4.B.2.A.2.b. Developing Conviction in Actions and Their Effects

1. Thinking about the general aspects of actions and their effects
   1. Actual way to consider its general aspects [Teachings]
      1. Karma is definite.
      2. Results of an action increase.
      3. If an action is not done, one won't meet with its results.
      4. Actions don't go to waste without yielding a result.
   2. Differentiating and considering its specific aspects [Teachings]
      1. Thinking about negative actions and their results [Expanded Outline]
      2. Thinking about positive actions and their results
      3. Summarizing and indicating parameters affecting the strength of the results an action will bring (intensity of karma)
         1. Field of action: the person we act that way to
         2. Level of reliance or belief in the laws of actions and results
         3. Manner, what is involved in the action
         4. Intention
      4. Other ways of differentiating actions
         1. Throwing and completing karma
         2. Definite and indefinite karma
         3. Performed (committed) and accumulated karma
            
            
2. Thinking about specific aspects of action and its results [Teachings]
   1. Recognizing the 8 favorable qualities for Dharma study and practice
      1. Long life
      2. Sound, attractive and healthy body
      3. Birth in a good, reputable family
      4. Wealth, good reputation and many friends
      5. Honesty and credibility of speech
      6. Strong influence on others
      7. Courageous, objective, assertive, diligent. In traditional texts this one is listed as birth as a male. (calm down, this is due to cultural bias and will be explained.)
      8. Mental and physical stamina
   2. Proper utilization of these 8 favorable qualities
   3. Virtuous actions which are causes leading to human birth with these 8
      
      
3. Having considered actions and their results, how to engage in positive actions and avoid destructive ones. [Teachings]
   1. How to do this in general
   2. Specifically, how to cleanse yourself by the 4 opponent powers so you don't have to experience negative karmic results
      1. Regret - purifies result similar to cause in terms of experience
      2. Object (restoring the relationship: refuge and altruistic intention) - purifies environmental result
      3. Determination not to repeat it - purifies result similar to cause in terms of behavior
      4. Remedial actions- purifies maturation result.