The Next Life Holds Even More: The Story of the Butcher and the Devout Layman

Have you ever wondered why some people who do evil still enjoy wealth, while those who do good face suffering? The Buddha taught that everything follows the law of cause and effect (karmic law). However, some karmic results appear in this very life, while others are far more terrifying in the next. Through the stories of Chunda the butcher and a devout layman from Shravasti, we will see this truth clearly.

## The Story of Chunda the Butcher: Greater Suffering in the Next Life

Near the Buddha’s monastery lived a butcher named Chunda, infamous for his cruel method of slaughtering pigs. He would tie the pig tightly, beat it until its body was bruised to soften the meat, then use iron tools to pry open its jaws and pour boiling water inside. This cleaned the intestines, and he would even pour boiling water over the skin so it peeled off while the animal was still alive. Finally, he cut its throat to collect blood, which he roasted and poured over the skin to give it a beautiful color. Chunda became very wealthy because his roast pork was famous, yet he never made merit, looked down on others, and did not believe in cause and effect (karmic law).

Suffering arrived in this life, but the suffering in the next life is even greater. Those filled with evil harvest the bitter fruits they have planted, tears streaming down their faces.

When his blessings from merit were exhausted, Chunda contracted a strange illness, screaming like a pig. He crawled around his house, crying out in agony as if being beaten, scalded by boiling water, and having his throat cut. For seven days, he writhed in pain. On the seventh day, his body turned black as if burning, and he collapsed dead. The Buddha said: He was not killing a pig; rather, the karmic retribution for killing pigs was manifesting. After death, he fell into Avici Hell, where the suffering is ten thousand times worse. This is a lesson about the karma of taking life—the retribution does not end in this life but continues to torment us in the next.

## The Story of the Devout Layman in Shravasti: Greater Joy in the Next Life

In contrast to Chunda, there lived a wealthy and virtuous layman in the city of Shravasti. He always helped poor travelers, feeding and caring for them. He regularly made offerings to the Sangha and taught his fourteen children to practice generosity. As he approached death, he asked to hear the teachings on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Though lying in bed, he clasped his hands together and listened attentively.

Joy arrived in this life, but the joy in the next life is even greater. Those filled with goodness harvest the sweet fruits they have planted, surrounded by happiness.

While the monks chanted sutras, the layman saw devas from various heavenly realms coming to invite him. They parked their chariots in mid-air, each inviting him to their realm. He wished to go to the Tusita Heaven, where the bodhisattva Maitreya teaches the Dharma. He asked his son to throw a garland of flowers into the air with a sincere vow, and the garland floated suspended in space. He passed away with a smile, enveloped in fragrance and light. The Buddha confirmed: He had been reborn in the Tusita Heaven. This is living proof that those who do good not only enjoy blessings from merit in this life but also have a bright future ahead.

## Cause and Effect Is Not What We Imagine

Some say: “I follow the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), yet I encounter nothing but bad luck, my work fails, and my family is in conflict.” The Buddha taught that those who do good experience joy in this life, but this joy often arrives when wholesome karma matures, especially at the end of life. When one first begins to practice, one may face misfortune for several reasons. There are two main causes:

First, because one has made great vows to escape worldly existence, past negative karma must be paid off rapidly to purify the mind. Consider this like settling debts before traveling abroad. Although painful, it is temporary.

Second, because one practices incorrectly or follows false teachers, the devas and bodhisattvas create difficult conditions to warn us to stop and adjust our path.

How can we know if we are right or wrong? If you face misfortune but your mind remains steady and unshaken, viewing it as an opportunity to endure and learn, you are on the right path. If you feel shaken or doubtful, you must review your journey. Furthermore, as you practice with diligence, if you increasingly feel small and humble, like a speck of dust, this is a sign of genuine cultivation. But if you practice and feel proud or boastful, beware that you may have lost your way.

## Why Do Evil People Still Prosper? A Warning for the Stubborn

Sometimes we see evil people living happily, richly, and successfully. The Buddha taught: If we have good roots and commit minor evils, the devas warn us immediately through unfortunate events. However, if an evil person continues to rise without any obstacles, it is a sign they are plummeting uncontrollably, with no chance to turn back. They will fall into hell, lose their human form, and suffer endlessly.

## Choose a Bright Future for Yourself

This teaching from the Dhammapada is a profound reminder of the law of cause and effect (karmic law). Do not be distracted by superficial appearances. Trust in karma: those who sow wind reap storms, and those who plant good seeds harvest sweet fruit. Let us strive to live well, do good, make offerings, and help others. This is the foundation of happiness in the present and the future. As the Buddha taught: “Joy arrives in this life, and joy in the next life is even greater.” Have the courage to walk firmly on the path of goodness.