THE SCIENCE OF ADEQUATE RESULTS

Knowing and practising Scientia Causarum Sufficientium, the Science of Adequate Causes, lead us to understand and be able to observe how karma works. We come to see that if one does good one gets good: if one does bad one gets bad; no-one ever escapes the just consequences of an evil deed. It is only short-termism which causes one to see it otherwise. This realisation produces peace in one's heart, renewed motivation to do good and improve oneself and unbreakable confidence in the ultimate perfection and justice of the universe.

Knowledge of the Science of Adequate Results enables us to see how we can achieve our goals by applying the law of karma. Simply put, if you want to end up with an oak tree, you plant an acorn. Of course, soil condition, moisture, location and care are important but the sine qua non is the acorn. There is no use in trying to achieve one's goal until one has clear understanding of the essential cause. At the highest level, the Buddha has offered us the ultimate goal, Nibbana, perfect peace and happiness. This is exactly what many of us want (not all of us). He has also indicated the necessary cause, the Noble Eightfold Path. This involves a completely new start to one's life, covering all aspects of living: how to understand things, how to think, how to speak, how to behave in our dealings with others and the world, how to earn a living, how to make the right kind of effort if we want to be successful, how to develop mindfulness and awareness, how to meditate in order to bring the mind under control and bring about its development to its highest potential. Tread the Path, he says, without change or modification, and we are certain to reach our destination.

Tens of thousands of men and women have achieved just this. Applied Cause, realised Effect. Even more men and women have attempted this while modifying the Teaching, "bringing it up to date" adapting it to cultural or national or fashionable considerations, - and failed. They have wanted an oak tree and sown a sycamore seed. No amount of loving care and compost will ever result in an oak.

This week's project: Use it!