Only we can help ourselves

INTRODUCTION
Kamma is usually an interesting subject because it concerns
everyone and there are many different aspects of it. There are
many natural laws that govern our lives but the most important
is the law of kamma-vipāka.
In a discourse (A.N. 6.63) the Buddha said, “Intention,
monks, is kamma I say. Having willed, one acts through body,
speech and mind”. This means that intentional action is kamma,
and vipāka is the result or effects of it. The result may ripen immediately,
later in this life or in a future life.
The Buddhist perspective of kamma is not one of fatalistic
surrender, for the scriptures aptly document numerous instances
whereby we can counteract or weaken the effects of
our previous evil kamma by building up on our own treasure
store of good kamma here and now.
We definitely cannot alter what has been sown in our past,
but by skillfully exercising wisdom, loving kindness and compassion
in our present actions, we can surely determine a future
in line with our hopes and aspirations. We can help ourselves
by sincerely embarking on this journey of transformation
and with the greatest love for ourselves. For who else can
help us but ourselves.
Venerable Dhammavuddho Thero was born in 1947 and
worked as an electrical engineer with the Public Works
Department for twelve years. He went forth into the homeless
life as a monk at the age of 35. He was first ordained in the
Chinese Mahayana tradition. In 1986 he was re-ordained in
the Therāvada tradition in Thailand. After that he spent about
ten years living the solitary lifestyle in quiet places. He has
also written numerous booklets and articles on Buddhism.
Venerable Dhammavuddho is presently abbot of a newly
established 15-acre forest monastery in Temoh, a small town
near Ipoh, Perak.
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