[Annotation]

Reflect: When something unpleasant happens, we should try to be calm and remember the Dharma teaching instead of reacting with imprudence.

Kalpa: A kalpa is a very long period of time. Formally, a large kalpa is a cycle of the universe, which consists of four stages: birth (of the universe or a “Buddha-land”), stability, disintegration, and void. The universe is then recreated (and destroyed), over and over again, by our collective karma. Innumerable kalpas: for all these countless lifetimes in the past.

Trivial/essential: Without knowing the true nature of life and the “self,” people go on endless pursuit of things that are ultimately of no consequence. What is most meaningful in your life? Are you working on it or pursuing trivial matters?

Spheres of existence: A sentient being can take rebirth in any one of the six spheres/planes of existence in the Triple Realm: as a deva (a celestial being), an asura (powerful like a deva but more aggressive and jealous), a human being, an animal, a hungry ghost, or a being in hell, all depending on one’s karma (actions, deeds).

Animosity … harm: Due to our ignorance of the Way, we have intentionally or unintentionally created much harm to others in every lifetime, not to mention countless lifetimes! By the Principle of Causality, we really have no grounds to feel resentment for the suffering we are currently facing.

Karmic consequence: Karma means action. Actions have corresponding consequences. Actions that benefit others bring blessings and happiness, actions that harm others bring suffering. One is subject to the consequences of one’s own karma.

Transgression: An act against the natural law; an act that harms others.

Gods: In Buddhism there is no creator God, but there are devas or celestial beings who are born with more powers and blessings than human beings due to superior deeds in their past. Some can see into one’s past or future. However, one’s fate is determined by one’s own karma.

Thorough insight: One can face hardships without distress if one fully understands Causality and the teaching already mentioned above. People resent their fate because they do not have this insight. With the insight of “accepting adversity,” one can turn suffering into spiritual progress.