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Expert: - 2/9/2010


Question
Do random events and chance circumstance exist in the world or are all events dictated by karma?

Answer
Hi Dave,

There are 5 cosmic laws that operate in this world.  The law of Kamma is just one of these 5 cosmic laws.

The 5 cosmic laws are:

1.Physical (inorganic) law, e.g. seasonal phenomena of winds and rains.
2.Organic law; e.g. the scientific theory of cells and genes and the physical similarity of twins may be ascribed to this order.
3.Psychic law (consciousness), e.g. processes of consciousness, power of the mind.
4.The natural phenomena eg. gravitation, natural disasters.
5.The Law of Kamma.

Many events may seem to happen by chance, but in actual fact, they occurred because of the presence of certain conditions conducive for the events to happen.  Take for example, the present drastic changes in climate are due to global warming.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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