Dear Ven. Nyanatusita, Jim, Ole, Piya and friends,

thanks for the interesting discussion.

The act of gambling is an interesting one. Because I see it as more
than just kamma at work. There is the 'force' of probability too. So,
if the gambler wins, he wins by probability, not kamma.

If we were to take a step back, we will realise in many occassions,
it is more than just kamma at work. Buddhists become helpless
(willing) targets and victims of theists (read evangelists) if they
can only understand things in terms of kamma. In fact, the Buddha has
mentioned that kamma is just one of the forces that govern the
universe. Although kamma is out-of-proportionally discussed in the
canon, it does not mean it is the overriding force.

While on this topic, after attacking the fundamentals of modern
biology -- evolution for years, our Christian counterparts are
expanding their scope of offence. They are now trying to change our
fundamental views of the physical world by saying gravity does not
exist. Intelligent Falling, as they call it, is an act of God as much
as is Intelligent Design. The next time an apple drops on your head,
you can simply ask "Why me?"

http://www.theonion.com/news/index.php?issue=4133&n=2

Sorry for the diversion.


metta,
Yong Peng.