The Three Universal Truths

1 . . . Nothing is Lost in the Universe

Matter turns into energy, energy turns into matter. A dead leaf turns into soil. A seed sprouts and become a new plant. Old solar systems disintegrate and turn into cosmic rays. We are born of our parents, our children are born of us.

We are the same as plants, as other people, as the rain that falls. We consist of that which is around us, we are the same as everything. If we destroy something around us, we destroy ourselves. If we cheat another, we cheat ourselves.

Understanding this truth, the Buddha and his disciples never killed an animal or a person.


2 . . . Everything Changes

Everything is continuously changing. Life is similar to a river flowing on and on, ever-changing. Sometimes it flows slowly and sometimes swiftly. It is smooth and gentle in some places, but later there are logs and rocks that must be flowed over or around. As soon as we think we are safe, something unexpected happens.

Once dinosaurs, mammoths, and saber-toothed tigers roamed the Earth. They all have become extinct, yet life has not come to and end. Other forms of life, smaller mammals, appeared. Eventually humans appeared.

Now we can see the Earth from space and are able to understand the changes that have taken place on this planet. Our ideas about life have changed.

People once believed the Earth was flat, now we understand the reality of it being a sphere.


3 . . . The Law of Cause and Effect

The Buddha explained there is continuous changes due to what he termed the Law of Cause and Effect. This is the same law of cause and effect found in every modern science textbook. In this manner, Buddhism and modern science are similar.

The Law of Cause and Effect is know as karma. Our actions (thoughts, word, and deeds) determine the kind of life we can have. If we do the good, it is very likely good will  happen. If we do the non-good, it is very likely the non-good will happen.

Every moment we create new karma by what we think, say, and do.

If we understand this Truth we can create a health life and society.