The Profound Meaning of Consciousness-Only in the Diamond Sutra (30)

The karmic causes, conditions, and results of almsgiving are actualized by the Tathāgatagarbha. The entire process of the act of giving is upheld and recorded by the Tathāgatagarbha. When the conditions ripen, the Tathāgatagarbha outputs this karmic seed, and sentient beings receive the karmic fruit of merit and virtue. Generally, this karmic fruit is received in a future life and is called vipāka karma (ripened karma). However, if this karma is very significant and the conditions ripen in the present life, then the retribution is experienced in this very life. The karma created by sentient beings never vanishes. Wholesome karma, unwholesome karma, and neutral karma are all stored and output by the Tathāgatagarbha without any error, omission, or confusion; karma created by one individual will not be attributed to another, nor will another person receive its retribution. Generally, once the retribution for wholesome or unwholesome karma is fully received, the karmic seed vanishes. Created unwholesome karma can also be eliminated through repentance. After attaining the fruition of enlightenment or realizing the mind's true nature, the karma leading to the three lower realms is eliminated, and one will not fall into the three lower realms in future lives. The karma that is strongest will bear fruit first. Practitioners should always ensure that wholesome karma outweighs unwholesome karma, thereby temporarily avoiding the retribution of unwholesome karma. After a very long time, the karmic seeds will wither and dry up. For example, sentient beings who commit the Five Heinous Crimes, upon attaining the lowest grade of the lowest tier of rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, remain within a lotus flower for twelve great kalpas. Having no opportunity to create new karma, their karmic seeds gradually wither. Once their minds become pure, they emerge from the lotus flower.

Fearlessness Almsgiving includes rescuing the lives of sentient beings, relieving their suffering and distress, and removing their psychological obstacles. Its karmic fruits include health, longevity, peace, happiness, smooth progress in all endeavors, and wealth and honor. Sometimes, Material Almsgiving contains elements of Fearlessness Almsgiving, and Fearlessness Almsgiving contains elements of Material Almsgiving. Dharma Almsgiving yields karmic fruits in both merit and wisdom, and also includes the fruits of Fearlessness Almsgiving. Expounding the sutras and teachings, propagating the Buddha's message on his behalf, constitutes direct Dharma Almsgiving. Printing sutras, supporting the Sangha jewel in spreading the Dharma, etc., constitute indirect Dharma Almsgiving. However, it is best to first cultivate and attain realization, gaining insight into the Way and awakening the wisdom of the Mahayana and Hinayana paths, ensuring the fundamental Buddhadharma is not explained incorrectly. One should not mislead sentient beings onto wrong paths of practice, and certainly must not sever the Dharma-body and wisdom-life of sentient beings. Only after this should one personally expound the sutras and teachings to guide sentient beings; this is the best approach. Sentient beings who support Dharma Masters in spreading the Dharma must also possess the discernment of Dharma. Discernment of Dharma is one of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, the ability to distinguish right from wrong in the Dharma. Otherwise, if the fundamental Buddhadharma is incorrectly propagated or assisted in propagating, the karmic retribution is also very heavy; one must be extremely cautious.