Question asked by Tan
Dear Pastors,
What is the probability that a person is enlightened, but he is not a buddhist. If we accidentally generate rude thoughts, or disrespect thoughts, and very unpleasant thoughts towards them, how bad is the karma? How many merits we destroyed by this thought. If we immediately regret after the thought arises, will it cancel the effect?
Dear Tan,
Since we do not know whether a person is enlightened or not, it is always better to refrain from having negative thoughts about him/her regardless of whether he/she is Buddhist or not. How heavy the karma is depends on the thought itself. But we must not forget that any karma created, however small, will multiply with time. Thus it is important to purify the negative karma by applying the four opponent powers: regret, refuge, remedy and resolve. Yes, it is advisable to immediately regret the action, promise not to do it again, take refuge in the Three Jewels and apply the antidote (remedy) which is to think of the qualities of others, their kindness,etc and not their faults.