V. Is There a Difference in the Karmic Retribution for Evil Deeds Between Those Who Have Taken the Five Precepts and Those Who Have Not?

All evil deeds arise from malicious and afflictive mental states, stemming from unwholesome nature. Therefore, they all entail inherent offense (性罪). The karmic retribution for inherent offense remains the same regardless of whether one has taken the 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 paths (六道轮回), with the vast majority falling into the three evil realms (三恶道). Those who have not taken the precepts lack alignment with the precepts in their nature. When they violate the precepts, the karmic retribution for their unwholesome nature is identical to that of those who break the precepts.

For example, even if someone has not taken the Five Precepts, killing another person will still lead to rebirth in hell to undergo retribution for the evil deed. After emerging from hell, they must still repay the victim with their own life when encountering them in a future existence. The same applies to killing animals—both are offenses requiring retribution and repayment of life. Violating other precepts follows the same principle: the specific evil retribution incurred must be endured. If one has not taken the Five Precepts but conducts their physical, verbal, and mental actions in accordance with them—manifesting a wholesome nature—they will receive wholesome retribution, enjoying blessings and happiness. Moreover, the sentient beings they benefit will reciprocate with corresponding benefits.

However, there remains a slight difference based on whether one has taken the precepts: if a precept-holder breaks a precept, they incur an additional offense—the disciplinary offense (戒罪) of violating the precept. Knowingly transgressing constitutes disrespect toward the precepts itself, thus incurring guilt. Knowingly violating a precept involves heavier afflictions compared to unintentional violation, and therefore carries heavier karmic retribution.