Meaning: The quote "Neither gods nor men can foresee when an evil deed will bear its fruit" by Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk and the founder of Zen Buddhism, reflects the concept of karma. Karma is a fundamental principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it refers to the universal law of cause and effect. According to this concept, every action, whether good or bad, has consequences that affect the individual who performs the action. The quote suggests that the consequences of an evil deed are unpredictable and can manifest at any time, regardless of divine intervention or human foresight.

Bodhidharma, also known as Damo in Chinese, was a Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th or 6th century CE. He is traditionally credited with transmitting Chan Buddhism to China, which later evolved into Zen Buddhism in Japan. Bodhidharma's teachings emphasized the direct experience of enlightenment and the importance of meditation in realizing one's true nature. His quote about the unpredictability of the fruition of evil deeds is consistent with the broader Buddhist teachings on karma and the impermanence of all phenomena.

The concept of karma is deeply rooted in the belief that individuals are responsible for their actions and that these actions have consequences, whether immediate or delayed. This understanding of karma is not limited to the notion of punishment for evil deeds but also encompasses the idea of creating positive outcomes through virtuous actions. In Buddhism, the law of karma is seen as a natural and impersonal force that operates in accordance with the ethical and moral choices made by individuals.

The quote by Bodhidharma also alludes to the idea that the effects of one's actions are not predetermined by external forces, including divine beings or fate. Instead, the emphasis is on personal responsibility and the understanding that individuals have the power to shape their own destinies through their thoughts, words, and deeds. This aligns with the Buddhist principle of self-reliance and the belief in the potential for personal transformation through mindful and ethical behavior.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the Buddhist view of the interconnectedness of all phenomena. According to this perspective, every action sends ripples through the fabric of existence, affecting not only the individual but also the wider community and the world at large. The consequences of an evil deed are therefore not isolated events but part of a web of interdependent causes and effects that reverberate throughout the universe.

In summary, Bodhidharma's quote "Neither gods nor men can foresee when an evil deed will bear its fruit" encapsulates the Buddhist understanding of karma as a universal law of cause and effect. It emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the consequences of one's actions and underscores the importance of personal responsibility in shaping one's destiny. This teaching resonates with the broader Buddhist emphasis on ethical conduct, mindfulness, and the interconnectedness of all beings.