In today’s fast-paced world, many people want everything quickly. We want success, wealth, and happiness, sometimes so urgently that we are tempted to take shortcuts or compromise our principles.
But can we escape the consequences of our actions simply because we want a better outcome?
There is a beautiful story in the Buddhist scripture Piyu Jing (《譬喻經》) that offers a simple but profound answer.
A Conversation with the Buddha
One day, a young man named Gamini visited Shakyamuni Buddha and asked:
“Lord Buddha, if someone commits bad deeds, can praying to the gods bring that person happiness?”
Instead of answering directly, the Buddha asked:
“If you throw a large stone into a river and pray to the gods to make it float, will it rise to the surface?”
Gamini replied, “No, Lord Buddha.”
The Buddha explained that just as a stone naturally sinks in water, harmful actions create negative karma and lead to suffering. Praying cannot simply erase the consequences of those actions.
The Buddha then asked another question:
“If you pour oil into a river and pray to the gods to make it sink, will it sink?”
Gamini answered, “No. The oil will float.”
The Buddha explained that just as oil naturally rises to the surface, wholesome actions create positive karma and lead toward beneficial results.
Through these simple examples, the Buddha taught the fundamental law of cause and effect: our actions have consequences, and we cannot simply escape them through prayer or wishes.
I find this teaching especially meaningful because it reminds us that Buddhism is not about superstition or relying on supernatural powers to solve our problems.
At its heart, Buddhism teaches us to understand the law of karma and take responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions.
If we deceive others to gain money, hurt people to get ahead, or take advantage of others out of greed, we are creating harmful causes. Even if we enjoy temporary benefits, we cannot expect those actions to bring lasting happiness.
Likewise, honesty, kindness, generosity, and compassion create positive causes that benefit both ourselves and others.
In modern society, people sometimes become so focused on getting what they want quickly that they forget to consider how they obtain it. But gaining something through dishonest means does not make it a true blessing.
We should remember that every choice we make is like planting a seed. Sooner or later, under the right conditions, that seed may bear fruit.
The Buddha’s story of the stone and the oil teaches us something very basic, yet something we often forget: we must take responsibility for the causes we create.
Prayer and spiritual practice can give us strength and guidance, but they cannot replace good actions. If we have made mistakes, we should acknowledge them, correct our behavior, make amends where possible, and begin creating better causes.
We cannot change everything that has happened in the past, but we can choose how we act today.
Perhaps this is one of the most practical lessons Buddhism offers us. Rather than constantly wishing for good fortune, we should examine our own actions and ask ourselves whether we are creating the conditions for a better future.
If we want to harvest good fruits, we must first plant good seeds.
The future begins with the choices we make today.
If you would like to learn more about Buddhist teachings and spiritual cultivation, please read Learning From Buddha, What is Cultivation.
Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/11/13/the-stone-and-the-oil-a-timeless-buddhist-lesson-about-karma/
