Is There Injustice in the World?

The karmic actions created by sentient beings since beginningless kalpas are beyond calculation even by countless computers. If the karmic seeds accumulated over immeasurable kalpas could be formatted, past karma would be considered settled. However, unless this karma is fully repaid, or unless one achieves complete purification through repentance and spiritual practice, this karma will not be exhausted. The volume of karma created is so immense that if space had form, it would burst apart. All this karma arises from the individual causes, conditions, and karmic retribution of each sentient being.

The Tathāgatagarbha records everything we are unaware of. It knows all the intricate matters entangled in causes and effects; when conditions ripen, it manifests them with perfect accuracy and impartiality. Therefore, we should not judge matters that appear superficially unfair, for the underlying causes and effects are exceedingly complex. The Tathāgatagarbha will calculate everything and reveal the karmic retribution precisely. Thus, with the existence of the Tathāgatagarbha, there are no truly unfair events in the world; everything will be equal and just. No action you take is in vain, whether good or bad.

The Tathāgatagarbha is utterly inconceivable. Studying its Dharma enables one to comprehend the principles governing the human realm, the heavens, and the threefold world, thereby diminishing ignorance. The more firmly the seventh consciousness (manas) clings to karmic actions, the more profoundly the eighth consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna) records them. Hence, the karmic retribution differs between actions performed with deliberate intent and those done unintentionally. Therefore, when performing good deeds, one need not concern themselves with whether they will receive favorable karmic retribution—the eighth consciousness will ensure the corresponding positive outcome. When committing misdeeds, one cannot harbor the hope of evading consequences, thinking one can get away with it, for the Tathāgatagarbha will not allow evasion. Diligently guard your body, speech, and mind. Do not refrain from small acts of goodness because they seem insignificant, and do not commit small misdeeds because they appear trivial.