Our past deeds are done and dusted; they can’t be changed. When the conditions come together, this kamma manifests as unpleasant feelings in the here and now. This is the unavoidable first arrow. Whether we are going to shoot ourselves with the second or hundreds more arrows depend on our wisdom or understanding.
Before any changes happens, we need to admit that we generate these feelings and emotions internally. Nothing external is responsible for what is happening inside.
Change only comes with maturity and taking responsibilities for our thoughts, feelings and actions.
To prevent that second arrow, we train in mindfulness and stay alert for mental fabrications and proliferation. This involves tuning into the body and observing non-reactively. When past kamma arises as negative feelings, we choose to stay neutral and observe, allowing the energy to be released without being grasped. This dilutes “bad” kamma using wisdom.
Imagine this analogy, our bad kamma is a lump of salt. If we dilute it with a cup of water, then it’s undrinkable. But if we dilute it in a river of fresh water, it’s barely detectable. Similarly, if our hearts, minds and insights are under-developed, that’s like a cup of water: we’ll be in suffering and dragging it out for a long time..
Making our merit the size of the river means developing morality, giving, mediation and learning to shift perception.
