来源：济群法师 2025年06月29日
认识因果，首先要相信有善有恶，明确什么是善的行为，什么是恶的行为；其次要相信有业有报，即善的行为形成善业，恶的行为形成恶业，所谓“善恶到头终有报，只争来早与来迟”。
To understand the Law of Cause and Effect, we should, first and foremost, be convinced that there are wholesome and unwholesome actions and be clear about what they are.
Secondly, we should believe that there are different karmic consequences. Wholesome actions can lead to good karma, and unwholesome actions can lead to negative karma. Whether karmic consequences come sooner or later, we will eventually reap the good or negative karma we have created.
第三，要相信有前生后世，生命是相续不断的，今生仅仅是其中一个环节，它还有着无穷的过去和无尽的未来，而因果正是贯穿其中并连接三世的纽带；最后还要相信有圣有凡，即生命层次有高低之分。
Thirdly, we should believe in past and future lives, and life is a continuous process with a beginningless past and an infinite future, in which this present life is merely a chapter, and the Law of Cause and Effect is the link that runs through all episodes. Finally, we should believe that there are saints and ordinary people. That is, there are high and low levels of life.
生命是能改造的，它既会因为道德净化而升华，也会因为烦恼炽盛而堕落。正因为命运具有可塑性，我们付出的努力才有价值。倘若生命不能转化，不会延续，那么不论流芳千古还是遗臭万年，究竟有什么不同？
Life is malleable; it can be uplifted through moral purification or degraded by the deepening of afflictions. This potential for change renders our efforts meaningful. After all, if our lives were unchangeable or concluded entirely at death, what significance would there be in our actions, whether good or bad, in this world?
因果揭示了生命延续的规则。但对于不信因果的人来说，眼前利益是至高无上的，他们不会进一步考虑未来果报。只有在正确认识因果的前提下，我们的眼光才会更长远，才能通过积极努力来改造命运。
The Law of Cause and Effect reveals the underlying rules governing life. However, those who don’t believe in this law prioritize immediate interests over anything else rather than considering future consequences. Only by correctly understanding cause and effect can we have a long-term vision and change our fate through continuous efforts.
假如我们希望未来生命中拥有财富，现在就应该广修布施。因为享乐是对福报的消耗，布施才是对福田的耕耘。只有播种才能收获，同样，只有布施才能带来富贵的果报，所以施比受更有福。
If we hope to possess wealth in future lives, we should practice generosity as much as possible. Indulgence is a consumption of blessings and giving is the cultivation of our field of merit. Just as sowing seeds is essential for harvesting, generosity is crucial for attaining wealth and prosperity. Thus, giving holds greater blessing than receiving.
假如我们希望长寿，就要珍惜一切众生的生命，不仅慈悲不杀，还要积极地放生、护生。
If we hope for longevity, we should cherish the lives of all sentient beings, be compassionate without taking life, and actively engage in protecting all beings from harm and setting captured animals free.
假如我们希望相貌庄严，就要培养忍辱之心，不论冤亲都和颜相向。
If we hope to be noble and dignified in appearance, we should cultivate a mind of tolerance, greeting everyone with kindness, regardless of enemies or loved ones.
假如我们希望人际关系和谐，就要消除嫉妒，以友好的心态与人相处，对他人的困难主动帮助，对他人的荣誉随喜赞叹。
If we hope for a harmonious relationship, we should free ourselves of jealousy, interact with others in a friendly manner, offer to help them out of difficulties, and rejoice over their glory.
假如我们希望出身高贵，就要恭敬父母，恭敬师长，恭敬有德之人，同时不轻视地位卑贱的人，对所有人一视同仁。
If we hope to be of noble birth, we should be respectful to our parents, teachers, and virtuous people. At the same time, we should never look down upon those of low status, but treat them equally without discrimination.
摘自《生命的痛苦及其解脱》
作者：济群法师
Excerpted from:
Life’s Suffering and Its Liberation
By Master Jiqun
