In his Translator's Introduction for this Sutta Thanissaro Bhikkhu says:
"the present experience of pleasure and pain is a combined result of both
past and present actions. This seemingly small addition to the notion of
kamma plays an enormous role in allowing for the exercise of free will".

But it does not follow, as Thanissaro implies, that exercise of the will in
the present is equivalent to exercise of *free* will in the present.
Like everything else will is subject to paticca samuppada. If my will is
wholesome at some particular time it is because of conditions that existed
in the past as well as conditions that exist in that moment. It is not
because I have "freely" chosen to will wholesomely.
I believe this is an important point for understanding the original teaching
of the Buddha and a helpful perspective for the attainment of liberation
from suffering.

Metta,
Ray Mondor (not the Ray who started this thread)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gunnar Gällmo" <gunnargallmo@...>
To: <Pali@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2006 10:37 AM
Subject: SV: Re: [Pali] searching for passage in Tipitaka


> --- "Dmytro O. Ivakhnenko" <aavuso@...> skrev:
>
> > Hello Ray,
> >
> > > I remember reading a passage in the Tipitaka -- in
> > the PTS English
> > > translation-- where the Buddha states that were
> > one to maintain that
> > > effects in this life are due to causes or kamma in
> > a previous life,
> > > this view is false. But I cannot remember where
> > that passage is;
> > > would any of you know?
> >
> > Probably you mean MN 101
> >
> http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/majjhima/mn-101-tb0.html