How important is it to understand causality in order to have a joyous and spirited life? By understanding causality, we can also understand that the body is a thing borrowed from God and the mind is ours to use as we please.  How we use our mind is reflected on our borrowed bodies. If we act with evil intentions, this self regulating mechanism will bring upon suffering to our bodies. When these misfortunes or sufferings occur, we realize that we are not the ultimate masters of our bodies.  The following is a verse from the Osashizu concerning causality:

Not understanding the truth of causality will never do. Causality refers to the same one truth as a “thing borrowed.” Something that comes about is causality; something that does not come about is also causality. From this, understand. February 10, 1901

The law of cause and effect reveals that we cannot change our future, and that we can change our future.  Does this sound confusing? No matter how much we pray, what we want to happen may not occur, and what we don’t want to happen may happen. This is the effect of the law of cause and effect. We cannot go back and change what we have done (cause).  Our past actions, whether good or bad will be reflected back to the body. To some, this may appear fatalistic, and depressing. But by the law of causality, we can change our behavior today, and bring forth joy in our future. By removing evil (greed, arrogance, and self love) today, we can guarantee a joyous future. This law or self regulating mechanism gives us the ultimate control of our future.