Lessening of Karmic Retribution

Lessening of Karmic Retribution

Experiencing The Effects of Bad Karma To A Lesser Degree

Thus how can we lessen our karmic retribution? “The Letter from Sado” quotes a passage the Hatsunaion Sutra that reads, “lt is due to the blessings obtained by protecting the Law that one can diminish in this lifetime his suffering and retribution." (MW 1, 40) The blessings obtained by protecting the Law refer to the act of embracing the Gohonzon, chanting daimoku as well as the actions one takes for the sake of kosen-rufu. Even though one may have created karma heavy enough to experience sufferings for countless lifetimes, by believing in the Gohonzon and by practicing Buddhism, one is able not only to diminish the sufferings but also to vanquish them completely. The great benefit of changing one's karma is made known in this way in the “Letter from Sado."

Why are we able to change our karma by taking faith in the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin? This is because Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the one and only pure Law that penetrates the origin of life and the universe and is deeper than the dimension of life that generates karma. When drawing out this karma from within one's life, one is able to eradicate all tendencies that have been produced by karma created in the past.

Of course, the process of changing karma is not an easy task. It certainly requires tremendous hardship. To change negative karma or the filth in one's life, one must first get out the dirt before getting rid of it. Hardships will thus appear as the filth which enables one to eradicate one’s negative karma through the practice of the Mystic Law. Only by overcoming such difficulties is one able to achieve true happiness and growth in one's life.

When we confront hardships in life, we must have firm conviction that each one is the chance to change our karma and put the principle of lessening karmic retribution into effect. This kind of practice leads to human revolution.

(Source: Buddhist Studies, Pg:11-13)