I wouldn't say that about you at all.mikenz66 wrote:Perhaps I'm totally misunderstanding all of the teachings on kamma that I've ever heard or read from various teachers (such as Bhikkhu Bodhi) ...
That makes sense to me. I'm not ready to dismiss the idea that some of the seemingly random events that befall us might be things that, in some way, we've unknowingly brought upon ourselves. As you say, who can know for sure?mikenz66 wrote:... but if only "predictable bad stuff" happens what is the point of the Buddha's teaching that bad kamma leads to bad results? As Bhikkhu Bodhi says in the quote I gave above, bad kamma leaves an "imprint" on the thought-stream that gives an inclination for certain situations, in this life or future lives, where suffering will occur. Since we are not even Arahants, let alone Buddha's, these situations will seem random.
At this point, there's nothing we can do about it, though. No use crying over spilt milk. So I like your idea of understanding it in a forward-looking way: What can I do here and now that will be the most beneficial kamma?