Zen Wisdom 178

Why is this so? The continual performance of new actions modifies the karmic force accordingly. So, if you generate virtuous karma, then the force of previous evil karma will lessen. Of course, the opposite is also true: evil actions will magnify the force of already existing bad karma. In some cases, where particular actions have been performed for a long time, the karmic force of all these separate actions can come together in one gigantic consequence. If the bulk of that karmic force were bad, the consequence could be terrible.

STUDENT:

How does karmic force govern rebirth?

SHIH-FU:

For those people with virtuous karma, the best rebirth would be to be born in the heavens, the realm of the devas. These are the heavens attained through one's self-consciousness, rather than being born from parents. Also, the body cannot be killed. It will expire only when the consequence of its karma expires. For those people with evil karma, the worst rebirth would be to be born in the hells, the avici realm. As with the heavens, the body emerges from one's self-consciousness, but whereas in heaven the sentient being enjoys a free and pleasurable existence, in hell the being is bound and experiences great suffering.

STUDENT:

You say that the best consequence for a person with good karma would be to be born in the heavens. Isn't it better for a practitioner to be reborn in human form to continue to practice?

SHIH-FU: