Can Kusala Remove Akusala? and the Nature of Kamma

Thank you, Brother. The question you asked is very fundamental and important. As Buddhists, it is very necessary for us to understand the nature of Kusala and Akusala. It is very good that you asked by taking the example of Devadatta's assassination attempt, which you have remembered since you were young.

The Example of the Buddha and Devadatta

Even though the Buddha had attained Enlightenment, when Devadatta attempted to kill him with a large boulder, the rock shattered step by step, and finally, only a stone splinter remained and injured the Buddha's royal toe. We were taught in the past that this event occurred because kammic debt still existed. Therefore, you understood that "Kusala cannot remove Akusala, it can only dilute it."

This view is correct on one side. However, on the other side, it is necessary to understand profound concepts. I want to explain this now.

The Truth of Kusala and Akusala

Kusala is the mind that is faultless and produces good results. Akusala is the mind that is faulty and produces bad results. The Buddha preached, "Avoid evil, do good." These two are the fundamental principles.

The main point of your question is whether Kusala can remove Akusala or only dilute it. In my view, these two are effects that differ by stages.

Kamma Kusala and Dilution <strong

Kamma Kusala refers to the good actions we perform. These Kusalas can dilute the effects of Akusala Kammas. For example, suppose you committed an Akusala Kamma in a past life. When it is time for that Kamma to give results, you will suffer. However, if you have performed many Kusala Kammas in this life, those Kusala Kammas can lighten the effect of that Akusala Kamma. This is called diluting.

The injury to the Buddha's toe demonstrates this nature. In a past life, the Buddha committed an Akusala Kamma. When that Kamma arrived to give results, he suffered the injury to his toe through Devadatta's attempt. However, because the Buddha had fulfilled many Kusala Pāramīs, the result of that Akusala Kamma became very light. Originally, that Kamma might have been one that could cause death. But due to the diluting action of Kusalas, only the injury to the toe occurred.

Ñāṇa Kusala and Eradicating Akusala

However, Ñāṇa Kusala (Wisdom Merit) can completely eradicate Akusala. Ñāṇa Kusala is the mind complete with Sati, Samādhi, and Paññā. The Wisdom (Ñāṇa) that arises through practicing Vipassanā meditation can cut off Akusala Kammas at the root.

When the Buddha attained Arahattamagga Ñāṇa, the roots of Kilesa were completely cut off. Therefore, after becoming enlightened, new Akusala minds no longer arose. However, past Kammas still remained to give results. These past Kammas are called Kammic Debts (Vaṭṭa). These debts can give results only in this life. Since the Buddha would enter Parinibbāna in the next existence, no debts remained.

Sati and Upādāna

We need to live with Sati in daily life. When there is Sati, Upādāna (Clinging) does not attach. When Upādāna does not attach, new Kammas do not arise. When new Kammas do not arise, Saṃsāra does not revolve. This can be understood through the principle of Paṭiccasamuppāda.

I always say that the main point is to have Sati in the Subsequent Mind after the Preceding Mind. When seeing with the eye, be mindful that "I see". When hearing with the ear, be mindful that "I hear". By being mindful straight in the present like this, one can replace Upādāna.

Good Friends and Practice

In your next question, you asked "How should one calm the mind and live when anger arises?" What I want to say is that Good Friends (Kalyāṇa Mitta) are needed to be able to take it to heart daily. If one lives alone, it is difficult to make it a habit. It is necessary to group up with Dhamma friends and discuss Dhamma.

When anger arises, it is necessary to know the causes and effects. Anger is Akusala. Because of anger, new Kammas arise. Those new Kammas cause suffering. Take this nature to heart. When anger arises, notice it with Sati. Be mindful that "Anger is happening." By being mindful like that, anger will gradually decrease.

Conclusion

Kusala can dilute Akusala, and Ñāṇa Kusala can cut off Akusala at the root. We must try to develop Sati, Samādhi, and Paññā to reach from Kamma Kusala to Ñāṇa Kusala. Practice the habit of having Sati in the Subsequent Mind after the Preceding Mind in daily life. Discuss Dhamma with Good Friends. By doing so, you will gradually be liberated from the suffering of Kilesa.

Thank you, Brother. Your question is very good. Continue to strive with Sati. Apply Sīla, Samādhi, Paññā in daily life. Just as you do not forget your telephone, do not forget Sīla, Samādhi, and Paññā. This is the most valuable property.

Dr. Soe Lwin (Mandalay)