- People can travel worldwide.
- Information can be shared worldwide in an instant.
- Commonly spoken language among a large percentage of the worldwide
population and this is only growing.
These criteria did not exist during the lifetime of Gotama Buddha and it is
only now that the world has come into an age where his original goal is
realistically possible.
But, during Gotama Buddha’s lifetime it seems they had something that we
may not have….
The people during Gotama Buddha’s lifetime had perseverance and
dedication to learning, reflecting, and practicing The Teachings to realize the
results of experiencing the Enlightened mind. They were not afraid of hard
work.
With our modern day conveniences, I am unsure how many people are
willing to apply their determination, dedication, and diligence with time,
effort, energy, and resources towards The Path to Enlightenment with the
goal to experience the Enlightened mind.
When a being decides they are finished with the sadness, anger, frustration,
irritation, annoyance, guilt, shame, fear, boredom, loneliness, shyness,
jealousy, resentment, etc., that is the time when one can turn towards The
Teachings and goal of experiencing Enlightenment.
Through each individual deciding to learn and practice The Teachings of
Gotama Buddha, as a collective world, our species will gradually evolve. We
evolve to a higher consciousness where we train the mind to not harm others
through our intentions, speech, nor actions.
Through each individual deciding to learn, reflect, and practice The
Teachings of Gotama Buddha, each person benefits and we all benefit as
there will be less and less harm in the world.
Through individuals deciding to focus on developing a comprehensive
approach to learning and practicing The Teachings of Gotama Buddha with
guidance from a Teacher, your life drastically improves and the entire world
improves essentially creating “heaven on earth”.
We do not need to “fix” the world. That is not the problem. The problem is
the unEnlightened mind does not understand The Natural Laws of Existence
and it is quite a struggle to live in a world that one does not understand.
240


Through learning and practicing The Teachings of Gotama Buddha, a
Practitioner comes to deeply understand The Natural Laws of Existence to
acquire wisdom that will end the struggles and misery one may face on a
regular basis.
Are you ready to apply determination, dedication, and diligence with time,
effort, energy, and resources towards The Path to Enlightenment with the
goal to experience Enlightenment?
If one enjoys anger, sadness, boredom, loneliness, resentment, etc., there is
nothing to do.
But, if you are interested to eliminate these unwelcomed feelings from the
mind, then I suggest you turn towards The Path to Enlightenment and apply
your dedication and diligence to learning, reflecting, and practicing The
Teachings of Gotama Buddha.
And then, as all of humanity gradually experiences Enlightenment we will
have accomplished “the goal”.
“An entire species of Enlightened beings”.
241


Why Have I Decided to Teach The Path to
Enlightenment as Taught by Gotama Buddha?
I have chosen to share these Teachings out of compassion for the world.
Compassion (Pāli: karuṇā) is concern for the misfortunes of others.
And due to this compassion, it is important to share Teachings that are
based in wisdom, not belief.
There are countless traditions and ways of sharing those traditions
throughout the world. All of these, in one form or another, are essentially
sharing to cultivate and practice 1.) Universal Love for All Beings 2.) Do No
Harm and 3.) Be a Good Moral Person.
However, the way each tradition is shared and the clarity of those teachings
is unique to each tradition.
The Path to Enlightenment as taught by Gotama Buddha (“The Buddha”)
over 2,500 years ago as documented in The Pāli Canon, is the most clear,
concise, and precise Teachings I have ever encountered that leads exactly
where he said they do, to Enlightenment.
The Enlightened mind is peaceful, calm, serene, and content with joy -
permanently. The Enlightened mind will no longer experience any discontent
feelings such as sadness, anger, frustration, irritation, annoyance, guilt,
shame, fears, boredom, loneliness, shyness, jealousy, resentment, stress,
anxiety, etc.
This is accomplished through not believing The Teachings of The Buddha but
instead, through learning, reflecting, and practicing to discover the truth. The
mind can be trained to eliminate all the conditions that are causing it to be
stuck in the unEnlightened state. Through eliminating the pollution of mind
by training the mind, one can experience liberation of mind, freedom from
strong feelings, peace, Enlightenment.
The Buddha’s Teachings are the only Teachings that I have encountered that
do not rely on belief. With belief, one does not know what is true or false
because they are just believing. Instead, Gotama Buddha’s Teachings are
shared in such a way that, a Practitioner can investigate and examine them
to determine the truth which leads to wisdom and thus, Enlightenment. If one
was to only believe The Teachings of The Buddha, they could not acquire
wisdom nor attain Enlightenment.
242


These Teachings are perfectly suited for today’s society where there is a
proliferation of misinformation and untruths. These Teachings, with guidance
from a Teacher, guide a Practitioner to independently discover the truth
through deeply investigating The Natural Laws of Existence (i.e. The
Teachings of The Buddha). Through doing this inner work on The Path to
Enlightenment, one can discover that these Teachings are the solution to the
challenges we experience in the world and the solutions of how to heal from
what hurt us so that we never need to hurt again. The mind can completely
and entirely eliminate 100% of all discontent feelings once it is Enlightened.
This cannot be accomplished through belief.
Instead, a Practitioner needs to be determined, dedicated, and diligent to
doing the inner work to develop the mind and progress towards the
Enlightened mental state by acquiring wisdom.
As far as I have discovered, there are no other teachings on the planet that
can guide an individual to the complete elimination of discontent feelings
through independently verifying the teachings to acquire wisdom. The
Buddha did something very unique during his lifetime that no other person or
Teacher has accomplished.
He independently attained Enlightenment, dedicated the rest of his life to
sharing his independently discovered Teachings guiding countless people to
Enlightenment, and he left his Teachings in such a condition that countless
more people have attained Enlightenment after his death. He meets all the
criteria of a true Buddha. Gotama Buddha was a true Buddha.
My work during this life has been to rediscover these Teachings, in such a
way, that they can now be shared worldwide in the international language of
English so that countless people all throughout the world can attain
Enlightenment during this lifetime and after my death.
The only way to accomplish this goal is to share Teachings that are not
based in belief but instead, are based in independently verifiable truth so that
a Practitioner can acquire wisdom.
These Teachings are clear, concise, and precise. They invite investigation
and examination. Through doing this work, one can gradually train the mind
to gradually practice these Teachings and gradually progress to
Enlightenment. As discontentedness is gradually diminished and then
eliminated from the mind, one can see the truth for themselves that these
Teachings work to guide one to Enlightenment.
243


These Teachings lead exactly where Gotama Buddha said they do, to
Enlightenment, and through each individual choosing to attain
Enlightenment, humanity will evolve the human species and at the same time
create “heaven on earth”.
244

Why Have I Decided to Reside and Teach in
Thailand in Order to Restore The Teachings of The
Buddha Back into Humanity and Create “Heaven
on Earth”?
1.) Largest Population of Theravada Buddhist Practitioners Anywhere in
the World: Thailand is the largest population of Theravada Buddhist
Practitioners and Teachers anywhere in the world. Theravada Buddhism
considers The Pāli Canon to be the original source Teachings of The Buddha
in The Words of The Buddha. Theravada Buddhism teaches the importance
of not changing The Teachings of The Buddha and practicing The Path to
Enlightenment as a Buddha has taught, without any modifications.
The Pāli Canon is an important text that should not be believed to be the true
Teachings of The Buddha but instead, one can learn, reflect, and practice to
independently verify The Teachings to acquire wisdom observing the truth in
The Teachings as the mind awakens and discontent feelings are gradually
diminished and ultimately eliminated.
Once I dedicate the remaining time of this life sharing these Teachings to
restore them back into the world, the Thai people and all other diligent
Students who choose to learn with me will not ever allow these Teachings to
be changed, modified, degraded, or lost over time. The Thai people and
diligent Students are well aware that since the lifetime of Gotama Buddha,
that is what has occurred and, through having these Teachings restored
during the remaining time of this life, the Thai people and diligent Students
will not allow this to occur again.
The Thai people will support these Teachings and ensure they continue to be
offered in the world for the benefit of “all beings” while being hosted in
Thailand and supported by dedicated Students from many international
locations.
These Teachings have existed in Thailand for 800-1200 years and they have
received significant support from countless people over many generations.
The Thai people understand just how impactful The Teachings of The
Buddha are to their society and for all of humanity. The Thai people can
observe my dedication and commitment to sharing these Teachings, and
where possible, they will support me in sharing these Teachings throughout
Thailand and throughout the world.
245


Due to these Teachings existing in Thailand for approximately 800-1200
years, there is a significant amount of infrastructure already created through
over 30,000-40,000 Temples where local Thai people and visitors to Thailand
can actively learn, reflect, and practice these Teachings to acquire wisdom
and then integrate them into their lives. The Temple and Ordained
Practitioner infrastructure is not isolated to only Thailand but extends
throughout the world and is readily accessible to the benefit of “all beings”.
The Thai people have laid the groundwork for these Teachings to now be
shared worldwide through the Temple and Ordained Practitioner foundation
and infrastructure that has been created over multiple generations.
Thailand is a favorite destination for international travelers with many people
visiting Thailand to gain exposure and understanding of these Teachings
allowing them to be learned and then practiced “worldwide”. There is an
international audience that regularly visits Thailand who can learn these
Teachings to then return back to their home country where these Teachings
will be able to take root within all international societies. As these Teachings
flourish around the world, Thailand has the knowledge and resources to
support all of humanity to develop a Temple and Ordained Practitioner
infrastructure that can be created within each individual country based on
the interest of each country to more deeply integrate these Teachings into
their local communities.
2.) Students Have the Ability to Learn and Practice Among Millions of
Practitioners: One aspect of learning and practicing The Teachings of The
Buddha that will aid one’s development and progress towards the attainment
of Enlightenment is, to be part of a Community of Practitioners and Teachers
that can provide guidance for gradual training and gradual practice to
experience gradual progress on The Path to Enlightenment.
Through me residing and teaching in Thailand, Students have the
opportunity to live in a Community of Practitioners and Teachers who are
deeply committed to these Teachings and can serve as a role model for
Students to gain deeper understanding of how to practice these Teachings in
everyday life - even if on a semi-temporary basis during short visits to learn.
Through Students traveling to Thailand to learn while being surrounded by
millions of Practitioners, they can more readily absorb how one might
choose to integrate these Teachings into their daily life through observing
how the people of Thailand live with countless nationalities residing
peacefully and harmoniously with each other throughout the Kingdom of
Thailand. Students will not only be able to learn these Teachings in a
classroom setting at a Temple but, they will also experience day-to-day
interactions with people who are choosing to deeply practice these
Teachings creating “real life lessons” in a “classroom without walls”.
246


The entire Kingdom of Thailand can serve as a real life classroom
environment where these Teachings are readily practiced and observable by
those who choose to visit this Kingdom. I often refer to Thailand as “heaven
on earth”.
3.) Can Live With Minimal Expenses: To be able to offer these Teachings at
“no cost” I needed to find a location where I could reside with minimal
expenses. This allows me to live based on donations rather than charging
Students a price for the time, effort, energy, and resources that I expend to
share these Teachings worldwide. This allows me to serve the widest
audience possible without a need to require payment for my services and
The Teachings that are shared.
The basic necessities to live life are readily available and are offered at a
minimal cost in Thailand. This provides me the ability to live a basic lifestyle
from donations shared by Students. I am able to purchase food, water,
clothing, shelter, and medical care at a relatively nominal cost. And, services
that I might need to support the development of learning resources are also
readily available at a nominal cost.
Whether it be an audio studio to record an audiobook, printing services,
technology, classroom supplies, or a full range of other needs to support the
continued sharing of these Teachings, Thailand offers these at a nominal
price so that there is the best utilization of any and all donations received.
As a result, I am able to help any and all beings regardless of their financial
situation through creating a lifestyle where I only need basic necessities to
survive and those are provided at a nominal cost while being supported by
donations that are fully utilized by purchasing goods and services that are
made available at a reasonable price.
4.) Healthy Environment to Live Life and Work: A wise choice for a place
to live and teach would need to include a healthy food supply, weather,
environment, and lifestyle. All of these are readily available in Thailand which
is able to support me in leading as healthy of a lifestyle as possible.
The food in Thailand is healthy and readily available. There are many fresh
fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, and other foods that are a regular part
of the Thai food offerings and readily accessible among countless fresh food
markets. This allows me to ingest quality food that is supportive to a long
and healthy life, thus, being able to support the learning of many Students
for as long as possible due to an elongated duration of life.
247


Thailand’s weather and environment provides the least impact to the
physical body without significant weather changes or weather events that
can be taxing to one’s physical health.
The Thai economy is conducive to living a balanced lifestyle that supports a
significant amount of time with family and friends. A work-life balance is
highly understood, appreciated, supported, and straight forward to create
while living in Thailand. I am able to remain dedicated and determined in my
work life while also being dedicated to quality time within our immediate
family. This creates the very best environment to ensure consistent health
and longevity of life while enjoying a fulfilling life.
5.) Can Share Teachings Within Thailand Throughout the Day and Can
Share Teachings with the Rest of The World in the Mornings and
Evenings: Through living and sharing these Teachings from Thailand and
needing minimal sleep, I am able to help countless people throughout the
day based on the Thai timezone, while helping countless people in other
timezones during the early morning hours and evenings. This allows me to
be effective at sharing these Teachings around the clock and throughout the
world without any limitations based on restrictive timezones.
The timezone in Thailand is favorable to allowing me to share these
Teachings worldwide without limitations based on the time of day. I can be
helpful from morning, afternoon, and evening where there are Students who
are readily interested to learn - whether in-person or online.
6.) Students Have Easy Access to Visas to Gain Access to Classes,
Courses, and Retreats: To be successful at sharing these Teachings
worldwide, in-person learning is ideal. While there is much that can be
learned online and that is one way to be able to share these Teachings, there
is no better way to develop your life practice than to learn through in-person
access to a Teacher.
Through residing and teaching in Thailand, Students from all over the world
have easy access to classes, courses, and retreats from within Thailand due
to easy access to visas and as a result, me as their Teacher. Thailand does
not have restrictive visa requirements that would bar people from certain
countries which would inhibit “all beings” from gaining access to these
Teachings.
Instead, Thailand is open and accessible to a wide majority of the world and
where needed, I am able to travel.
248


I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand which is an international destination for
countless people around the world. I live within a 4000 km distance to fifty
percent (50%) of the world’s population. This means that half of the world’s
population is a short drive or plane ride away. This creates the ability for a
large majority of humanity to more easily gain access to these Teachings.
And, where needed, I am able to easily travel to all other parts of the world
and teach online.
People often travel to Thailand for the sole purpose of learning The
Teachings of The Buddha on The Path to Enlightenment. So, by sharing
these Teachings from within Thailand, there are countless people who are
coming here specifically to learn and practice in the exact location where I
reside and teach.
In conclusion, through residing and teaching in Thailand as a “home-base”, I
am able to readily share these Teachings worldwide and work towards the
restoration of The Teachings of The Buddha back into humanity so that
countless people can attain Enlightenment during this lifetime and after my
death.
Thailand is the perfect location for these Teachings to be shared and to serve
as a “home-base” or “headquarters” for the international community to be
invited and welcomed with “open arms”. There is no other location on earth
that could provide for a better location to share these important Teachings
and to then be preserved for future generations.
The Kingdom is here in Thailand and ready to support you in the
development of your life practice towards the attainment of Enlightenment so
that we can all create “heaven on earth”.
The Teachings are hosted in the east and visible in the west.
They are readily available to you and there will be a period of 1,000 years
that they will “shine in the world” for all those who choose to learn, reflect,
and practice to experience the peace and joy of the Enlightened mind. Then,
with all of us doing the work towards developing our own individual practice
of these Teachings, they will never again diminish, be degraded, or lost.
Once restored, these Teachings can continue to support humanity for the
rest of time.
May you discover the peace and joy of the Enlightened mind in this lifetime.
May you be peaceful, may you be safe, may you be well, and may you be
free of all discontentedness and the suffering it causes.
249


Invitation to Learn
I would like to invite you to a kind, compassionate and loving community of
Practitioners to learn and grow with these Teachings.
I would like to invite you to join this online group.
You will find it to be an online learning center for these Teachings and there
is a Teacher there to help provide guidance as you have questions.
Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The Buddha
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyWisdom999/
Additional Learning
Visit BuddhaDailyWisdom.com where you will discover a full range of
courses, retreats, and online learning resources to assist you on
The Path to Enlightenment.
Donations for Learning
Learn The Teachings of Gotama Buddha that lead to a stable, calm, and peaceful mind.
A more peaceful and loving world where all beings have care and compassion for each
other.
By supporting this learning opportunity, you will learn how to progress along
The Path to Enlightenment and help offer these Teachings to others through online and
in-person learning. Through these Teachings, the world will become a kinder, more
peaceful, and loving society.
Consider contributing $5, $10, $15 or any amount you wish to help us continue to offer
these Teachings to you and others around the world.
You can make a donation for the development and creation of these Teachings to help
you and others using this link.
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/supportbuddha
250

Created by:
Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The Buddha
BuddhaDailyWisdom.com
Facebook:
https://bit.ly/DailyWisdom-Facebook
YouTube:
https://bit.ly/DailyWisdom-Youtube
Podcast:
https://bit.ly/DailyWisdom-Podcast
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the community of
Ordained and Household Practitioners benefiting from the leadership of
Venerable Bhikkhu Kukrit Sotthibalo at Wat Na Pah Pong in Krung Thep,
Thailand for their dedication and diligence in sharing The Teachings of
Gotama Buddha. Their work was the inspiration for
“The Words of The Buddha” book series.
Wat Na Pah Pong
http://watnapp.com
251


THE WORDS OF The Buddha
The Path to Enlightenment
Revealing The Hidden
Volume 1
Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenment
Volume 2
Walking The Path with The Buddha
Volume 3
Foundation in The Teachings
Volume 4
Exploring The Path to Enlightenment
Volume 5
The First Stage of Enlightenment
(Stream-Enterer)
Volume 6
The Natural Law of Kamma
Volume 7
Breathing Mindfulness Meditation
Volume 8
The Foremost Householders
Volume 9
The Six Sense Bases
Volume 10
The Buddha’s Way
Volume 11
The Realms of Existence
Volume 12
Lowly Arts
Volume 13
Generosity
FREE Download, Print, or Kindle
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooks
252


THE WORDS OF THE BUDDHA
The Path to Enlightenment
Revealing The Hidden
The Natural Law of
Kamma
Volume 6
1

Note from Author 9
Preface 15
The Natural Law of Kamma 15
Chapter 1 20
Six Aspects of Kamma to Be Understood 20
Chapter 2 23
Three Causes for the Origination of Unwholesome Kamma 23
Chapter 3 25
Three Causes for the Origination of Unwholesome & Wholesome Kamma
(Another Discourse) 25
Chapter 4 28
Three Causes for the Origination of Wholesome Kamma 28
Chapter 5 30
Inconceivable Matters 30
Chapter 6 33
Ten Courses of Unwholesome Kamma 33
Chapter 7 36
Ten Courses of Wholesome Kamma 36
Chapter 8 39
New and Old Kamma 39
Chapter 9 46
This Body is Old Kamma 46
Chapter 10 49
The Most Reprehensible for the Performance of Unwholesome Actions 49
Chapter 11 54
To Do An Action 54
Chapter 12 56
While Doing An Action 56
Chapter 13 58
Having Done An Action 58
Chapter 14 61
2

Do Not Be Judgmental Regarding People 61
Chapter 15 64
Discontentedness Is Dependently Arisen 64
Chapter 16 66
Walking The Middle Way Two Extremes That Should Not Be Followed 66
Chapter 17 68
Past Unwholesome Actions Cannot Be Exhausted with the Performance of
Piercing Austerities (Harshness) 68
Chapter 18 70
Pleasure and Discontentedness Not Only Caused by What Was Done in the
Past 70
Chapter 19 76
All That Is Caused by What Was Done in the Past 76
Chapter 20 79
All Is Caused by God’s Creative Action 79
Chapter 21 82
All That Occurs Without A Cause or Condition 82
Chapter 22 84
Worst Kind of Doctrine That There Is No Kamma 84
Chapter 23 87
Result of Kamma Is Threefold 87
Chapter 24 89
Beings Bound by Action 89
Chapter 25 91
To Be Reborn Graceful, Rich, and Influential 91
Chapter 26 94
Gifts of a Wholesome Person 94
Chapter 27 96
Deeds with Fruit That Result in Great Accomplishment and Power 96
Chapter 28 98
Why Human Beings Are Seen to Be Unwholesome and Wholesome? 98
3

Chapter 29 106
The Marks of a Great Man Thirty-Two Marks of A Buddha 106
Chapter 30 112
The Simile of a Lump of Salt 112
Chapter 31 117
A Great Gift 117
Chapter 32 119
One is Reborn through One’s Deeds 119
Chapter 33 121
One is Reborn through One’s Creeping Deeds 121
Chapter 34 123
At Minimum Leads to Deeds 123
Chapter 35 126
Indebtedness is Discontentedness in the World 126
Chapter 36 130
Four Kinds of Persons 130
Chapter 37 135
Path to Attain the Ending of Unwholesome Kamma 135
Chapter 38 145
With the Destruction of Craving Comes the Destruction of Unwholesome
Kamma 145
Chapter 39 148
Anyone Can Produce Nibbāna (Enlightenment) 148
Chapter 40 155
The Arising of Discontentedness 155
Chapter 41 157
The True Definition of ‘A Being’ 157
Chapter 42 158
The Nutriment Consciousness 158
Chapter 43 161
The Observation of Existence 161
4

Chapter 44 164
The Conduit to Existence 164
Chapter 45 166
Dependent Origination As the Highest Law of Nature 166
Author 170
Restoration of The Buddha’s Teachings 171
The Path to Enlightenment 171
The Goal 173
An Entire Species of Enlightened Beings 173
Why Have I Decided to Teach The Path to Enlightenment as Taught by
Gotama Buddha? 176
Why Have I Decided to Reside and Teach in Thailand in Order to Restore The
Teachings of The Buddha Back into Humanity and Create “Heaven on
Earth”? 179
5

The author is donating 100% of all his proceeds from
this book to charitable work to share The Teachings
of Gotama Buddha.
You are welcome to freely distribute this book.
Please consider providing a donation to support the
continued sharing of these Teachings.
Donations for Learning
Learn The Teachings of Gotama Buddha that lead to a stable, calm, and peaceful mind.
A more peaceful and loving world where all beings have care and compassion for each
other.
By supporting this learning opportunity, you will learn how to progress along
The Path to Enlightenment and help offer these Teachings to others through online and
in-person learning. Through these Teachings, the world will become a kinder, more
peaceful, and loving society.
Consider contributing $5, $10, $15 or any amount you wish to help us continue to offer
these Teachings to you and others around the world.
You can make a donation for the development and creation of these Teachings to help
you and others using this link.
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/supportbuddha
Additional Learning
Visit BuddhaDailyWisdom.com where you will discover a full range of
courses, retreats, and online learning resources to assist you on
The Path to Enlightenment.
6

THE WORDS OF THE BUDDHA
The Path to Enlightenment
Revealing The Hidden
Volume 1
Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenment
Volume 2
Walking The Path with The Buddha
Volume 3
Foundation in The Teachings
Volume 4
Exploring The Path to Enlightenment
Volume 5
The First Stage of Enlightenment
(Stream-Enterer)
Volume 6
The Natural Law of Kamma
Volume 7
Breathing Mindfulness Meditation
Volume 8
The Foremost Householders
Volume 9
The Six Sense Bases
Volume 10
The Buddha’s Way
Volume 11
The Realms of Existence
Volume 12
Lowly Arts
Volume 13
Generosity
FREE Download, Print, or Kindle
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooks
7

The Natural Law of Kamma (Volume 6)
Journey through The Words of The Buddha from the beginning of his first
Teaching until his “last words” prior to death.
The book, “The Natural Law of Kamma” is select Teachings from The
Buddha organized from the largest and most complete collection of The
Buddha’s Teachings on The Path to Enlightenment - The Pāli Canon.
The Pāli Canon, or The Pāli Text, comprises forty-five (45) large volumes of
books where Students from the lifetime of The Buddha captured his
Teachings. The discourses of The Buddha in The Pāli Canon represent the
largest and most complete collection we have of The Buddha’s Teachings in
his own words. The Buddha’s Teachings are scattered over multiple volumes
of books in The Pāli Canon making it challenging for the average Practitioner
to glean the benefit of his Teachings.
The Words of The Buddha book series, has consolidated and organized his
Teachings into a series of books, based on specific topics, with explanations
of The Teachings from a dedicated Practitioner and Teacher.
You will find books such as Breathing Mindfulness Meditation (Volume 7) that
are the consolidated Teachings in The Words of The Buddha related to
meditation. The Natural Law of Kamma (Volume 6) provides Teachings
directly from The Buddha related to the important topic of Kamma. The
Foremost Householders (Volume 8) shares Teachings specifically for
Household Practitioners who are pursuing The Path to Enlightenment where
the mind is peaceful, calm, serene, and content with joy - permanently.
The Words of The Buddha book series will provide a beginning, middle, and
end with detailed Teachings to develop your life practice and the ability to
seek guidance with the author of the book series. Learn, reflect, and practice
The Teachings of The Buddha, in his own words, with guidance from a
Teacher - offered openly and freely to “all beings”.
BuddhaDailyWisdom.com
8

Note from Author
This book shares Teachings from Gotama Buddha to guide Practitioners on
The Path to Enlightenment.
In various settings, Gotama Buddha is sharing Teachings with either a male
or a female - a husband or a wife.
As you learn, reflect, and practice these Teachings from Gotama Buddha,
you should consider The Teachings shared as multi-gendered. So while
Gotama Buddha may be using a specific gender of he/she, male/female, or a
specific title of husband/wife, son/daughter you can apply these same
Teachings to all genders and roles of the opposite of which he was
addressing his Teachings to in the setting in which The Teachings were
originally shared, or use a gender-neutral pronoun.
If Gotama Buddha is sharing Teachings with a man of how to be a
wholesome husband, you can relate this same Teaching for a female of how
to be a wholesome wife. If he is sharing a Teaching with a male of how to be
a wholesome son, you can relate this same Teaching for a female of how to
be a wholesome daughter. You have the freedom to apply these Teachings
using all genders and titles in use today.
Additionally, Gotama Buddha never used rebirth in the heavenly realm nor
rebirth in the lower realms of hell, animal, or afflicted spirits as a way to guilt,
shame, fear, or otherwise motivate people to learn and practice his
Teachings.
When you come to understand Teachings shared by Gotama Buddha related
to these potential future destinations upon rebirth, he is sharing the truth of
what will or will not occur based on specific Teachings based on The Natural
Laws of Existence. The truth he discovered, observed, and experienced as
The Perfectly Enlightened One.
One should in no way consider these Teachings he shared as a way to guilt,
shame, or fear one into learning and practicing his Teachings but instead,
consider that he is sharing the truth of what will or will not occur ensuring
that Practitioners understand the truth related to The Natural Laws of
Existence. Gotama Buddha’s Teachings on The Path to Enlightenment
involve, among other things, the elimination of guilt, shame, and fear. He
would not use guilt, shame, or fear to motivate someone to learn and
practice his Teachings because his most core and central Teaching of The
Four Noble Truths, and everything else he taught, makes it clear that the
objective is to eliminate discontent feelings such as guilt, shame, and fear.
9

Gotama Buddha shared The Teachings as guidance for anyone who chooses
to learn and practice without forceful influence. Through learning, reflecting,
and practicing his Teachings, one comes to understand the truth as the
condition of the mind and the condition of one’s life gradually improve.
It is not possible to forcefully influence one to attain Enlightenment and that
approach was never employed by The Perfectly Enlightened One, and
should never be employed by anyone else. Learning and practicing these
Teachings is through personal free will choice.
A Buddha only points the way, everyone else must strive.
While this book series contains “The Words of The Buddha” as the
foundation and focus of study, the author has provided you content in which
to understand and reflect on his thoughts related to The Teachings shared by
The Buddha.
A reader and, thus, Practitioner should not rely solely on the author’s content
in their reflection on The Teachings from Gotama Buddha. The author’s
content is to provide you guidance towards understanding but it is you, the
Practitioner, who needs to deeply investigate “The Words of The Buddha” to
determine the truth for yourself. You should not be limited to only what the
author has provided by way of meaning and understanding of “The Words of
The Buddha”. Instead, learn, reflect, practice, and seek guidance from a
Teacher to support you in gaining wisdom. The mind is liberated through
wisdom.
To gain the most benefit from “The Words of The Buddha” book series,
it is suggested that you start with (Volume 1), “Developing a Life
Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenment”. That book will provide
a framework to understand all of Gotama Buddha’s Teachings in the
entire book series. Without reading that book first, a Practitioner will
find it very challenging to start with learning from “The Words of The
Buddha”.
FREE Download, Print, or Kindle
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooks
10

The Problem - The Wisdom of Enlightenment Has Been Lost
Gotama Buddha lived over 2,500 years ago sharing The Teachings that lead
to Enlightenment.
During his lifetime, it was well known to people who were learning, reflecting,
and practicing with him as their Teacher, exactly what Enlightenment is and
how to attain it.
This wisdom remained for 500 years after the death of The Buddha. But
thereafter, this wisdom has gradually declined and diminished to the point
where we are today, 2,500 years later. Gotama Buddha predicted this would
occur.
The vast majority of the world does not understand what Enlightenment is
and how to attain it. The Path to Enlightenment, while once was strong and
vibrant during the lifetime of The Buddha, has now practically disappeared.
There are very few beings in existence today who understand what
Enlightenment is and how to attain it.
The Universal Truth of Impermanence has drastically affected humanity’s
understanding of The Path to Enlightenment.
This occurred through the lack of focus and diligence to maintain The
Teachings of The Buddha as vibrantly as existed during his lifetime. People
gradually and slowly mixed and blended various traditions and thoughts into
The Buddha’s Teachings which, while perhaps well intended, have only
served to dilute humanity’s understanding of The Path to Enlightenment and,
thus, have made it extremely difficult for countless beings to experience
Enlightenment.
Enlightenment is a peaceful, calm, serene, and content mind with joy that is
permanent. The Enlightened mind no longer experiences any discontent
feelings. All discontentedness such as sadness, anger, frustration, irritation,
annoyance, guilt, shame, fears, boredom, loneliness, shyness, jealousy,
resentment, stress, anxiety, etc., has been completely eliminated from the
Enlightened mind.
Gotama Buddha’s objective is for his Teachings to be shared worldwide so
that all beings can experience the Enlightened mental state. However, during
his lifetime, it was impossible to share his Teachings worldwide. It has now
come to us to be able to actively learn, reflect, and practice his Teachings, in
such a way, that they are restored and shining in the world so that countless
11

individuals can attain Enlightenment today and in multiple generations to
come.
But, in order to accomplish this goal, we will need to stay determined,
dedicated, and diligent to learning, reflecting, and practicing The Teachings
of The Buddha that he shared over 2,500 years ago. We will need to be
diligent to ensure that we are not diluting his Teachings through mixing
various traditions and practices that are not part of The Path to
Enlightenment.
Every Practitioner will need to decide, are they interested in being part of the
problem or part of the solution.
The solution takes time, effort, energy, and resources to be committed
enough to restoring The Buddha’s Teachings back into humanity, in such a
way, that is highly beneficial to countless individuals today and long into the
future.
Remaining part of the problem requires no time, effort, energy, or resources.
It just requires continued complacency and lack of attention to the active
learning, reflecting, and practicing of “The Words of The Buddha”. I suggest
it would be unwise to remain part of the problem as one will continue to
experience discontentedness and the suffering it causes.
The Solution - Restoring The Buddha’s Teachings Back into Humanity
If you would like to be part of the solution, I would like to encourage you to
actively learn, reflect, and practice The Teachings of The Buddha, in such a
way, that does not include the diluting or mixing of his Teachings with other
traditions. It is The Teachings of The Buddha that lead to Enlightenment, not
those that are blended and mixed that only serve to dilute The Path to
Enlightenment for all those who aspire to experience Enlightenment.
The primary obstacle or obstruction that hinders Practitioners from the
attainment of Enlightenment is ignorance (unknowing of true reality). This is a
taint/pollution of mind where the Practitioner lacks wisdom to understand the
true Path to Enlightenment. This unknowing of true reality creates an
obstacle or obstruction that keeps the mind trapped in the unEnlightened
state continuing to experience continued discontentedness and the suffering
it causes. The only way to remove this hindrance is to seek guidance with a
Teacher in the true Teachings of The Buddha using The Words of The
Buddha. It is The Teachings of The Buddha that will awaken the mind to
Enlightenment through independent verification of his Teachings to acquire
wisdom, thus, removing this obstruction to Enlightenment.
12

Through dedication to restoring The Teachings of The Buddha within your
own life practice by acquiring wisdom using The Words of The Buddha, you
are doing your part to contribute to restoring his Teachings back into
humanity for the benefit of countless beings that exist now and long into the
future. All of humanity can evolve so that everyone can attain Enlightenment
creating the most peaceful world we have ever imagined. It will be like
“heaven on earth”.
You are invited to join this Community to only learn and practice “The Words
of The Buddha”, in such a way, that leads to your Enlightenment and the
restoration of The Buddha’s Teachings so that you and countless beings can
experience the peacefulness, liberation of mind, and complete elimination of
discontentedness and the suffering it causes, known as Enlightenment.
The Words of The Buddha Book Series
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooks
“Thank you” for choosing to learn and
practice Gotama Buddha’s Teachings.
You are making the world a better place
through developing your life practice based
on “The Words of The Buddha”.
13

Continue to read and understand “The Words of The Buddha - The Path to
Enlightenment - Revealing The Hidden” book series that has been laid out
for all of us to achieve a better way of life.
You can connect to a group of people in a supportive environment for
discussion, sharing, and learning through the Facebook group.
Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The Buddha
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyWisdom999/
All members are accepted without judgment. It is a healthy place to talk,
discuss, learn, and grow. There are resources to help you further on this
Path to Enlightenment accessible online through a Group Learning
Program.
Group Learning Program: LIVE Interactive Online Classes, Books,
Audiobooks, Videos, Podcast and Personal Guidance are available for you.
14

Preface
The Natural Law of Kamma
This book is dedicated to “you” and the complete elimination, destruction,
and cessation of suffering or “discontentedness” of the mind. Thus, this
book is dedicated to the elimination of discontentedness and the suffering
that it causes in the entire world.
The Teachings in this book series, with some effort on your part, will lead you
to everlasting peace - a peaceful mind and a peaceful life. It’s your personal
choices, with these Teachings serving as a guide, that will bring you these
results.
We are all walking towards the darkness or towards the light. Which
direction you walk is completely your choice.
This book and Teachings are meant to guide you in learning, reflecting, and
practicing The Teachings of The Perfectly Enlightened Buddha who lived
over 2,500 years ago.
The Teachings of The Buddha are timeless, meaning they are just as
applicable today as they were 2,500 years ago.
Gotama Buddha’s Teachings are not a religion but instead, a “better way of
life”. Through learning, reflecting, and practicing these Teachings to
independently verify the truth, the mind will acquire wisdom awakening to
Enlightenment.
It is suggested that you first read “Developing a Life Practice: The Path That
Leads to Enlightenment” (Volume 1) of this same book series while seeking
guidance from a Teacher. It is that book that provides a Practitioner with a
solid foundation in developing a life practice that will lead to the Enlightened
mind.
In order to progress on The Path to Enlightenment, a Practitioner will need a
Teacher to receive guidance. One would not be able to only read a book and
attain the results of an Enlightened mind.
Nothing in Gotama Buddha’s Teachings is based on belief. A Buddha has
already done the hard work of figuring out how to attain Enlightenment. You
just need to learn and practice his Teachings to improve the condition of the
mind and your life.
15

All his Teachings can be learned and practiced to independently observe the
truth as the mind “gradually” acquires wisdom through independent
verification of his Teachings and through practice of his Teachings.
This new found wisdom “gradually” improves the way the mind functions in
the world through eliminating discontentedness of mind. The mind can
completely eliminate all discontent feelings such as sadness, anger,
frustration, irritation, annoyance, guilt, shame, fears, boredom, loneliness,
shyness, jealousy, resentment, stress, anxiety, etc. on The Path to
Enlightenment.
Through learning and practicing Gotama Buddha’s Teachings with guidance,
the mind becomes Enlightened in that you can observe the improvement in
the condition of the mind as you eliminate all discontent feelings where the
mind can reside peaceful, calm, serene, and content with joy - permanently.
You are not believing The Teachings wishing for a positive outcome at some
point in the future or after death. Instead, you are observing the
improvements to the condition of the mind right now - in the present
moment.
Only a Buddha would be able to attain Enlightenment on their own without
Teachers. These are some of the criteria that make a Buddha a Buddha is
that they discover The Teachings on their own attaining Enlightenment
without help from a Teacher, shares their independently discovered
Teachings to guide countless others to Enlightenment during the remaining
time of their life, and they leave their Teachings in a condition that they guide
countless others to Enlightenment after their death.
The last Buddha currently known to the world existed over 2,500 years ago.
That means you and everyone else will need Teachers on this Path to
Enlightenment.
Your journey to learn, reflect, and practice these Teachings is significantly
improved through making the choice to learn directly with “The Words of The
Buddha”.
Today, there are many resources for Teachings described as Buddhist or
originating with The Buddha. But, it is only when a Practitioner chooses to
investigate “The Words of The Buddha” being sourced directly from the
original source, The Pāli Canon, that a Practitioner will come to understand
the truth of what The Buddha actually taught and be able to implement these
Teachings into your daily life to experience the results of Enlightenment.
16

Through learning and practicing Gotama Buddha’s Teachings, in his own
words, The Perfectly Enlightened One’s wisdom can penetrate the mind and
you can experience the breakthrough to realizing the Enlightened mind.
I have significant gratitude, appreciation, admiration, and respect for Master
Teacher Gotama Buddha as his Teachings lead exactly where he said they
would. To a steady, calm, stable, and unshakable mind, known as
Enlightenment.
There are countless unknown and unnamed individuals who are responsible
for these Teachings reaching you in this book series. These Teachings have
been preserved throughout history over the last 2,500 years through the
tireless efforts of Ordained and Household Practitioners. These Teachings
have been preserved and shared from one generation to the next because
they work.
It is now up to us to learn, reflect, and practice these Teachings to
experience the Enlightened mind, so that we may benefit from an improved
existence while also preserving these Teachings for future generations in our
hearts and minds.
While books are an outstanding tool to capture The Teachings and share
them worldwide, there is nothing more significant than having massive
numbers of Enlightened beings in the world who can directly share these
Teachings with those who choose to seek guidance in developing their life
practice on The Path to Enlightenment. Each of us individually and
collectively, are just one link in a long chain of Practitioners and Teachers
spanning over 2,500 years.
What we choose to do in this time and place will determine how vibrant and
sustaining these Teachings are for future generations. It is our work and
effort to seek our own Enlightenment that we will experience results for our
own mind and lay the groundwork for countless more beings after us to
experience the same freedom of mind that you are now choosing to pursue.
Many people are interested in improving the world, but do not know how. It
is only when we are dedicated to improving our own wisdom, moral conduct,
and mental discipline that we will improve the world. Through improving our
own life practice through learning “The Words of The Buddha” then, we will
have collectively improved the world.
The problem that the unEnlightened mind is experiencing is not the outside
world, but the inner world. Training the mind, the inner world, is what
produces a peaceful existence. You can’t control other people and what they
17

do. You can only decide to train your own mind to be unaffected by what
others do.
It is a real struggle to exist in a world that the mind does not understand. It is
“The Words of The Buddha” that explains The Natural Laws of Existence
guiding the mind to acquire deep wisdom to make better free will decisions
through a purified mind.
Master Teacher Gotama Buddha
(The Tathāgata)
18

What To Know About
“Action”
19


Chapter 1
Six Aspects of Kamma to Be Understood
Monks, when it was said: Kamma should be understood; the creation of
Kamma should be understood; the diversity of Kamma should be
understood; the result of Kamma should be understood; the elimination of
the creation of Kamma should be understood; the way leading to the
elimination of (unwholesome) Kamma should be understood, for what reason
was this said?
(1) It is volition (choices/decisions), Monks, that I call Kamma.
For having willed (intentional choices/decisions), one acts by body, speech,
or mind.
(2) And what is the creation of Kamma?
Contact is its creation.
(3) And what is the diversity of Kamma?
There is Kamma to be experienced in hell; there is Kamma to be experienced
in the animal realm; there is Kamma to be experienced in the
realm of afflicted spirits; there is Kamma to be experienced in the human
realm; and there is Kamma to be experienced in the heavenly realm.
This is called the diversity of Kamma.
(4) And what is the result of Kamma?
The result of Kamma, I say, is threefold: [to be experienced] in this very life,
or in the [next] rebirth, or on some subsequent occasion.
This is called the result of Kamma.
(5) And what, Monks, is the elimination of the creation of Kamma?
With the elimination of contact there is elimination of the creation of Kamma.
20

(6) This Noble Eight Fold Path is the way leading to the elimination of
(unwholesome) Kamma, namely,
Right View,
Right Intention,
Right Speech,
Right Action,
Right Livelihood,
Right Effort,
Right Mindfulness,
and Right Concentration.
When, Monks, a Noble Disciple thus understands Kamma, the creation of
Kamma, the diversity of Kamma, the result of Kamma, the elimination of the
creation of Kamma, and the way leading to the elimination of (unwholesome)
Kamma, he understands this penetrative spiritual life to be the elimination of
(unwholesome) Kamma.
When it was said:
Kamma should be understood;
the creation of Kamma should be understood;
the diversity of Kamma should be understood;
the result of Kamma should be understood;
the elimination of the creation of Kamma should be understood;
the way leading to the elimination of (unwholesome) Kamma should be
understood, it is because of this that this was said.
(Reference: AN 6.63)
21


In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares an overview of The Natural Law of
Kamma. It is very clear and straightforward so no further explanation will be provided.
The Path to Enlightenment is entirely based on The Natural Law of Kamma, thus, The
Buddha’s Teachings are helping one to awaken to this natural law.
The more you learn, reflect on, and develop a life practice based on The Natural Law of
Kamma, the more liberated the mind will become.
The goal and objective is to train the mind through The Eight Fold Path and all the
associated Teachings to progress towards Enlightenment. Through learning, reflecting,
and practicing The Eight Fold Path to include deeply understanding The Natural Law of
Kamma, a Practitioner will progress towards experiencing Enlightenment. A Practitioner
will need to eliminate all unwholesome Kamma by producing only wholesome Kamma
through practicing The Eight Fold Path.
It is suggested that you read Chapter 9 titled “What is Kamma and How Does It Affect
Me?” In the book “Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenment”
(Volume 1) prior to reading this book.
Detailed explanation of The Eight Fold Path is available in this same book series found in
Chapter 5 of the book “Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to
Enlightenment” (Volume 1).
22


Chapter 2
Three Causes for the Origination of
Unwholesome Kamma
Monks, there are these three causes for the origination of (unwholesome)
Kamma.
What three?
(1) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) is a cause for the origination of
(unwholesome) Kamma;
(2) Anger (Hatred/Ill Will) is a cause for the origination of (unwholesome)
Kamma;
(3) Ignorance (Delusion/Unknowing of True Reality) is a cause for the
origination of (unwholesome) Kamma.
Suppose, Monks, seeds that are intact, unspoiled, not damaged by wind and
the sun’s heat, fertile, well preserved, were deposited in well-prepared
ground in a good field and receive proper rainfall: in this way, those seeds
would grow, increase, and mature.
So too, any (unwholesome) Kamma, Monks, created through craving, born of
craving, caused by craving, originated by craving, ripens wherever the
individual is reborn. Wherever that (unwholesome) Kamma ripens, it is there
that one experiences its result, either in this very life, or in the [next] rebirth,
or on some subsequent occasion.
So too, any (unwholesome) Kamma created through anger, born of anger,
caused by anger, originated by anger, ripens wherever the individual is
reborn. Wherever that (unwholesome) Kamma ripens, it is there that one
experiences its result, either in this very life, or in the [next] rebirth, or on
some subsequent occasion.
So too, any (unwholesome) Kamma created through ignorance born of
ignorance, caused by ignorance, originated by ignorance, ripens wherever
the individual is reborn. Wherever that (unwholesome) Kamma ripens, it is
there that one experiences its result, either in this very life, or in the [next]
rebirth, or on some subsequent occasion.
These are the three causes for the origination of (unwholesome) Kamma.
23


(Reference: AN 3.34)
In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares the three causes for the origination of
unwholesome Kamma. It is craving, anger, and ignorance (unknowing of true reality) that
causes all unwholesome Kamma.
Craving, anger, and ignorance (unknowing of true reality) are known as The Three
Poisons, The Three Unwholesome Roots, or The Three Fires.
A Practitioner will need to understand The Three Unwholesome Roots to attain
Enlightenment as these are the three (3) high-level descriptions of the problems within the
unEnlightened mind. It is through eliminating The Three Unwholesome Roots that the
mind can experience Enlightenment. In order to eliminate The Three Unwholesome Roots,
you will need to understand what they are and their remedies.
Detailed explanation of The Three Unwholesome Roots and their remedies is available in
this same book series found in Chapter 8 in the book “Developing a Life Practice: The
Path That Leads to Enlightenment” (Volume 1).
24


Chapter 3
Three Causes for the Origination of
Unwholesome & Wholesome Kamma
(Another Discourse)
Monks, there are these three causes for the origination of (unwholesome)
Kamma.
What three?
(1) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) arises with reference to things in the
past that are the basis for craving and desire.
(2) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) arises with reference to things in the
future that are the basis for craving and desire.
(3) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) arises with reference to things
presently existing that are the basis for craving and desire.
And how, Monks, does craving arise with reference to things in the past that
are the basis for craving and desire? One thinks about and mentally
examines things in the past that are the basis for craving and desire. As one
does so, craving arises. When craving springs up, one is fettered by those
things. The mental obsession is what I call the fetter. It is in this way that
craving arises with reference to things in the past that are the basis for
craving and desire.
And how does craving arise with reference to things in the future that are the
basis for craving and desire? One thinks about and mentally examines things
in the future that are the basis for craving and desire. As one does so,
craving arises. When craving springs up, one is fettered by those things. The
mental obsession is what I call the fetter. It is in this way that craving arises
with reference to things in the future that are the basis for craving and desire.
And how does craving arise with reference to things presently existing that
are the basis for craving and desire? One thinks about and mentally
examines things presently existing that are the basis for craving and desire.
As one does so, craving arises. When craving springs up, one is fettered by
those things. The mental obsession is what I call the fetter. It is in this way
that craving arises with reference to things presently existing that are the
basis for craving and desire.
25


These are the three causes for the origination of (unwholesome) Kamma.
There are, Monks, these three causes for the origination of (wholesome)
Kamma.
What three?
(1) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) does not arise with reference to
things in the past that are the basis for craving and desire.
(2) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) does not arise with reference to
things in the future that are the basis for craving and desire.
(3) Craving (Desire/Greed/Attachment) does not arise with reference to
things presently existing that are the basis for craving and desire.
And how, Monks, does craving not arise with reference to things in the past
that are the basis for craving and desire? One understands the future result
of things in the past that are the basis for craving and desire. Having
understood the future result, one avoids it. Having avoided it, one becomes
free from strong feelings in the mind, and having pierced through with
wisdom, one sees. It is in this way that craving does not arise with reference
to things in the past that are the basis for craving and desire.
And how, Monks, does craving not arise with reference to things in the future
that are the basis for craving and desire? One understands the future result
of things in the future that are the basis for craving and desire. Having
understood the future result, one avoids it. Having avoided it, one becomes
free from strong feelings in the mind, and having pierced through with
wisdom, one sees. It is in this way that craving does not arise with reference
to things in the future that are the basis for craving and desire.
And how, Monks, does craving not arise with reference to things presently
existing that are the basis for craving and desire? One understands the
future result of things presently existing that are the basis for craving and
desire. Having understood the future result, one avoids it. Having avoided it,
one becomes free from strong feelings in the mind, and having pierced
through with wisdom, one sees. It is in this way that craving does not arise
with reference to things presently existing that are the basis for craving and
desire.
These are the three causes for the origination of (wholesome) Kamma.
26


(Reference: AN 3.112)
In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares how craving/desire/attachment is the
cause for the origination of unwholesome and wholesome Kamma in the past, future, and
presently.
Craving/desire/attachment is a cause of unwholesome Kamma in the past, future, and
presently.
When craving/desire/attachment does not arise in the mind, wholesome Kamma is
originated in the past, future, and presently.
As the mind becomes more familiar with The Natural Law of Kamma and how craving/
desire/attachment produces unwholesome Kamma, a Practitioner will make wise
decisions to eliminate any decisions based in craving/desire/attachment.
A Practitioner can train the mind to make decisions through The Three Wholesome Roots
rather than The Three Unwholesome Roots.
27


Chapter 4
Three Causes for the Origination of
Wholesome Kamma
Monks, there are these three causes for the origination of (wholesome)
Kamma.
What three?
(1) Non-Craving (Generosity) is a cause for the origination of (wholesome)
Kamma;
(2) Non-Anger (Loving-kindness) is a cause for the origination of (wholesome)
Kamma;
(3) Non-Ignorance (Wisdom) is a cause for the origination of (wholesome)
Kamma.
Suppose, Monks, there are seeds that are intact, unspoiled, not damaged by
wind and the sun’s heat, fertile, well preserved. Then a man would burn them
in a fire, reduce them to ashes, and the ashes would blow in a strong wind or
let them be carried away by the swift current of a river. In this way, those
seeds would be cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so
that they are no more subject to future arising.
So too, any Kamma that is created through non-craving (generosity), born of
non-craving, caused by non-craving, originated by non-craving, is
abandoned when craving has vanished; it is cut off at the root, made like a
palm stump, obliterated so that it is no more subject to future arising (of
unwholesome Kamma).
So too, any Kamma that is created through non-anger (loving-kindness),
born of non-anger, caused by non-anger, originated by non-anger, is
abandoned when anger has vanished; it is cut off at the root, made like a
palm stump, obliterated so that it is no more subject to future arising (of
unwholesome Kamma).
So too, any Kamma that is created through non-ignorance (wisdom), born of
non-ignorance, caused by non-ignorance, originated by non-ignorance, is
abandoned when ignorance has vanished; it is cut off at the root, made like a
palm stump, obliterated so that it is no more subject to future arising (of
unwholesome Kamma).
28


These, Monks, are the three causes for the origination of (wholesome)
Kamma.
(Reference: AN 3.34)
In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares three causes for wholesome Kamma.
Generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom are The Three Wholesome Roots producing
wholesome Kamma.
It is when a Practitioner makes decisions based on generosity, loving-kindness, and
wisdom that they will produce wholesome results (i.e. Kamma). A Practitioner needs to
cultivate these mental qualities in the mind to be able to eliminate The Three
Unwholesome Roots so that one can base their decisions on The Three Wholesome
Roots.
Detailed explanation of The Three Wholesome Roots is available in this same book series
found in Chapter 8 in the book “Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to
Enlightenment” (Volume 1).
29


Chapter 5
Inconceivable Matters
Monks, there are these four inconceivable matters that one should not try to
conceive; one who tries to conceive them would reap either madness or
frustration.
What four?
(1) The experiences of the Buddhas is an inconceivable matter that one
should not try to conceive; one who tries to conceive it would reap either
madness or frustration.
(2) The experiences of one in the Jhānas is an inconceivable matter that one
should not try to conceive; one who tries to conceive it would reap either
madness or frustration.
(3) The (exact) result of Kamma is an inconceivable matter that one should
not try to conceive; one who tries to conceive it would reap either
madness or frustration.
(4) Speculation about the world is an inconceivable matter that one should
not try to conceive; one who tries to conceive it would reap either
madness or frustration.
These are the four inconceivable matters that one should not try to conceive;
one who tries to conceive them would reap either madness or frustration.
(Reference: AN 4.77)


In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares four inconceivable matters that one
should not try to conceive or understand. Attempting to understand these four
inconceivable matters would produce either madness or frustration.
(1) The experiences of the Buddhas is a topic that is not easily or readily understood by
the average person, therefore, The Buddha guides Students to not attempt to understand
this topic. To deeply understand the experiences of a Buddha, one would need to be a
Buddha and through one’s experience, they would be able to understand the experiences
of a Buddha. But since a Buddha is a rare individual who meets unique criteria, Gotama
Buddha shares that if you attempted to understand “the experiences of the Buddhas” it
would create either madness or frustration. Since you are not a Buddha, to attempt to
understand “the experiences of the Buddhas” would produce only madness or frustration.
(2) The experiences of one in the Jhānas is a topic that is not easily or readily understood
by the average person, therefore, The Buddha guides Students to not attempt to
understand this topic. To deeply understand the experiences of one in the Jhānas, one
would need to be in the Jhānas and through one’s experience, they would be able to
understand the experiences of being in the Jhānas. The Buddha shares that if you
attempted to understand “the experiences of one in the Jhānas” it would create either
madness or frustration. If you attempted to understand the Jhānas when you are not in
the Jhānas, to attempt to understand “the experiences of one in the Jhānas” would
produce only madness or frustration.
(3) The Buddha shares that attempting to understand the exact result of Kamma is a topic
that one should not attempt to understand. Attempting to understand this would only
create madness or frustration. It is wise for a Practitioner to understand The Natural Law
of Kamma and gaining the wisdom to make wise decisions for one’s moral conduct and
mental discipline. But, if one were to attempt to understand each individual situation and
the results, The Buddha shares this would lead to madness or frustration because one
cannot determine Kamma to this level of detail.
(4) Speculation about the world such as conspiracy theories or topics that are incapable
of being determined as true or untrue would only lead to madness or frustration. A
Practitioner who is on The Path to Enlightenment should be interested in discovering the
truth to acquire wisdom rather than speculating about what could be, should be, or might
be.
If the mind is obsessed with the future and worried about countless eventual outcomes
that have not come to be, the mind would experience only madness or frustration.
Instead, train the mind to reside in the present moment and when making plans, do so
based on tangible information currently available rather than being worried or obsessed
about those things not yet known as 100% true. Speculating about what will or will not
occur, with an obsessed mind, would lead to only madness or frustration.
Attempting to understand these topics will not lead one further on The Path to
Enlightenment and, therefore, The Buddha provided guidance that one should not pursue
them. A Practitioner should let go of attempting to understand these “four inconceivable
matters” because they would only produce “madness or frustration” not progress on The
Path to Enlightenment.
31


Kinds of “Action”
32


Chapter 6
Ten Courses of Unwholesome Kamma
Impurity by body, Cunda, is threefold.
Impurity by speech is fourfold.
Impurity by mind is threefold.
And how, Cunda, is impurity by body threefold?
(1)Here, someone destroys life. He is murderous, bloody-handed, given to
blows and violence, merciless to living beings.
(2)He takes what is not given. He steals the wealth and property of others in
the village or forest.
(3)He engages in sexual misconduct. He has sexual relations with women
who are protected by their mother, father, mother and father, brother,
sister, or relatives; who are protected by their Teachings; who have a
husband; whose violation entails a penalty; or even with one already
engaged.
It is in this way that impurity by body is threefold.
And how, Cunda, is impurity by speech fourfold?
(1)Here, someone speaks falsehood. If he is summoned to a council, to an
assembly, to his relatives’ presence, to his club, or to the court, and
questioned as a witness thus: ‘So, good man, tell what you know’. Then,
not knowing, he says, ‘I know,’ or knowing, he says, ‘I do not know’; not
seeing, he says, ‘I see’, or seeing, he says, ‘I do not see!’ Thus he
knowingly speaks falsehood for his own benefit, or for another’s benefit,
or for some insignificant worldly benefit.
(2)He speaks argumentatively. Having heard something here, he repeats it
elsewhere in order to divide (those people) from these; or having heard
something elsewhere, he repeats it to these people in order to divide
(them) from those. Thus he is one who divides those who are united, a
creator of divisions, one who enjoys separation, rejoices in separation,
finds pleasure in separation, a speaker of words that create separation.
33


(3)He speaks harshly. He speaks such words as are rough, hard, hurtful to
others, offensive to others, bordering on anger, unconducive to
concentration.
(4)He indulges in idle chatter. He speaks at an improper time, speaks falsely,
speaks what is unbeneficial, speaks opposite to The Teachings and the
discipline; at an improper time, he speaks such words as are unwise,
unreasonable, rambling, and unbeneficial.
It is in this way that impurity by speech is fourfold.
And how, Cunda, is impurity by mind threefold?
(1)Here, someone is full of longing (craving). He longs (craves) for the wealth
and property of others thus: Oh, may what belongs to another be mine!
(2)He has a mind of ill will and intentions of hate thus: May these beings be
slain, slaughtered, cut off, destroyed, or obliterated!
(3)He holds wrong view (ignorance: unknowing of true reality) and has an
incorrect perspective thus: There is nothing given, nothing sacrificed,
nothing offered; there is no fruit or result of wholesome and unwholesome
actions; there is no this world, no other world; there is no mother, no
father; there are no beings spontaneously reborn; there are in the world no
Ascetics and Brāhmins of right conduct and right practice who, having
realized this world and the other world for themselves by direct
knowledge (experience), make them known to others.
It is in this way that impurity by mind is threefold.
These, Cunda, are the ten courses of unwholesome Kamma.
...It is because people engage in these ten courses of unwholesome Kamma
that hell, the animal realm, the realm of afflicted spirits, and other bad
destinations are seen.
(Reference: AN 10.176)
34


In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares “Ten Courses of Unwholesome Kamma”
based on impurity of body, speech, and mind.
The origin of all unwholesome Kamma is craving, anger, and ignorance (unknowing of true
reality) known as The Three Poisons, The Three Unwholesome Roots, or The Three Fires.
But in this Teaching, The Buddha shares more specific guidance to help Practitioners
more deeply understand some of the specifics that produce unwholesome Kamma.
This Teaching will help one to further purify their intentions, speech, and actions using
The Eight Fold Path as a foundational Teaching.
Body = Right Action
Speech = Right Speech
Mind = Right Intention
This Teaching provides one with detailed guidance of what impurities of body, speech,
and mind lead to unwholesome outcomes or results known as unwholesome Kamma.
The Path to Enlightenment is to train the mind to no longer make unwholesome decisions
and instead, purify one’s bodily actions, speech or communication, and mind or thoughts.
Through deeply understanding and practicing this Teaching along with all the others
shared by Gotama Buddha, a Practitioner moves the mind closer to Enlightenment where
one is only ever making wholesome decisions producing wholesome results (i.e.
wholesome Kamma).
If you have done any of these in the past, then through training the mind, with a
comprehensive approach to improvements in developing a life practice, a Practitioner will
“clean up” their life practice experiencing improved results in the condition of the mind
and their life.
Through gradual training and gradual practice, one will experience gradual progress
observing the condition of the mind becomes more peaceful, calm, serene, and content
with joy, permanently, through training the mind to attain Enlightenment.
35


Chapter 7
Ten Courses of Wholesome Kamma
Purity by body, Cunda, is threefold.
Purity by speech is fourfold.
Purity by mind is threefold.
And how, Cunda, is purity by body threefold?
(1)Here, someone, having abandoned the destruction of life, abstains from
the destruction of life. With the rod and weapon laid aside, diligent and
kindly, he resides compassionate towards all living beings.
(2)Having abandoned the taking of what is not given, he abstains from taking
what is not given. He does not steal the wealth and property of others in
the village or in the forest.
(3)Having abandoned sexual misconduct, he abstains from sexual
misconduct. He does not have sexual relations with women who are
protected by their mother, father, mother and father, brother, sister, or
relatives; who are protected by their Teachings; who have a husband;
whose violation entails a penalty; or even with one already engaged.
It is in this way that purity by body is threefold.
And how, Cunda, is purity by speech fourfold?
(1)Here, someone, having abandoned false speech, abstains from false
speech. If he is summoned to a council, to an assembly, to his relatives’
presence, to his club, or to the court, and questioned as a witness thus:
So, good man, tell what you know, then, not knowing, he says, ‘I do not
know’, or knowing, he says, ‘I know’; not seeing, he says, ‘I do not see,’
or seeing, he says, ‘I see’. Thus he does not knowingly speak falsehood
for his own benefit, or for another’s benefit, or for some insignificant
worldly benefit.
(2)Having abandoned argumentative speech, he abstains from
argumentative speech. Having heard something here, he does not repeat
it elsewhere in order to divide (those people) from these; or having heard
something elsewhere, he does not repeat it to these people in order to
divide (them) from those. Thus he is one who reunites those who are
36


divided, a promoter of unity, who enjoys calmness, rejoices in calmness,
encourages calmness, a speaker of words that promote calmness.
(3)Having abandoned harsh speech, he abstains from harsh speech. He
speaks such words as are gentle, pleasing to the ear, and lovable, as go
to the heart, are courteous, desired by many, and agreeable to many.
(4)Having abandoned idle chatter, he abstains from idle chatter. He speaks
at a proper time, speaks truth, speaks what is beneficial, speaks on The
Teachings and the discipline; at a proper time, he speaks such words as
are worth recording, reasonable, concise, and beneficial.
It is in this way that purity by speech is fourfold.
And how, Cunda, is purity by mind threefold?
(1)Here, someone is without longing (craving). He does not long (crave) for
the wealth and property of others thus: Oh, may what belongs to another
be mine!
(2)He is of good will (loving-kindness) and his intentions are free of hate thus:
May these beings live peacefully, free from hostility, harm, and anxiety!
(3)He holds Right View (wisdom) and has a correct perspective thus: There is
what is given, sacrificed, and offered: there is fruit and result of
wholesome and unwholesome actions; there is this world and the other
world; there is mother and father; there are beings spontaneously reborn;
there are in the world Ascetics and Brāhmins of right conduct and right
practice who, having realized this world and the other world for
themselves by direct knowledge (experience), make them known to
others.
It is in this way that purity by mind is threefold.
These, Cunda, are the ten courses of (wholesome) Kamma.
...It is because people engage in these ten courses of (wholesome) Kamma
that the heavenly beings, human beings, and other good destinations are
seen.
(Reference: AN 10.176)
37


In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares “Ten Courses of Wholesome Kamma”
based on purity of body, speech, and mind.
The origin of all wholesome Kamma is generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom known as
The Three Wholesome Roots. But in this Teaching, The Buddha shares more specific
guidance to help Practitioners more deeply understand some of the specifics that
produce wholesome Kamma.
This Teaching will help one to further purify their intentions, speech, and actions using
The Eight Fold Path as a foundational Teaching.
Body = Right Action
Speech = Right Speech
Mind = Right Intention
This Teaching provides one with detailed guidance of what purities of body, speech, and
mind lead to wholesome outcomes or results known as wholesome Kamma.
The Path to Enlightenment is to train the mind to no longer make unwholesome decisions
and instead, purify one’s bodily actions, speech or communication, and mind or thoughts.
Through deeply understanding and practicing this Teaching along with all the others
shared by Gotama Buddha, a Practitioner moves the mind closer to Enlightenment where
one is only ever making wholesome decisions producing wholesome results (i.e.
wholesome Kamma).
If you have not done any of these in the past, then through training the mind, with a
comprehensive approach to improvements in developing a life practice, a Practitioner will
“clean up” their life practice experiencing improved results in the condition of the mind
and their life.
Through gradual training and gradual practice, one will experience gradual progress
observing the condition of the mind becomes peaceful, calm, serene, and content with
joy, permanently, through training the mind to attain Enlightenment.
38


Chapter 8
New and Old Kamma
Monks, I will teach you new and old Kamma, the elimination of
(unwholesome) Kamma, and the way leading to the elimination of
(unwholesome) Kamma.
Listen to that and attend closely, I will speak.
And what, Monks, is old Kamma?
The eye is old Kamma, to be seen as generated and created by volition
(choices/decisions), as something to be felt. The ear is old Kamma, to be
seen as generated and created by volition, as something to be felt. The nose
is old Kamma, to be seen as generated and created by volition, as
something to be felt. The tongue is old Kamma, to be seen as generated and
created by volition, as something to be felt. The body is old Kamma, to be
seen as generated and created by volition, as something to be felt. The mind
is old Kamma, to be seen as generated and created by volition, as
something to be felt.
This is called old Kamma.
And what, Monks is new Kamma?
Whatever action one does now by body, speech, or mind.
This is called new Kamma.
And what, Monks, is the elimination of (unwholesome) Kamma?
When one reaches liberation through the elimination of (unwholesome) bodily
action, verbal action, and mental action, this is called the elimination of
(unwholesome) Kamma.
And what, Monks, is the way leading to the elimination of
(unwholesome) Kamma?
It is this Noble Eight Fold Path; that is, Right View, Right Intention, Right
Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and
Right Concentration.
39

Thus, Monks, I have taught old Kamma, I have taught new Kamma, I have
taught the elimination of (unwholesome) Kamma, I have taught the way
leading to the elimination of (unwholesome) Kamma.
Whatever should be done, Monks, by a compassionate Teacher out of
compassion for his disciples, aspiring for their welfare, that I have done for
you.
These are the feet of trees, Monks these are empty huts.
Meditate, Monks, do not be complacent, lest you regret it later.
This is my instruction to you.
(Reference: SN 35.146)


In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares Teachings that guide a Practitioner in
understanding new and old Kamma as well as the elimination of unwholesome Kamma.
To attain Enlightenment, a Practitioner will need to understand wholesome and
unwholesome Kamma as well as new and old Kamma.
Kamma, or The Natural Law of Kamma, refers to the fact that everything in life has a
cause and effect or action and result. Essentially, our intentions, speech, and actions,
wholesome or unwholesome, have an effect on us. One way to think of Kamma is that
Kamma is “the results of our own decisions” or “the effects of our own decisions”.
You may have been exposed to the word “Karma” which is referring to the same natural
law but using a different language. Karma is from the Sanskrit language while Kamma is
from the Pāli language. The source of Gotama Buddha’s Teachings is in the Pāli language.
Those who are learning and practicing these Teachings from The Pāli Canon, the most
complete source of Gotama Buddha’s Teachings, will typically use the word “Kamma”
instead of “Karma”.
All of Gotama Buddha’s Teachings center on the importance of “not doing any harm”. By
doing harm to other beings, we do harm to ourselves because of The Natural Law of
Kamma.
If we put out wholesome intentions, speech and actions, wholesomeness will come back
to us. With wholesome and pure intentions, speech, actions, and livelihood, we know that
our life will be wholesome, calm, steady, and peaceful as we eliminate more and more
attachments on our pursuit to Enlightenment.
Likewise, if our intentions, speech, actions, and livelihood are unwholesome,
unwholesome things will come back to us. If we harm other beings, through our
intentions, speech, actions, or livelihood, harm will return back to us.
Kamma is not necessarily instantaneous or immediate. It may not come back in exactly
the same form we put it out in. For example, if we put calm, steady, kind, and polite
waves into the world’s seas, that’s what will come back to us. Maybe not immediately, but
over time we will see this steadiness and calmness come back to us.
Conversely, if we put out damaging and vicious waves into our world’s seas, then that is
what will come back to us. Fierce, strong, and violent waters will create havoc and floods
in our life. Kamma is not a system of rewards and punishments but instead a natural law
of “cause and effect” or “action and results” - the results of our decisions.
Kamma does not need to be feared. The Natural Law of Kamma needs to be understood
so that we can make wise choices in our life that lead to a more peaceful mind and a
more peaceful existence for us individually and all of humanity.
There is no fear in these Teachings and there is no fear in Kamma.
The only one who fears Kamma is the person who does not understand The Natural Law
of Kamma and is unable to make wise decisions that would lead to a more peaceful
existence.
41


The more you learn and practice The Teachings of Gotama Buddha, the more awakened
the mind will become to The Natural Law of Kamma and the better decisions one can
make. This will result in a more peaceful existence to include a peaceful, calm, serene,
and content mind with joy.
Gotama Buddha’s Teachings are guiding you in understanding this Natural Law of Kamma
to awaken the mind to better life choices that lead to an improved existence.
Each person has 100% ability to make decisions in their life, these are personal choices.
Based on the personal choices we make, the resulting effect will be experienced. This is
our Kamma.
The Natural Law of Kamma is something that is talked about in modern society but
oftentimes as a joke or said in passing. Kamma is sometimes thought to be a mystical or
mysterious concept. However, Kamma is the governing factor of all things in life through
“cause and effect” or “action and result”.
Kamma is the results or effects of our own decisions. It is a natural law that exists, and
Gotama Buddha’s Teachings are awakening the mind to deeply understand this natural
law, so that you can make good wholesome decisions to function peacefully in life.
Through understanding The Natural Law of Kamma, you will make much better decisions
in life and, thus, experience better results.
There is no one that governs this natural law or oversees its functioning. The Natural Law
of Kamma just exists and it is absolutely one-hundred percent truth.
Examples of Kamma are:
1.) You murder someone and then you are put into jail. Your quality of life is impacted by
becoming worse.
2.) You steal something and then you are put into jail and people steal from you. Your
quality of life is impacted by becoming worse.
3.) You commit sexual misconduct having sexual contact with a person already involved
in a relationship. This relationship is discovered, and the partner finds you and a verbal
and/or physical attack transpires. Your quality of life is impacted by becoming worse.
4.) You are someone who speaks with false truth through lying, gossip, and slander.
People cannot trust your words and you find it difficult to have relationships, conduct
business, and people constantly lie to you. Your quality of life is impacted by becoming
worse.
5.) You take substances becoming heedless and find yourself lacking concentration or
mindfulness with the inability to focus on work, relationships, and everyday activities. Your
quality of life is impacted by becoming worse.
When our intentions, speech, actions, and livelihood are pure without craving, anger, or
ignorance (unknowing of true reality), we are creating wholesome Kamma for ourselves,
thus, goodness will come back to us.
42


New and Old Kamma
New Kamma is the result of any decisions that you are making right now in the present
moment. As one makes decisions in the present moment through body, speech, and
mind, they are producing new Kamma that is either wholesome or unwholesome. All
bodily, verbal, and mental conduct in the present moment is creating new Kamma.
Through wise decisions making, new wholesome Kamma is created. Through unwise
decisions making, new unwholesome Kamma is created.
Old Kamma are decisions that were made in the past including in past lives that lead to
results experienced now in this life. For example, the physical body is old Kamma. The
type of physical body one acquires at conception is based on decisions made in the
previous life. There were no decisions made in this life to create the physical body
acquired at conception because the mind has not yet reached existence to be able to
make decisions. Instead, as the mind moves into existence at conception, it acquires a
physical body that is based on decisions from one’s previous life.
Wholesome and Unwholesome
Wholesome Kamma are all decisions that are harmless. Through producing decisions that
do not cause any harm, these wise decisions will produce wholesome Kamma or
wholesome results.
Unwholesome Kamma are all decisions that are harmful. Through producing decisions
that cause harm, these unwise decisions will produce unwholesome Kamma or
unwholesome results.
It is craving, anger, and ignorance (unknowing of true reality) in the mind that produces all
unwholesome decisions leading to unwholesome results.
It is generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom in the mind that produces all wholesome
decisions leading to wholesome results.
Eliminating craving, anger, and ignorance (unknowing of true reality) from the mind and
cultivating generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom into the mind is how one transforms
the unEnlightened mind to the Enlightened mind. One might choose to view this that as a
Practitioner cultivates generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom, this eliminates the
craving, anger, and ignorance (unknowing of true reality), pushing it out of the mind.
A Practitioner’s well developed life practice to train the mind in meditation and daily life
through these Teachings, is how one comes to understand the arising of craving, anger,
and ignorance (unknowing of true reality) and the cultivation of generosity, loving-
kindness, and wisdom eliminating the pollution of mind that causes all unskillful conduct.
Through developing generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom in the mind, a Practitioner is
able to then produce skillful decisions that lead to wholesome results in all situations.
43


Can you explain complacency and how to eliminate it from the mind?
Complacency is a hindrance to Enlightenment and will obstruct an individual from
attaining this mental state.
Complacency is experienced in the mind where it is dull, lethargic, and unmotivated, it will
hinder a Practitioner from the attainment of Enlightenment.
Complacency includes: being disinterested to learn and practice The Teachings of The
Buddha. This can be experienced as a disinterest to read books, come to classes, seek
guidance from a Teacher, meditate, etc. The Buddha describes complacency to the point
where, if the mind experiences an unwholesome thought/idea/feeling and the Practitioner
does nothing about it, then the mind is complacent. What a Practitioner is taught to do on
The Path to Enlightenment is to “cut off and let go” of all unwholesome thoughts/ideas/
feelings, therefore, if one does nothing about an unwholesome thought/idea/feelings, the
mind is complacent.
Again, this will hinder an individual from the attainment of Enlightenment, which is a
purification of the mind.
If the mind is unEnlightened, then there is the fetter/taint/pollution of mind described as
ignorance (unknowing of true reality) still in the mind. A Practitioner does not understand
things as they truly are, the mind lacks wisdom of The Natural Laws of Existence. This is
an all encompassing pollution of mind and is the last one that will be eliminated from the
mind prior to Enlightenment.
As long as one’s mind is unEnlightened, it does not have the needed wisdom to attain
Enlightenment because it is not yet practicing The Teachings (i.e. The Natural Laws of
Existence), thus, there is ignorance, confusion, misunderstanding, misperception, a lack
of wisdom, or “the unknowing of true reality” still in the mind. Ignorance is eliminated
through learning, reflecting (i.e. independently verifying), and practicing The Teachings of
The Buddha to acquire wisdom. Wisdom is just the opposite of “the unknowing of true
reality” and will eradicate the mind’s fetter/taint/pollution of mind described as ignorance.
While ignorance is involved in all the fetters/taints/pollutions, the fetters that are directly
involved in complacency are “Doubt” and “Sensual Desire”.
The mind doubts The Teachings of The Buddha and their ability to guide an individual to
Enlightenment. And, the mind is having sensual desire, in that, it is holding on to certain
things with craving/desire/attachment being unmotivated to learn and practice The
Teachings while also indulging in unwholesome thoughts/ideas/feelings.
Doubt (Elimination of doubts about The Teachings and the ability of them to attain
Enlightenment. Confidence in The Buddha, The Teachings, The
Community, your Teacher, and your own ability to attain Enlightenment.)
Sensual desire (Elimination of the desire for pleasures from The Six Sense Bases: eyes,
ears, nose, tongue, body, and the mind.)
There is a remedy, or solution to eliminate complacency, that can be implemented to
ensure the mind is able to overcome this obstacle and continue its journey to
Enlightenment.
44


The solution is to practice The Eight Fold Path to include, the Enlightenment factors of
investigation, energy, and joy from The Seven Factors of Enlightenment. The
Enlightenment factors of investigation, energy, and joy are just the opposites of the
dullness, lethargy, and lack of motivation that exists in the mind during the time of
complacency. Some older texts use the phrase “sloth and torpor” for complacency but,
“complacency” is a much better way to understand this aspect of the unEnlightened mind
with language we use today.
Investigation: (Dedicated examination, exploration, research, study, and questioning to
learn The Teachings.)
Energy: (Effort, determination, ambition, initiative, motivation, vigor, and enthusiasm;
willingness to do something.)
Joy: (Pleased and delighted not associated with any specific object; unconditioned
gladness; the Practitioner is not attaining it by craving/desire/attachment.)
Meditate, Monks, do not be complacent, lest you will regret it later. This is my instruction
to you. (Reference: SN 43.1)
You can learn more about complacency and its remedy using these resources.
Volume 1 - Chapter 3 and the recorded classes where I teach The Five Hindrances, this is
one of those.
Free Books - The Words of The Buddha
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooks
The Five Hindrances & The Seven Factors of Enlightenment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t6VKPshUn0
45


Chapter 9
This Body is Old Kamma
Monks, this body is not yours, nor does it belong to others. It is old Kamma,
to be seen as generated and created by volition (choices/decisions) as
something to be felt.
Therein, Monks, the instructed Noble Disciple attends carefully and closely
to Dependent Origination itself thus:
When this exists, that comes to be;
With the arising of this, that arises.
When this does not exist, that does not come to be;
With the elimination of this, that is eliminated.
That is,
With ignorance as condition, volitional formations (come to be);
With volitional formations as condition, consciousness:
With consciousness as condition, name-and-form;
With name-and-form as condition, the six sense bases;
With the six sense bases as condition, contact;
With contact as condition, feeling;
With feeling as condition, craving;
With craving as condition, clinging;
With clinging as condition, existence;
With existence as condition, birth;
With birth as condition, aging-and-death, sorrow, grief, pain, displeasure,
and despair come to be.
Such is the origin of this whole mass of discontentedness.
But with the remainderless fading away and elimination of ignorance
(unknowing of true reality) comes elimination of volitional formations
(choices/decisions); with the elimination of volitional formations, elimination
of consciousness, … (all aspects of dependent origination) … with the
elimination of birth, aging-and-death, sorrow, grief, pain, displeasure and
despair is eliminated.
Such is the elimination of this whole mass of discontentedness.
(Reference: SN 12.37)


In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares what is “Old Kamma” and then shares
“Dependent Origination” explaining how one comes into existence through birth.
There are three components that are needed to create a living being. An egg, sperm, and
a consciousness (i.e. a mind). If these things are present, there is a living being.
When the mind comes together with the egg and sperm, it has not yet made any
decisions, therefore, what it experiences in terms of the physical body is “old kamma”.
The physical body of the new being is experiencing the results of decisions from past
lives.
If the new being has beneficial features and a healthy body, that is based on decisions
from their prior life - old Kamma.
If the new being has unbeneficial features and an unhealthy body, that is based on
decisions from their prior life - old Kamma.
New Kamma is generated based on current decisions while old Kamma is the results of
decisions made in the past. The physical body is a perfect example of old Kamma as the
condition of the physical body at birth is based on the results of decisions from previous
lives.
Volition or volitional formations are the choices/decisions we make. It is our choices or
decisions that lead to certain outcomes or results. The results of our decisions is our
Kamma. The Natural Law of Kamma is “cause and effect” or “action and results”,
essentially the results of our decisions.
A Practitioner would need to understand New and Old Kamma as well as Wholesome and
Unwholesome Kamma to attain Enlightenment.
Old Kamma is the results of our decisions that we have made in the past. New Kamma is
the results of our decisions that we are making right now. Any decisions that you are
making right now, will produce certain outcomes or results referred to as new Kamma.
The fact that we are in existence right now as a human being is “old Kamma”.
The decisions that we have made in all our prior lives did not lead to Enlightenment,
therefore, we have been reborn into this new existence. Any decisions we make now is
new Kamma and will affect whether we will be reborn in the future or not.
Through learning, reflecting, and practicing these Teachings, one eliminates ignorance
(unknowing of true reality) which eliminates the condition that is causing rebirth as
explained in Dependent Origination.
Dependent Origination is explaining the “cause and effect” or “action and result” of how
beings come into existence through The Cycle of Rebirth and why we experience
discontentedness.
Through ignorance (unknowing of true reality) one makes choices/decisions. This puts
into motion a whole series of events that lead to birth, aging-and-death, and massive
amounts of discontentedness.
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But with the elimination of ignorance (unknowing of true reality) through acquiring
wisdom, a being can improve the condition of the mind eliminating 100% of all
discontentedness.
Dependent Origination is providing a step-by-step understanding of how
discontentedness comes to be and how it is eliminated with ignorance being the primary
causation of what keeps the unEnlightened mind in The Cycle of Rebirth, thus, wisdom
being the primary remedy to eliminate The Cycle of Rebirth.
Through learning, reflecting, and practicing these Teachings with guidance from a
Teacher, a Practitioner can independently verify The Buddha’s Teachings to discover the
truth to acquire wisdom.
Nothing in Gotama Buddha's Teachings is based on belief. All his Teachings can be
learned and practiced to independently observe the truth as the mind gradually acquires
wisdom through independent verification of his Teachings through practice of his
Teachings.
This new found wisdom gradually improves the way the mind functions in the world
through eliminating discontentedness of mind. The mind can completely eliminate all
discontent feelings such as sadness, anger, frustration, irritation, annoyance, guilt, shame,
fears, boredom, loneliness, shyness, jealousy, resentment, stress, anxiety, etc. on The
Path to Enlightenment.
Through learning and practicing Gotama Buddha's Teachings with guidance, the mind
becomes Enlightened in that you can observe the improvement in the condition of the
mind as you eliminate all discontent feelings where the mind can reside peaceful, calm,
serene, and content with joy - permanently. You are not believing The Teachings wishing
for a positive outcome at some point in the future or after death. Instead, you are
observing the improvements to the condition of the mind right now - in the present
moment.
While Dependent Origination shares, in detail, the step-by-step causation of how
ignorance leads to “birth, aging-and-death, sorrow, grief, pain, displeasure, and despair
(i.e. discontentedness), a Practitioner will need to study this deeply with guidance from a
Teacher. It is best if Dependent Origination is taught in an environment where Students
can learn and then ask questions with a Teacher.
Detailed explanation of Dependent Origination is available in this same book series found
in Chapter 14 of the book “The First Stage of Enlightenment (Stream-Enterer)” (Volume 5).
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