Some people ask, ‘If good begets good and bad begets bad why should many good people suffer and some wicked people prosper in this
world?’
The answer to this question, according to the Buddhist point
of view, is that although some are good by nature, they have not
accumulated enough good merits in their previous birth to compensate
for the bad effects of unwholesome karma in this present life;
somewhere in their past there must have been some defect. On the
other hand, some are wicked by nature and yet are able to enjoy this
life for a short period due to some strong good karma that they
accumulated in their previous birth.
For example, there are certain people who by nature have inherited
a strong constitution and as a result enjoy perfect health. Their physical
power of resistance is strong and hence they are not prone to illnesses.
Although they do not take special precautions to lead a hygienic life,
they are able to remain strong and healthy. On the other hand, there
are others who take various tonics and vitamins—enriched foods to
fortify themselves, but in spite of their efforts to become strong and
healthy, their health does not show any improvement.
Generally speaking, whatever good and bad deeds people commit
within this life-time, they will definitely experience the reaction within
this life or hereafter. It is impossible to escape from their results
simply by praying, but only by cultivating the mind and leading a
noble life.
This is not to say that everything that we suffer or enjoy today is
completely controlled by our past actions, which we call Karma. The
BUDDHISTS BELIEVE
Buddha says that if this was so, then there would be no purpose in
living a moral life, as we would then be simply victims of the past.
Buddhists assert that while our lives were conditioned in the past, it is
entirely within ourselves to change that condition and to create our
future and present well being.
Buddhists do not subscribe to
predestination or fatalism as the only possible explanations for the
human condition.
Buddhists are encouraged to do good deeds not for the sake of
gaining a place in heaven. They are expected to do good in order to
eradicate their selfishness and to experience peace and happiness at
each present moment. When each present moment is carefully
controlled the future well being is assured.
‘He for whom there is neither this shore nor the other shore, nor yet
both, He who is free of cares and is unfettered. Him do I call a
holyman’.
(DHAMMAPADA 385)
Credits To Original Source~