15/06/21 19:08:22.86 /ILF9FBf.net
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The Basis of the Transmigration of the Soul
Each action we perform leaves an imprint, or potential, on our very subtle mind,
and each karmic potential eventually gives rise to its own effect. Our mind is like
a field, and performing actions is like sowing seeds in that field. Positive or virtuous
actions sow the seeds of future happiness, and negative or non-virtuous actions sow
the seeds of future suffering. This definite relationship between actions and their
effects – virtue causing happiness and non-virtue causing suffering – is know as the
‘law of karma’. An understanding of the law of karma is the basis of Buddhist morality.
After we die our very subtle mind leaves our body and enters the intermediate state,
or ‘bardo’ in Tibetan. In this subtle dream-like state we experience many different
visions that arise from the karmic potentials that were activated at the time of our death.
These visions may be pleasant or terrifying depending on the karma that ripens. Once
these karmic seeds have fully ripened they impel us to take rebirth without choice.