Causes and Conditions of Our Misfortune

Life is full of obstacles and misfortune. Sometimes, we have trouble making friends, and other times, we have trouble in our studies. Some people have a bumpy career, while others have a tough time finding the right house for their family. Obstacles can pop up in whatever we do, even in our religious practice. What are the causes and conditions of our misfortune? There are four causes I’d like to bring up.

1. Not keeping our promises – We are our own worst enemy. In most cases, external factors are secondary compared to the troubles we bring upon ourselves. Take the example of not keeping our promises. When others find out that we do not keep our promises, they will not trust us anymore. In this way, we are making our lives miserable.

2. Harboring ill thoughts – If we are always scheming to take advantage of others, very soon other will see through our selfishness. People are not stupid, and our façes will soon become transparent. Others will realize our ulterior motives and distance themselves from us.

3. Behaving badly – If we conduct our lives with a history of being disloyal to our friends, selfish, ungrateful, or unethical, it is only natural that other would refuse to have anything to do with us. Therefore, if we do not mind of actions, we are the cause of our own downfall.

4. Being overly exacting – If we are overly exacting in the way we deal with others, we may put others off. They may think twice before hey have anything to do with us. In this way, we are destroying for ourselves whatever opportunities there are. If we do not change our ways, we are creating the causes and conditions of our own misfortune in the future.

What are the causes and conditions of our own misfortune? They are:

1.  Not keeping our promises.      3.  Behaving badly.

2.  Harboring ill thoughts.           4.  Being overly exacting.