In the premiere episode of “DCIG Insights with Geshe Michael,” the conversation explores one of life’s deepest truths: the power of cause and effect, and how helping others directly influences our own success. Geshe Michael opens with a profound question—why does financial generosity toward others bring prosperity back to us?
Why does the fact that helping a person financially should create financial success for us? (0:00)
The answer, he explains, lies in the ancient logic of karma and mental seeds. While each individual experiences outcomes uniquely, no one achieves financial success through selfishness. The universality of certain patterns—like generosity leading to wealth—doesn’t prove they exist independently. Instead, it illustrates that consistent actions across humanity plant consistent results, even though the seeds themselves originate from our minds.
There is no person for whom, for example, refusing to share would cause financial success. (1:13)
This raises a deeper question: If all things come from our seeds, what about the rule that seeds cause results? Doesn’t this seem to exist from its own side? Geshe Michael clarifies: even this principle is a result of shared human behavior patterns. These behaviors have never changed, and thus the results have stayed consistent. Yet they are still coming from us, not from outside of us.
Patterns of human behavior have never changed… That’s why something can be coming from me and still seem constant. (4:07)
He further explores how different beings, from amoebas to enlightened humans, still operate under the same seed-based system. Acts of kindness generate positive outcomes, while harm brings suffering—this remains true regardless of one’s stage of development or understanding of choice.
Whatever kindness they show to other beings will return as success, and whatever trouble they give will return as failure. (7:27)
The conversation also addresses the idea of unchanging things. According to Abhidharma, such things are very few, like space or the cessation of negative states. These unchanging phenomena do not arise from typical seeds and do not grow or decay—they simply blink into and out of existence. However, our perception of them can still vary, as perception is always shaped by seeds.
Unchanging things come into existence and blink out of existence, but they don’t grow or decay. (9:00)
One of the most compelling parts of the discussion is about the “time gap” between planting a seed and seeing its result. Geshe Michael calls it a “nefarious” feature of our world—if seeds ripened instantly, humanity would make far fewer moral mistakes. The delay between action and result obscures the system, making it harder to learn from it.
That time gap is perhaps one of the greatest evils in the universe. (19:10)
Still, the good news is that understanding the seed system can reduce this time gap. With deep insight, it may even be possible to shorten it dramatically, perhaps close to zero. The more one lives with the awareness of seeds, the faster they tend to ripen.
Geshe Michael also touches on the nature of patterns, possibilities, and human limits. Even in an infinite universe, certain patterns repeat because of the inherent constraints of the physical world. These patterns don’t exist independently but arise from combinations of seeds and behaviors.
The talk takes a fascinating turn toward science, referencing Einstein’s theories of time and gravity. Just as massive objects bend light and slow time, our intentions and mental awareness may influence how quickly seeds ripen. This intersection between ancient wisdom and modern physics offers a rich area for personal exploration.
Another major theme is the concept of the “peacock warrior”—someone who doesn’t avoid problems, but actively seeks them out to be of service. Geshe Michael shares the inspiring history of Atisha and his spiritual journey, which included choosing the most difficult companions to cultivate patience and compassion. The peacock, a bird that eats poison and becomes more beautiful, symbolizes the ideal practitioner who grows stronger by embracing hardship.
I use him every day to make my patience stronger. I’m so lucky to have him. (46:11)
Finally, Geshe Michael addresses the modern world, where many young people get their news from 60-second TikTok videos. While this presents challenges, he supports using such platforms to share wisdom, emphasizing that even short messages can carry profound truths—especially when they reach the minds of future generations.
Key Moments – FAQ
What makes cause and effect seem universal?
Not because they exist on their own — but because humans repeat the same behaviors. (4:07)
Do even primitive beings plant karmic seeds?
Yes. Even an amoeba eating its neighbor creates long-term consequences. (7:27)
What are truly unchanging things?
They don’t grow, decay, or transform. They simply appear and disappear. (9:00)
Why is the time gap between action and result so dangerous?
It prevents people from seeing karmic effects clearly, leading to ethical mistakes. (19:10)
What was Atisha’s strategy for developing patience?
He chose to travel with his most irritating student — as a daily exercise in virtue. (46:11)
