Even though we do not completely master Karma - because the cause has been sown - we also do not absolutely have to give up and be a slave. Even the most vile and despicable person can still strive to become morally pure. We are always changing and always becoming something new, and that new thing depends on ourselves, on our own actions....

And what, bhikkhus, is right speech that is affected by taints, partaking of merit, ripening in the acquisitions? Abstinence from false speech, abstinence from malicious speech, abstinence from harsh speech, abstinence from gossip: this is right speech that is affected by taints…ripening in the acquisitions....