manas have not been influenced and subdued, all bodily, verbal, and mental actions are dominated by the habitual tendencies of the manas' afflictions. The consciousness (vijñāna) wishes to control the body, speech, and mind but finds itself unable to do so. Therefore, upon observing one's own improper bodily, verbal, or mental actions, one feels shame and self-blame. In reality, this is still blaming the manas; it is just that the consciousness does not understand that this is an issue of the manas, mistakenly thinking it is a problem of the consciousness itself. If it were a problem of the consciousness itself, once the consciousness becomes aware, it could correct it immediately, which would not be difficult. However, regarding the problems of the manas, the consciousness sometimes feels at a loss. One can only study the Dharma more, understand the principles more deeply, and master more skillful means to persuade and influence the manas. Only then will the afflictive habitual tendencies of the manas gradually begin to subside.

Most of what we encounter now is inevitable and must be endured; it is the result of our own causes, conditions, and karmic retribution. It cannot be avoided nor chosen; it must be passively accepted. The best arrangement should be like that of the Buddha—experiencing the karmic retribution and circumstances of a Buddha. However, within our own circumstances and experiences, there are also elements of chance and unexpected events that enable us to actively or passively alter karmic causes and effects. When one cultivates to a certain level, one gains the ability to control and change karmic causes and effects. At that time, both mind and body will experience greater ease.