For Yiguandao, karma isn’t some distant, abstract ledger in the sky—it’s a living pulse of cause and effect that shapes each turn of the soul’s journey. Thought of as the moral ripples generated by thoughts, words and deeds, karma determines where a spirit lands next in the endless cycle of births and deaths.

Reincarnation comes into play as both consequence and opportunity. Every life becomes a classroom: those good deeds—acts of filial piety, charity, honest work—build “merit” that carries a soul toward kinder circumstances. Negative actions, on the other hand, stack up as “demerit,” leading to tougher lifetimes. It’s a bit like sowing seeds; what’s planted now will bloom later, whether fragrant or thorny.

A stitch in time really does save nine: Yiguandao teachings urge early moral cultivation so that karmic debts don’t pile sky-high. Ritual confession, daily recitation of the Three Great Teachings’ scriptures, and sincere repentance all function like spiritual balm, softening past missteps and helping clear the way for smoother rebirths. Generosity toward one’s ancestors and community further spreads merit all around—no one’s journey is entirely solo.

Rebirth isn’t simply punishment or reward. It’s an invitation to refine character under the guidance of Maitreya Buddha, whose coming is celebrated each Lunar New Year in bustling temples. In recent years, devotees in Taiwan and Southeast Asia have gathered online—even livestreaming merit-making ceremonies—to extend karmic generosity across borders. Modern tech meets ancient wisdom.

Ultimately, breaking free from samsara—true liberation—arrives when accumulated merit and inner awakening overlap, allowing the soul to ascend beyond worldly rounds. Until then, each incarnation offers another chance to tip the scales toward compassion, harmony and the ever-unfolding Way.