Why is the path to a joyous life so difficult (salvation)?  Why is faith tenuous and wavering? The answer may be the law of cause and effect (karma, innen). What we sow, we reap. 

Even if we wake up the next morning, full of spirit and goodness, and our minds void of evil (greed, arrogance, and self love), we still are accountable for our past actions and thoughts. Even when we devote our lives to God for many years, our debts are not cancelled. No wonder we sometimes question our faith, and sometimes even break our ties with religion.

But for those who truly believe in cause and effect, we are consoled by the fact that these sufferings give us guidance to remove evil from our minds today.  When we remove evil, we create a joyous future by the law of cause and effect.  We have the ability to create a joyous life.

For those who believe that this explanation is too scientific and mechanical. In the Tip of the Writing Brush, it is stated that God created mankind to live a joyous life with everyone helping each other. This is considered to be the origin.  If you think about it, this is the first application of the law of cause and effect. Mankind was created (effect) to live a joyous life (cause).  This explanation may give one the encouragement to continue their faith when confronted with their karma (the law of cause and effect).

To keep your chin up in spite of adversity is sometimes difficult. Finding the origin may help you continue your path to salvation. Know the origin that mankind was created to live a joyous life with everyone helping each other. God is helping us!