These sufferings may originate from mental afflictions, particularly those caused by the intense imbalance of the Five Aggregates. Additionally, suffering can arise from physical experiences, including the processes of birth, aging, illness, and death. Interpersonal relationships contribute to suffering through the pain of separation and the frustration of unmet desires. Moreover, suffering can be triggered by external factors, such as natural disasters resulting from the imbalance of earth, water, fire, and wind.
有的人短命或多病，那是因为过去杀生所致，使动物因你而不得善终，或因你而倍受虐待，生不如死，所以他们在今生会遭受相应的苦果。
Likewise, there are those who struggle with poverty and continuous failure, finding obstacles in every endeavor, including business, where success remains elusive. This pattern can often be traced back to previous greed and stinginess. A person’s wealth and status are reflections of their past generosity, just as the saying goes, “You reap what you sow.” Hence, if we failed to cultivate blessings in our past lives, blaming others or fate is misguided.
有的人相貌丑陋，人见人嫌，那是因为嗔心太重的缘故。世界上最难看的表情，就是人愤怒时那张扭曲的脸。所以经常起嗔心的人，会导致丑陋的果报。
Moreover, excessive anger can manifest as unattractiveness and widespread dislike in the present. Anger distorts one’s features, making an angry face the most unappealing. Those who frequently indulge in anger may, therefore, find themselves dealing with the repercussion of perceived ugliness.
有的人配偶不忠，家庭破裂，那是过去生邪淫的结果。有的人地位卑下，受人轻贱，那是我慢太重的结果。
Relationship issues, such as having a disloyal spouse or facing a broken marriage, are the result of sexual misconduct in past lives. Lastly, individuals who are looked down upon or hold a lower status are experiencing the consequences of excessive pride in their previous existence.
此外还可以举出很多例子。总之，世间任何现象都有其前因后果，有特定的发展规律。明白了因果法则，我们就要以此为生活指南和行为标准。勿以善小而不为，勿以恶小而为之，这才是对自己，也是对未来生命负责的态度。
Many other examples could be mentioned. In essence, every phenomenon in the world operates according to its causes and effects, adhering to specific patterns of development. By understanding the principle of causality, we ought to adopt it as a guide for our lives and a benchmark for our actions. We should neither disregard doing good deeds because they seem minor, nor engage in wrongdoings because they appear inconsequential. This approach reflects a responsible attitude towards oneself and one’s future lives.
版权所有：济群法师
Excerpted from:
Life’s Suffering and Its Liberation
By Master Jiqun
