”What do you Buddhists believe?” 

When we get asked this, we often mention rebirth and karma. Rebirth can be a stretch for many people, so we may not want to linger too long on it. Cause and effect usually proves easier to discuss.

But wait, if the person isn’t comfortable with the concept of rebirth, how do we explain causality?

We could ask some questions, like what happens if he misses a deadline at work? What happens after he goes out of his way to help another? Upon our doing something, we will set into motion a karmic train. After missing that deadline, this person may well encounter resentment from co-workers. But from the one whom he had helped, a grateful hug.

Explain how, with awareness, patterns can be discerned. Acting in certain ways, certain things happen: adverse actions often result in distress while those that are positive most often lead to feelings of well-being. Then, with enough time and effort, we do more than just accept this truth.

We look for opportunities to do what we know is right.