Believers in Cause and Effect: Why They Never Blame Others

Have you ever wondered why some people remain so calm when facing misfortune? They may lose money, encounter accidents, or be criticized by others, yet they do not utter a single word of complaint. In contrast, there are those who blame circumstances, society, or other people at the slightest sign of trouble. Where does this difference lie? The answer is found in faith in cause and effect (karmic law).

Cause and Effect: The Foundation of All Ethics

The Buddha often emphasized that the law of cause and effect (karmic law) is a hidden principle governing the destiny of all sentient beings. Because of this law, Buddhist disciples are always cautious in their thoughts, words, and actions. However, belief in deities alone is insufficient, because humans have a tendency toward "bribery"—they seek to appease gods to gain forgiveness. True morality is only built when one believes in an objective law of cause and effect (karmic law) that cannot be bought off.

Only when people believe that an objective law of cause and effect (karmic law) governs human life—where good deeds, evil deeds, sins, and blessings produce fair and impartial results independent of any deity—do they truly begin to submit to discipline. At that point, they start to correct themselves and dare no longer commit wrongful acts.

By believing in the law of cause and effect (karmic law), people learn to sow good seeds to reap wholesome fruits. Yet, in reality, many who believe still struggle to transform their character. Inner transformation requires various conditions. Nevertheless, holding this faith means you have already stepped onto the fundamental rung of spiritual practice.

Believers Accept Responsibility First

The first characteristic of those who believe in cause and effect (karmic law) is that they always look inward to accept fault when facing difficult situations. They do not shift blame externally but reflect on their own karma. When business fails, they think, "I lack blessings from merit; my karma is heavy." When injured in an accident, they recognize it as karmic conditions from the past. Master Chan Quang shares this insight:

People with faith in cause and effect (karmic law) usually take responsibility for themselves, thinking they lack blessings from merit or carry heavy karma. Perhaps in a past life, they broke a promise, caused suffering to someone, or took what was not theirs through improper means. Therefore, if they invest ten bars of gold today, they might recover only two or three.

This attitude brings lightness to the mind, as they realize no one is more deserving of criticism than themselves. They live peacefully and continue to make efforts. Conversely, those who habitually blame others often feel anxious, burdened by afflictions (kleshas), and disturb those around them. In spiritual practice, anyone who readily admits their own faults can progress well. But those who constantly speak ill of or criticize others have not yet made significant headway.

Success Does Not Lead to Arrogance

The second quality is avoiding arrogance when encountering luck or success. Those who do not understand cause and effect (karmic law) might think, "I am talented," leading to conceit. But believers say, "I have blessings from merit"—results from past lives. They do not use their skills as a basis for boasting. As taught:

Those who understand cause and effect (karmic law) do not claim they are skilled; instead, they acknowledge they have blessings from merit. In a previous life, they performed some meritorious act, so now the right conditions align, allowing their investments to succeed. If they attribute success to blessings from merit, they avoid arrogance. If they attribute it to their own skill, pride arises.

When promoted, winning the lottery, or receiving praise, they maintain humility. They know success is the result of favorable conditions and merit previously cultivated, so they do not cling to the ego of "I" to praise themselves.

Avoiding the Disease of Stardom

When admired by many, one easily falls into the "disease of stardom"—an illusion of self-importance that breeds arrogance, pettiness, and demands for special treatment. Believers in cause and effect (karmic law) understand that popularity does not arise spontaneously:

Most famous singers and renowned artists possess the causes from past lives where they engaged in social charity work.

They recognize that admiration stems from wholesome conditions created by helping others in the past. Therefore, when receiving praise, they do not become boastful, knowing that once the merit is exhausted, it ends. Instead, they continue doing good deeds to ensure their blessings from merit endure.

If you wish to be loved by others, learn to practice generosity and help people right now. This is sowing the seeds to reap the fruits in the future.

Living Peacefully with Cause and Effect

Begin today. Whenever things do not go as planned, try looking within yourself first. Whenever you achieve success, remember it is due to wholesome merit. Living with an understanding of cause and effect (karmic law) will bring you greater ease and joy. This is the first step on the path of ethical cultivation.