Rewards
We all, if you are anything like me, appreciate appreciation. We all like to be applauded, congratulated, complimented, and recognized for our good efforts. Those kind of things are encouraging, they make us feel like we are doing things right and also show that others notice our efforts.
They are indeed very nice things to experience. A long time ago, when I was in the Marine Corps, we used to say that one awe shucks (though that isn’t exactly the word we used) wipes out a hundred ata-boys. Sadly, that is frequently the reality of many situations. While it is nice to receive the praise it is tough and sometime devastating to get criticized or reprimanded.
Fortunately Buddhism does not operate the same way as much of society does. In Buddhism there is no punishment, per se, for doing something wrong. That is there is no one administering or extracting some retribution for our mistakes. Yes we may experience adverse results, however we can change the situation and learn from and grow from the error. We do not seek to please or curry favor to some being or deity outside of our selves.
Likewise we truly don’t receive rewards from some benevolent figure for doing something correctly. Instead we experience favorable results which enhance our well being and manifest in ease in sufferings. The reality of cause and effect is ever present, even when others may see fit to demean or deride our efforts.
“I practiced the teachings of the past Buddhas for many hundreds of millions of kalpas, and became a Buddha at the place of enlightenment. I have already attained the Dharma. I know the various effects, rewards and retributions, natures and appearances of all things.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter II)
The Buddha appeared in this world, and achieved enlightenment solely for the purpose of fulfilling the vow of all Buddhas throughout time; that is to teach the way for all beings to become enlightened. The Buddha understands the workings of cause and effect; he knows the results of various causes and how they manifest in reality. He taught us the basic truth of the Eightfold Path as a way to live a life which will result in the best circumstances for a life free of sufferings.
“Anyone who keeps, reads and recites this sutra in the later five hundred years after my extinction, will not be attached to clothing, bedding, food or drink, or any other thing for living. What he wishes will not remain unfulfilled. He will be able to obtain the rewards of his merits in his present life.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XXVIII)
Of all the things we may wish for in this life the fundamental and root wish to be fulfilled is that of enlightenment. And because of the causes we make by practicing the Buddha Way, and upholding the Lotus Sutra, we are assured of attaining this fundamental and core desire of all beings.
