By Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi

The illusions of sentient beings in the world will lead to various types of karma. The karma produced by the sentient beings consists of virtuous karma and evil karma. Karmic causes will result in rewards and punishments. If evil karma is produced, one will fall into the Three Evil Realms – the Animal Realm, the Ghost Realm, and the Hell Realm, and suffer from one’s karmic causes. If virtuous karma is produced, according to the degree of virtuous deeds conducted, one will be reborn in the Western Buddha Land, or Heavenly Realm, or a wealthy family of the Human Realm, and live in enjoyment and delight.

When different people produce different karma, according to its nature, amount and degree, they will face varied situations in their lives. Some live in wealth and power; some live in poverty and misery; some live in heavenly abundance and longevity; some live a short life under the control of others; some enjoy a healthy and free life; some suffer from sickness and pain; some are talented, travelling around the world due to their financial freedom; some are mediocre, living in their cages and not able to escape; some are beautiful and respected by others; some are ugly and even handicapped. All these examples are reward and punishment caused by karma.
Thus, everyone should follow the rules expounded by the Buddha, and do the Ten Good Deeds, not the Ten Bad Deeds.

The Cause and Effect Sutra has been spread extensively for a long time. During the Dharma Vanishing Era, it promotes good social order by educating people about the importance of doing good deeds and obtaining merit. It also promotes a stable society, eliminating evils and enhancing the self-control of the people. Anyone who promotes this sutra widely will attain immeasurable merit.