Question
Yoka [Yoka Daishi] declared: “The true freedom of ku [emptiness, void] drives out the relationship of cause and effect; everything is then in complete confusion and disorder and brings about an abominable catastrophe.” Those who reject cause and effect sever the good roots in the Buddha-Dharma. How, then, could these people be considered the grandchildren of the Buddhas and patriarchs?
I always thought the Dharma meant freeing oneself from suffering and therefore from karma. Was I mistaken?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
The true bodhisattva way, although it transcends the existence of karma and transmigration through consciousness of ku, does not reject cause and effect, out of compassion for living beings, and thus plants infinite roots of goodness.
This is precisely the example given by Christ dying on the cross to redeem humanity’s sins.
So, even while knowing that karma is ku, we must take responsibility for it and correct it.
Kosen