第一辑 安乐与自在 Volume 1: Inner Peace and Freedom
第十三章 前世今生和因果
Chapter 13: Past Lives, Present Life, and Causality
物质世界遵循因果律，而精神世界也遵循因果律
精神世界的因果律如何运作？
因果律如何决定我们的前世与后世？
The material world follows the law of causality, and the spiritual world also follows the law of causality.
How does the law of causality operate in the spiritual world?
How does the law of causality determine our past lives and future lives?
我们在第八章讲了缘起法则，也就是因果律，现在，我们回顾一下。
In Chapter 8, we discussed the principle of dependent arising, also known as the law of causality. Now, let's recap.
因果律是公理，是一切科学和哲学的理论基础。没有因果律，所有的科学定理和哲学理论都无法建立。
The law of causality is an axiom, which serves as the theoretical foundation for all science and philosophy. Without the law of causality, all scientific theorems and philosophical theories cannot be established.
因果律，表示任何一种现象或事物都必然有其原因，即“物有本末，事有终始”，也就是说，任何一种结果和现象都是由因缘和合而生。
The law of causality states that any phenomenon or thing must have its cause, that is, "Things have their root and branches, affairs have their end and beginning." In other words, any result or phenomenon arises from the combination of causes and conditions.
缘起法则有三大特点：一、果由因生；二、事待理成；三、有依空立。
The principle of dependent arising has three characteristics:
(1) Results arise from causes;
(2) Everything follows the universal law.
(3) Existence arises from emptiness.
宇宙间的任何事物都具备这三个基本特征，都离不开缘生缘灭，也就是因缘果生、因缘果灭的法则。物质世界是遵循因果律的，而精神世界也同样是遵循因果律的。
Everything in the universe has these three basic characteristics. Nothing can escape dependent arising and cessation—the law that causes and conditions lead to arising and cessation. The material world follows the law of causality, and the spiritual world also follows the law of causality.
人类的自由意志在造作的时候产生的惯性能量，叫做“业”。也就是说，人类所有的思想和行为都会“留下痕迹”，形成一种惯性。在不断重复造作的过程中积累的惯性能量形成业习。
The inertia energy generated from the actions of free will is called "karma". In other words, all our thoughts and actions will leave imprints, creating a kind of inertia. The inertia energy accumulated through repeated actions forms karmic habits.
自由意志造作所形成业习，又会反过来影响自由意志，这种反作用于自由意志的力量，叫业力。
The karmic habits formed from the actions of free will, in turn, will influence free will. This force that acts back upon free will is called karmic force.
其实，因果律也是始终贯穿在自由意志的造作当中的。所以，因就是业因力，简称业因；果就是业果力，简称业果；缘就是业缘力，简称业缘。
In fact, the law of causality is always present in the actions of free will. So, the cause is the force of karmic cause, or simply karmic cause; the effect is the force of karmic effect, or simply karmic effect; and the condition is the force of karmic condition, or simply karmic condition.
在自由意志造作的同时，业因也会影响自由意志的造作，从而产生业果；业果又变成新的业因。所以，因果律不是宿命论、不是决定论。
When free will is acting, karmic causes also influence the actions of free will, giving rise to karmic effects, which then become new karmic causes. Therefore, the law of causality is not determinism or fatalism.
一个有逻辑思维能力的人都能明白，有因果必定有轮回。为什么呢？
Anyone with logical thinking can understand that since there is causality, there must be reincarnation. Why?
有些恶人做了一辈子恶，他竟然这辈子没受到什么恶报就死了；有些善人行了一辈子善，他没有得到什么善报也死了。
Some wicked individuals commit evil throughout their lives and die without experiencing any retributions. Whereas, some virtuous individuals lead a righteous life but pass away without receiving any rewards.
如果没有后世，死后不用受报，恶人逃脱了恶报，善人也得不到善报，那么因果律就不成立了，伦理道德也就没有了任何意义。
If there were no afterlife and no consequences to face after death, where wicked individuals would escape their deserved retributions and virtuous individuals couldn't receive their deserved rewards, then the law of causality wouldn't be established, and ethical values would be meaningless.
现实中，邪恶常常比正义更有利可图，那么，人们为什么还要坚持正义呢？有些人昧着良心做一些不道德的事情，唯利是图，还活得挺开心快乐的。他们的行为如果最终没有恶报，那么，做恶事不是更合理吗？
In the real world, evil often seems more profitable than justice, so why should we still uphold justice? Some individuals engage in immoral actions, only pursuing their own benefit, yet seem to live happily. If there were no retributions for their actions, wouldn't it be more reasonable to do evil deeds?
所以，只有当不道德的行为最终必有恶报，做善事的人最终必得善报，正义必将得以伸张，我们才有了坚持道义的理由，才有了坚持正义的意义。
Therefore, only when immoral actions inevitably lead to retributions, virtuous deeds eventually bring rewards, and justice prevails, do we have a reason to uphold righteousness and find a meaning in pursuing justice.
一个人与生俱来的四商的潜能，各种爱好和技能的潜质，以及性格和性情，都和父母不一样，并不是遗传的，也不是上帝设置的。今生与生俱来的业果必定有前世的业因。
A person's innate potential of the Four Quotients, as well as various hobbies, skills, personality, and temperament are different from their parents. They are not inherited, nor are they set by God. The karmic effects we are born with in this life must have their causes from our past lives.
同一父母、同一家庭环境，但兄弟姐妹却性格各异：有的仁慈，有的冷漠；有的善解人意，有的自私自利；有的坚强，有的懦弱；有的开放，有的保守……这些个性在幼年时期、接受教育之前就已经开始显现了。在兴趣爱好、举止言行方面也无不如此。
Even among siblings raised by the same parents in the same family environment, their personalities may differ significantly: some are compassionate, some are indifferent; some are empathetic, some are selfish; some are strong, some are weak; some are open-minded, some are conservative... These personalities begin to manifest in early childhood, prior to formal education. This can also be observed in their interests and behaviors.
有些人生下来就有严重智障，有些人生下来是天才；有些人从小就很善良，有些人从小就很自私；有些人从小就随顺温和，有些人从小就固执急躁......这些与生俱来的业果不可能没有业因。
Some individuals are born with severe intellectual disabilities, while some are born geniuses. Some are kind-hearted from an early age, while some are selfish. Some are naturally easygoing and gentle, while some are stubborn and impatient. Without underlying causes, there wouldn't be such innate karmic effects.
有些人生下来还记得前世的事情，什么样的都有。如果没有前世，因果律就不成立了。
Moreover, some people are even born with memories of their past lives. Such variations exist. If there were no past lives, the law of causality wouldn't be established.
更有说服力的是同卵双胞胎。遗传基因完全一样，长得一模一样，同样的父母，同样的生活环境，穿的衣服一样，受的教育一样。
Even more convincing evidence can be found in identical twins. They have the same genetic makeup, same appearance, same parents, grow up in the same environment, wear the same clothes, and receive the same education.
但是，随着年龄的增长，在三到七岁之间，他们不同的性格和爱好、不同的天赋和潜质、不同的智商和情商、不同的灵商和德商就会显现出来。
However, as they grow older, between the ages of three and seven, their different personalities, preferences, talents, potentials, as well as different intelligence quotient, emotional quotient, spiritual quotient, and moral quotient start to manifest.
人没有前世和后世，这一论断是没有任何科学依据的。任何科学家都不敢说他已经用实验证明了这个论断。没有被实验和实践证明的论断只是一种猜想而已，怎么可以盲目地相信呢？
The statement that humans have no past or future lives lacks scientific basis. No scientist can claim to have proven this statement through experimentation. A statement that hasn't been proven through experimentation and practice is merely a speculation. How can we blindly believe it?
有人或许会问：如果有前世，那么我怎么不记得呢？其实，我们冷静地回忆一下就知道了。不要说前世，一个普通人，六岁以前的事，可以说几乎都不记得，而几十年前甚至几年前之事，又能记得几件呢？你能说不记得的事就没有发生过吗？
Some people may ask, "If there are past lives, why don't I remember them?" In fact, if we calmly reflect, we will realize that even without considering past lives, an ordinary person can hardly remember anything before the age of six. How many things can you still remember from several decades ago or even just a few years ago? How can you say that things you don't remember never happened?
人在母亲的子宫里昏睡了九个半月，前世之事完全忘记也是正常的。当然，也有极少数的人记得前世的事，但一般几岁之后也就渐长渐忘了。这类事例从古至今皆有记载和报道。
After spending nine and a half months in the mother's womb, it's normal to completely forget about past lives. Of course, there are very few individuals who remember their past lives, but as they grow older, these memories usually gradually fade away. Such cases have been recorded and reported throughout history.
西方的科学研究人员通过催眠术以及对短时间内死而复生（濒死）的人的研究，也证实了死后灵魂的存在。
Scientific researchers in the West have also confirmed the existence of souls after death through hypnosis as well as research on individuals who have come back to life after death (near-death experiences).
当然，要证实轮回，一般有两种可能：
Of course, to verify reincarnation, there are usually two possibilities:
第一种是修练瑜伽、冥想或者禅定，到一定的程度就可见到、可证到。这已被无数的修练者证实。
The first is through the practice of yoga, mindfulness, or meditation. After reaching a certain level, one may be able to directly perceive and experience it. This has been confirmed by numerous practitioners.
第二种是科学家将来会发明出更精密的仪器，可以测到死后的灵魂。
The second possibility is that scientists may invent more sophisticated instruments in the future that can detect souls after death.
万事万物都有前因后果，大到银河系的生起，小到被蚊子咬了一口，都有产生的因和缘，没有原因的事情是找不到的。
Everything has its cause and effect. From the formation of galaxies to being bitten by a mosquito, there are always causes and conditions behind them. Nothing happens without a cause.
由因有果，果又成因，因因果果，果果因因，无有穷尽，就像圆锁链一样，一环扣一环，是不可能中断的。由于因果的连续不断性，也可以证明必然有三世因果。
Causes give rise to effects, and effects further become causes. Causes and effects interconnect like an endless circular chain that won't stop. Based on the continuous nature of causality, we can also prove that the law of causality is inevitable throughout past, present, and future lives.
因果律是宇宙和生命的自然法则，所有的事物都不是偶然的、不是无序的。人的生命遭遇，一生的兴衰起伏，所有遇见的人、所有的际遇也并非偶然。
The law of causality is a natural law governing the universe and life. Nothing is accidental or disorderly. The experiences and ups and downs in our life, as well as the people we meet and the circumstances we face, are not random.
天地、宇宙间有因果法则，就应该有轮回。有很多人不愿意相信这个道理，其实有一个根本的原因是自己的傲慢。因为他们不愿意相信这个世界上有大智者、有远超于常人的智慧和能力。
Since there is the law of causality in the universe, there must be reincarnation. Many people are not willing to believe in this truth, primarily due to their arrogance. They are unwilling to accept that there are great sages in this world, with wisdom and abilities far beyond ordinary people.
同时，很多人自以为是地认为，那些古代的圣人都是被后人神化了的、被盲目崇拜的偶像而已。他们的这种观念根深蒂固，很难转变。
Additionally, many people assume that ancient sages are just deified and idolized by later generations. Such a belief is deeply ingrained and difficult to change.
这些种种的怀疑、成见，都会障碍他们以一个开放的、谦下的心去学习，这样也就难以汲取智者们的智慧。
These various doubts and prejudices hinder them from learning with an open and humble attitude, making it difficult for them to absorb the wisdom of sages.
每个普通的人，被他自己的善恶业力牵引到这个世界上来，除了死亡是可以肯定的，对于未来一无所知，他的潜意识是焦躁不安的、恐惧的。
Every ordinary person is drawn into this world by their own karma. Apart from death, which is certain, they know nothing about the future. Their subconscious is filled with anxiety and fear.
不相信轮回的人，就不知道产生这种心理的原因，也不会进一步思考为什么会这样。当他独自一人无事的时候，这种莫名的烦躁、恐惧、孤独感常常会侵袭他。
Those who don't believe in reincarnation don't know the reasons behind such feelings, nor do they ponder why it happens. When they are alone and idle, this inexplicable restlessness, fear, and loneliness often haunt them.
他不敢面对自己，便会逃到人群中去，用聊天、游戏、跳舞等娱乐来打发时间，使自己忘记这种心理，或沉浸在艺术里。现代社会最常见的现象就是打开电视、刷手机，百无聊赖地打发时间。
Not daring to face themselves, they tend to seek refuge in the company of others, engaging in entertainment activities like chatting, gaming, and dancing, to pass the time and forget these feelings. They may also choose to immerse themselves in art. The most common phenomenon in modern society is watching TV or scrolling through smartphones, to aimlessly pass the time.
不相信死后有灵魂的人，在潜意识中，他们认为：人只不过是一种高度复杂却不神秘的电化学机器而已。人死后什么都没有了，那么，活着的时候就应该尽情享乐，不能亏待了自己。那些犯罪者以为人死后一切责任都不用负了，所以，他们就以这种侥幸和贪婪的心理去犯罪。
People who don't believe in life after death, in their subconscious, think: Humans are nothing more than highly complex yet not mysterious electrochemical machines. They believe that after death, there is nothing left, so while alive, they should enjoy life to the fullest. As for those criminals, they think that after death, they can escape all responsibility for their actions. Thus, they commit crimes with this mindset of luck and greed.
当今世界，人类迷信科学，由于陶醉于技术进步而产生深深的精神危机，继续向整个世界蔓延。西方各个国家各种各样令人困惑的社会问题越来越多、越来越棘手。
In today's world, humans have a blind faith in science. Obsessed with the developments in technology, they are facing a severe spiritual crisis that continues to spread throughout the world. In Western countries, various confusing social issues are becoming more and more prevalent and challenging.
当今世界，个人主义、自由主义、现世主义和享乐主义的思想又开始滋长蔓延、潜移默化，形成社会风气。
Nowadays, individualism, liberalism, materialism, and hedonism are once again growing and spreading, subtly shaping the social atmosphere.
现在，全世界的人们都变得越来越贪图物欲、急功近利、目光短浅、不择手段、精神空虚、缺乏责任心。
People all over the world are becoming more and more materialistic, seeking quick success, being short-sighted, unscrupulous, spiritually empty, and irresponsible.
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