Question: Can one’s karmic retribution be exacted upon one’s loved ones?
Answer: No, as the law of karma operates fairly, such that ‘what by oneself created, is by oneself received’ (自作自受) only, not by anyone else.
Question: Why do we see some evil-doers’ children suffering ‘instead’?
Answer: As they are connected, these evil-doers are also suffering due to their children having suffering. This is thus receiving of their own karmic retribution.
Question: Why are their children also suffering then?
Answer: Their children’s suffering is due to their own distinct (individual) karmas (别业), while the parents’ suffering (over their suffering) is due to their own too. The two parties’ sufferings are thus due to ripening of their evil karmas (恶业) together.
The parents and children might have collective (common) karmas (共业) created in the past together too, thus with them ripening together. Unless able to understand the workings of karmas, it is hard to tell which set of karma is ripening to have the present effect now, although given enough conditions, each will ripen eventually.
Question: What should be done about karmic obstacles (业障) arisen and arising?
Answer: There should be encouragement of both parents and children to sincerely practise repentance (忏悔) to eliminate their karmic obstacles (消业障), followed by equally sincere mindfulness of Buddha (念佛) (with Āmítuófó’s name: 阿弥陀佛) to create pure karmas (净业) for blessings, (and eliminating karmic obstacles too). Even if only one party practises, the overall quality of their collective karmas will change.
Related Teachings:
如何修忏悔、念佛、回向
How To Practise Repentance, Mindfulness Of Buddha And Dedication?
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