Repentance Does Not Erase Karma | How the Old Path Is Redirected

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]In the Yogacara teachings, we have mentioned that intention is one of the key conditions [music] that determines whether unwholesome karma becomes fully established. For example, something done in a dream is not exactly the same as something done deliberately while awake, because the mind in a dream is dim and unclear. But if after waking, we still savor that unwholesome thought, rejoice [music] in it, or identify with it, then we may cause it to continue increasing.

[00:00:25]That is why the Buddhist teachings remind us that even if an unwholesome state appears in a dream, we should still repent after waking, so that the mind does not keep feeding [music] it.

[00:00:34]Therefore, repentance does not deny karmic results, nor does it imagine that all already ripened results can be eliminated at once. Rather, while the karma has not yet fully ripened, [music] while the afflictions are still active, and while the old continuity is still being fed, we use regret, open confession, counteracting, [music] and the resolve not to repeat the act, so that it no longer increases. So, when through observation, we see that the old pattern of the five aggregates is about to continue again, how can we begin to cut it off effectively? We [music] must establish a stronger and more continuous permeation of wholesome dharmas. That is to say, [music] when afflictions are manifest, we immediately use corresponding methods to counteract them. For example, by applying practices such as the four foundations of mindfulness mentioned in the previous [music] episode, so that they do not continue driving body, speech, and mind.

[00:01:26]After karma has been created, we should also repent as early as possible, cutting off the conditions that make old karma to continue manifesting and increasing, and weakening the force of unwholesome [music] karma. Then, through making vows and dedicating merit, we give wholesome dharmas a direction in which to continue. Together with deeper practices such as cessation [music] and contemplation, contemplating the empty nature of transgressions, and recollecting true suchness, this permeation becomes more firmly established, >> [music] >> allowing the mind gradually to form a steadier and more powerful tendency, so that each time it meets conditions again, [music] it gradually turns back toward purity, illuminating awareness, true suchness, and Bodhi. The Treatise on the Demonstration of Consciousness Only says this of the Alaya Consciousness, because it can be perfumed by the other evolving consciousnesses and thereby form seeds.

[00:02:17]Therefore, the force of the seeds is not fixed forever. Before they mature into retribution, they can still be redirected.

[00:02:24]>> your life, where clarity deepens with every return.