Sutra on the Causes and Effects of Good and Evil (善惡因果經)

This is what I have heard:

At that time, the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove, Anathapindika's Park, in the city of Shravasti. At that moment, the World-Honored One, surrounded by countless bodhisattvas, humans, and heavenly beings, was teaching the Dharma, and all listened with single-minded concentration.

At that time, Ananda, for the sake of all beings, addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, I now see that among the people of this world, though all are born as humans, there are those who are beautiful and those who are ugly; some are strong, others weak; some are poor, others rich; some suffer, others enjoy happiness; some are noble, others lowly. Their voices differ, their languages vary. Some live to a hundred without dying, while others perish at thirty, or die young at fifteen, or are lost even in the womb."

Some are upright and principled yet live in poverty and lowliness, while others are ugly in appearance yet enjoy wealth and high status. Some are strong and capable but occupy lowly positions, while others are weak and incompetent yet rise to high office. Some endure suffering yet live long lives, while others enjoy pleasure but die young. Some act virtuously yet meet with misfortune, while others commit evil deeds yet prosper. Some have fair features and bright eyes but are despised, while others are dark and plain yet graceful and charming. Some are short in stature yet full of confidence and spirit, while others are tall and imposing but serve as slaves to others.

There are those with abundant family and children, and those who live alone and isolated. There are those who wander abroad, hungry and cold, gaunt and weary; and those who enter palaces and serve at court, with food and clothing at their ease. There are those who are poor and lowly in youth, yet gain wealth and honor in old age; and those who, though innocent and truthful, suffer wrongful imprisonment. There are those with kind fathers and filial sons, who discuss the classics and expound on principles; and those whose brothers are at odds, quarreling and fighting with each other. There are those who live in peace, with homes well-established and all kinds of abundance; and those who have no house of their own, drifting from place to place.

Some are like birds perched on deer, or hunters among their own kind; some wear furs and drink blood, knowing no written word. Some sit upright awaiting their fate, some labor without land to call their own. Some are bright and keen of mind, some dull and lacking wisdom. Some strive hard to gain what they seek, some receive without asking. Some are rich yet cling tightly, some poor yet give freely. Some speak with gentle harmony, some utter sharp and thorny words. Some are cherished and respected by others, some are shunned and kept at a distance. Some nurture life with compassion, some kill without compare. Some win many through generosity, some are cast aside by all.

There are women and mothers-in-law who despise each other, and sisters-in-law who laugh and play together. Some delight in hearing the Dharma, while others fall asleep when scriptures are recited. There are warriors who lack courtesy, and scholars who love to study literature and philosophy. Some take the form of animals, appearing as all kinds of different creatures.

"May the World-Honored One expound the law of cause and effect in detail, so that all who hear it may wholeheartedly turn toward goodness."

The Buddha told Ananda, "The reason people receive different karmic results, as you asked, is that their minds and actions in past lives were not the same. That is why the consequences they experience now are so varied.

A dignified and graceful appearance in this life comes from having practiced patience and forbearance in the past. An ugly or unpleasant appearance arises from past anger and hatred. Poverty in this life stems from past stinginess and greed. A noble or high status comes from having shown reverence and paid respects. A lowly or despised position results from past arrogance and contempt. A tall and stately presence is born from past respect and humility. A short or stunted stature comes from having looked down upon others and the Dharma. A cruel and violent nature arises from having been a sheep in a past life. A dark and sickly complexion results from having obstructed the light of the Buddha."

Tight-lipped from eating only fine foods in past lives; Red-eyed from hoarding light and fire; Sparrow-eyed from sewing up hawks’ eyes; Mute from slandering the Dharma; Deaf from disliking the hearing of Dharma; Missing teeth from delighting in gnawing bones and flesh; Stuffed nose from burning foul incense to offer to the Buddha; Split lips from piercing fish gills; Yellow hair from castrating pigs; Pierced ears from boring holes in ears.

Being born with a snake-like body comes from carelessly brushing past Buddha images while wearing light clothing. Being born with a dark complexion comes from placing Buddha images under eaves where they are blackened by smoke. Being born crippled and lame comes from failing to rise when seeing one’s teachers or elders. Being born with a hunched back comes from turning one’s back on Buddha images while entering or exiting in light attire. Being born with a swollen forehead comes from striking one’s own forehead with the hand upon seeing the Buddha without paying respect. Being born with a short neck comes from ducking and hiding when seeing respected elders. Being born with heart pain comes from cutting or stabbing the bodies of living beings. Being born with leprosy comes from wrongfully taking others’ possessions. Being born with coughing fits comes from giving people cold food in winter.

If one is born without clear gender, it is due to killing the young of birds in a past life. If one has many children, it is due to having cared for living beings with joy. If one has a long life, it is due to having cultivated a compassionate heart. If one has a short life, it is due to having taken the lives of others. If one is wealthy, it is due to having practiced generosity. If one possesses carriages and horses, it is due to having offered such to the Three Jewels. If one is intelligent, it is due to having studied and recited scriptures. If one is dull-witted, it is due to having been born as an animal. If one is enslaved or servile, it is due to having incurred debts. If one is restless and wild, it is due to having been a monkey. If one suffers from leprosy or severe skin disease, it is due to having damaged the Three Jewels. If one’s hands and feet are paralyzed or disabled, it is due to having bound the limbs of living beings. If one has a vicious nature, it is due to having been a snake or scorpion. If one’s six sense faculties are complete and sound, it is due to having upheld the precepts. If one’s faculties are impaired or incomplete, it is due to having broken the precepts.

Those who are unclean in their conduct come from the realm of pigs. Those who delight in song and dance come from the realm of entertainers. Those who are full of greed come from the realm of dogs. Those with a goiter on their neck come from the habit of eating alone. Those with foul breath come from the habit of harsh and abusive speech. Those with incomplete male organs come from the realm of castrated pigs and dogs. Those with a short tongue come from secretly cursing their elders.

Those who delight in adultery with others' wives will be reborn as geese or ducks after death. Those who take pleasure in incest with relatives will be reborn as sparrows after death. Those who are stingy with scriptures, hoarding wisdom and refusing to share it with others, will be reborn as insects in wood or soil after death. Those who love carrying bows and arrows and riding horses will be reborn among the barbarian tribes after death. Those who enjoy hunting and killing living beings will be reborn as jackals or wolves after death. Those who are fond of wearing ornate clothing will be reborn as hoopoe insects after death. Those who delight in wearing long robes will be reborn as long-tailed insects after death.

Those who love to lie down and eat will be reborn as pigs in their next life. Those who are fond of wearing colorful clothes will become mottled birds. Those who enjoy imitating and mocking others' speech will become parrots. Those who slander others will fall into the realm of venomous serpents. Those who harass others will become vexing insects. Those who delight in spreading malicious rumors will become owls. Those who speak words that bring misfortune will become wild foxes. Those who enjoy frightening others will become startled deer insects. Those who wore wooden clogs into temples will be reborn as horses with cloven hooves. Those who were fond of breaking wind will become farting insects. Those who used the monks' grinding stones will become kowtowing insects. Those who measured and limited others' food will become woodpecker insects.

Those who stole water from the monastic community are now reborn as fish and turtles in the water. Those who defiled the grounds of the monastic community are now reborn as insects in latrines. Those who stole fruit from the monastic community are now reborn as worms that eat dirt. Those who stole property from the monastic community are now reborn as oxen and donkeys grinding in mills. Those who forcibly borrowed from the monastic community are now reborn as white doves. Those who insulted and abused the monastic community are now reborn as worms in the necks of oxen. Those who ate vegetables grown by the monastic community are now reborn as worms among the weeds. Those who sat on monastic beds are now reborn as earthworms. Those who used miscellaneous items belonging to the monastic community are now reborn as moths flying into the fire. Those who entered the monastery with bones or carried them in are now reborn as long-beaked birds. Those who entered the monastery wearing cosmetics, powder, or red lip color are now reborn as red-beaked birds. Those who entered the monastery wearing colorful clothing are now reborn as yellow-feathered birds. Those couples who stayed overnight in the monastery are now reborn as blue-headed insects. Those who sat with their backs to a Buddha stupa are now reborn as camels. Those who entered a pagoda or temple wearing shoes or boots are now reborn as toad-like insects. Those who disrupted teachings with idle talk are now reborn as chattering birds. Those who defiled pure nuns will, upon death, fall into the Iron Cavern Hell, where millions of blade-wheels descend at once, slicing their bodies apart.

At that time, Ananda addressed the Buddha, saying, “As the Buddha has taught, misappropriating the property of the Sangha is indeed a grave offense. If that is the case, how can the four kinds of lay supporters then come to the temple to pay respects and make offerings?”

The Buddha said: "When going to a monastery, one may have two kinds of mind: a wholesome mind and an unwholesome mind. What is called a wholesome mind? When one arrives at the monastery, one sees the Buddha and pays respects, sees the Sangha and shows reverence, requests scriptures and asks about their meaning, receives precepts and repents of faults, gives up wealth and possessions to support the Three Jewels, and does not spare one's life to protect the great Dharma. Such a person, with every step taken, brings heaven to themselves. In the future, they will receive fruits like those of Sudhīgha. This is called the most superior wholesome person.

What is called an unwholesome mind? If there are beings who, upon entering the monastery, only seek to borrow or beg from the Sangha, or who look for the faults of the monks with the sole intent to cause harm, or who eat the Sangha's food without any sense of shame, or who secretly take cakes, fruits, or vegetables home. Such a person, upon death, will fall into the iron-ball hell, experiencing cauldrons of boiling water, furnaces of burning coals, mountains of knives, and forests of swords—nothing will be spared. This is called the most inferior unwholesome person."

The Buddha said to Ananda: "Tell those in future ages who are my disciples: Be careful not to violate the Three Jewels. Strive to uphold and accomplish them, never giving rise to a retreating heart. Those who follow the Buddha's words will without doubt be liberated when Maitreya appears in the world."

The Buddha said: "Those who in this life strip others of their clothing will, after death, fall into the Freezing Ice Hell, and in future lives be reborn as silkworms, to be boiled and stripped for others. Those who in this life dislike lighting lamps to illuminate scriptures and images will, after death, fall into the Pitch-Black Hell within the Iron-Walled Mountains. Those who in this life slaughter and dismember living beings will, after death, fall into the Mountain of Knives and Forest of Swords Hell. Those who in this life delight in hunting with falcons and hounds will, after death, fall into the Iron Saw Hell. Those who in this life engage in much improper conduct will, after death, fall into the Copper Pillar and Iron Bed Hell. Those who in this life keep many wives will, after death, fall into the Iron Mill Hell. Those who in this life take many husbands will, after death, fall into the Poisonous Snake Hell. Those who in this life burn or boil bird eggs will, after death, fall into the Ash River Hell."

Those who kill pigs and chickens in this life will fall into the cauldron hell after death. Those who castrate pigs and dogs in this life will fall into the spiked-stone hell after death. Those who drink to drunkenness and disorder in this life will fall into the molten-copper hell after death. Those who slaughter living beings in this life will fall into the iron-wheel hell after death. Those who steal fruit from the monastic community in this life will fall into the iron-ball hell after death. Those who eat the intestines or flesh of pigs and dogs in this life will fall into the filth-and-excrement hell after death. Those who prepare and eat live fish in this life will fall into the forest-of-blades and tree-of-swords hell after death.

Those who in this life, as a stepmother, flatter and harm the children of the first wife, will after death fall into the Fire Cart Hell. Those who in this life engage in gossip and stir up discord, will after death fall into the Iron Plow Hell. Those who in this life curse others with foul words, will after death fall into the Tongue-Pulling Hell. Those who in this life speak many lies, will after death fall into the Iron Needle Hell. Those who in this life kill living beings to offer sacrifices to evil spirits, will after death fall into the Iron Mortar Hell.

Those who in this life act as spirit mediums, deceiving others with ghostly talk to take their possessions, will after death fall into the Flesh Mountain Hell. Those who in this life act as spirit mediums, lying on the ground with closed eyes and pretending to ascend to heaven to retrieve souls, will after death fall into the Waist-Cutting Hell. Those who in this life act as spirit mediums, teaching others to kill living beings to seek great spirits, or to invoke misfortune upon the five paths, earth gods, village deities, or demonic maidens—all such deceptions that mislead the foolish—will after death fall into the Chopping Hell, where prison guards will hack their bodies apart, and iron-beaked birds will peck out both their eyes.

Those who in this life act as shamans, conducting burials, divining the fortune of dwellings, performing rituals for the five surnames, placating dragons, appeasing silkworm spirits, or warding off misfortune—deceiving the ignorant to take their wealth with false predictions of fortune or disaster—such individuals will after death fall into the Iron-Copper Hell, where countless evil birds gather upon their bodies, devouring their flesh and pecking at their bones and sinews, suffering endlessly.

Those who in this life act as physicians, unable to cure illnesses yet deceiving others to take their possessions, will after death fall into the Acupuncture Hell, where their entire bodies are set ablaze.

Those who in this life destroy pagodas or temples, rebel against teachers and monastics, or are unfilial to their parents, will after death fall into the Avīci Great Hell, passing through all eight great hells and then entering each of the one hundred and thirty-six lesser hells. They may remain there for one kalpa, two kalpas, or even five kalpas before being released. If they encounter a good spiritual friend and awaken the mind of enlightenment, they may escape; if not, they will fall back into hell.

The Buddha said: "Those who are foul-smelling, quick to anger, and hard to appease in human form come from a camel's past. Those who are fond of travel, eat heartily, and do not avoid danger come from a horse's past. Those who can endure heat and cold but have little memory come from an ox's past. Those who speak loudly without shame, are overly attached, and cannot distinguish right from wrong come from a donkey's past. Those who constantly crave meat and act without fear come from a lion's past. Those who are tall, round-eyed, often wander in the wilderness, and resent their wives and children come from a tiger's past. Those who are hairy, small-eyed, and dislike staying in one place come from a bird's past. Those who are ungrateful and enjoy killing pests come from a fox's past. Those who are brave and strong, have little desire for lust, and do not love their wives and children come from a wolf's past. Those who dislike fine clothing, spy on others' wrongdoings, and have fierce eyes and much anger from a young age come from a dog's past. Those who are lustful and enjoy speaking what pleases the crowd come from a parrot's past. Those who delight in being among people and talk excessively come from an owl's past."

Those who in this life delight in standing on others will, after death, fall into the realm of white elephants, their legs stiff and unable to bend or lie down. Those who in this life break their fast by eating at night will, after death, fall into the realm of hungry ghosts, where for millions of years they will find no food or drink; when they try to eat, flames will burst from their heads. Those who in this life enjoy sitting naked will, after death, become cold, shivering insects. Those who in this life hoard leftover food from fasting will, after death, fall into the hell of red-hot iron ground, and if reborn as humans, they will suffer from choking illnesses and die young. Those who in this life bow to the Buddha without touching their heads to the ground will, after death, fall into the upside-down hanging hell, and if reborn as humans, they will often be deceitful. Those who in this life bow to the Buddha without joining their palms will, after death, fall into remote, barren lands, where much effort yields little reward. Those who in this life hear the bell toll and do not rise will, after death, become giant pythons, their long bodies devoured by swarms of small insects. Those who in this life bow to the Buddha with arms crossed will, after death, fall into the hell of being bound backward, and if reborn as humans, they will face unexpected misfortunes. Those who in this life join their palms, prostrate fully with their five limbs touching the ground, and bow to the Buddha with sincere hearts will always dwell in dignity and enjoy lasting happiness.

If in this life you are irritable and greedy for food, it comes from a past of madness and confusion. If in this life your eyes twitch and blink uncontrollably, it comes from having looked lustfully at others' wives. If in this life you side with your wife and curse your parents, after death you will fall into the Hell of the Severed Tongue. If in this life you mix water with wine and sell it to others, after death you will become a water insect, and if reborn as a human, you will die from dropsy and suffocation.

The Buddha said to Ananda, "As I have just explained, the various sufferings of beings all arise from the ten unwholesome actions. The most severe lead to rebirth in the hells, the moderately severe to rebirth as animals, and the less severe to rebirth as hungry ghosts.

Among these, the sin of killing leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, a short lifespan; second, frequent illness.

The sin of stealing also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, poverty; second, being unable to enjoy one's own wealth freely.

The sin of sexual misconduct also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, having a spouse who is unfaithful; second, having spouses who quarrel and do not follow one's wishes.

The sin of lying also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, being frequently slandered; second, constantly being deceived by many people.

The sin of divisive speech also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, having one's family and followers become divided; second, having troublesome and disagreeable companions.

The sin of harsh speech also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, constantly hearing unpleasant words; second, one's own speech often leading to disputes.

The sin of frivolous talk also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, when one speaks truthfully, others do not accept it; second, one's speech is unclear and unconvincing.

The sin of greed also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, insatiable greed for wealth; second, constant seeking that never fulfills one's wishes.

The sin of anger also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, constantly finding fault with others; second, constantly being harassed and harmed by others.

The sin of wrong view also leads beings to fall into the hells, animal realms, or hungry ghost realms. If reborn as a human, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, being born into a family that holds wrong views; second, having a mind that is constantly deceitful and crooked."

Disciples of the Buddha! These ten unwholesome actions are the primary causes that gather immense suffering.

At that moment, among the great assembly, there were those who had committed the ten evil deeds. Upon hearing the Buddha speak of the painful retribution in hell, they all cried out in anguish and said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! What good deeds can we, your disciples, perform to avoid this suffering?"

The Buddha said: "You should further teach and guide all beings to cultivate merit together. How does one cultivate merit? If there are beings who in this life act as great patrons, building pagodas and temples, in the future they will certainly become kings, ruling over all people with unchallenged authority. Those who in this life serve as village leaders, administrators, or heads of charitable associations will, in future lives, certainly become royal ministers, chancellors, or governors of provinces and commanderies, with fine clothes and horses, enjoying all they desire. Those who in this life lead others in performing virtuous deeds will, in future lives, certainly become wealthy elders, respected by all, with all paths open to them and every endeavor meeting with success. Those who in this life take joy in lighting lamps to maintain brightness will be reborn in the realms of the sun and moon, shining with their own light. Those who in this life delight in giving with a compassionate heart and nurturing life will be reborn into great wealth, with food and clothing naturally provided. Those who in this life gladly offer food and drink to others will, in their future births, have heavenly kitchens appear before them, endowed with beauty and strength, wisdom and eloquence, and a long lifespan."

If you give to animals, you will receive a hundredfold reward. If you give to those who have lost faith, you will receive a thousandfold reward. If you give to a monk who upholds the precepts, you will receive a ten-thousandfold reward. If you give to a Dharma teacher who spreads the Great Vehicle and expounds the Buddha's hidden treasury, enabling many to open their minds and eyes, you will receive an immeasurable reward. If you give to Bodhisattvas or Buddhas, the reward is boundless.

Moreover, giving to three kinds of people yields endless reward: first, the Buddhas; second, one's parents; third, the sick. Even a single offering of food brings immeasurable reward—how much more so for constant giving! How could such merit ever be exhausted?

If you bathe the monks in this life, in your future lives you will be born with a dignified appearance, naturally clothed, and respected by all.

If you delight in praising and reciting the scriptures in this life, in your future lives you will be born with an elegant and pleasing voice that brings joy to all who hear it.

If you take joy in upholding the precepts in this life, in your future lives you will be born with exceptional beauty, surpassing all others.

If you are fond of digging wells and building water jars for the public, or planting trees along the roads to provide shade for travelers, in your future lives you will always be born as a king, with all kinds of delicious food appearing as soon as you think of it.

If you take pleasure in copying the scriptures and giving them to others to read, in your future lives you will be born with eloquent speech and great talent, understanding the teachings upon a single hearing. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will always protect you, and you will be the most outstanding among people, always taking the lead.

If you delight in building bridges and boats to help people cross rivers, in your future lives you will be born with the seven treasures in abundance, respected and admired by all, and people will support you wherever you go.

Then, Ananda addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One! What name should we give this sutra, and how should we encourage people to practice it?"

The Buddha said to Ananda: "This scripture is called 'The Causes and Effects of Good and Evil,' and it is also known as 'The Sutra of the Bodhisattva's Vows and Practice.' You should receive and uphold it as such."