When Conditions Ripen, Retribution Is Certain.

Question: When in meditative concentration (samādhi), such as the fourth dhyāna or the concentration of no-perception, is karmic retribution suspended while one is in concentration, especially in deep concentration?

Answer: When one is in meditative concentration, if the karmic seeds from the past happen to ripen in their conditions at that very moment, the retribution must manifest at that time—there is no way around it. Even if a person is performing good deeds, if the conditions for evil karma ripen, the evil retribution will manifest, and he will immediately have to undergo that evil retribution, and the good karma cannot continue to be completed. In matters of cause and effect, no one can violate them; when conditions ripen, retribution must be received. If the conditions for evil karma do not ripen, a great wholesome karma may perhaps postpone the retribution of the evil karma, and may also reduce and lighten the retribution of the evil karma. But if the evil karma is already fixed, then there is no way—no one can stop it.