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Bàoyìng (Chinese: 報應) is a concept of cosmic and moral reciprocity in the Chinese folk religion. It implies that people dwell in a moral universe, a universe that is kept ordained by mores, good actions, thus moral retribution is in fact a cosmic retribution.[1] It determines fate, as written in the Book of Documents: "on the doer of good, heaven sends down all blessings, and on the doer of evil, he sends down all calamities." (書經•湯誥)[2]
InBuddhism and Daoism, bàoyìng is equated to the concept of dharmic retribution.
The cosmic significance of bào yìng is better understood exploring other two traditional concepts of fate and meaning:[3]
Mìngyun and yuánfèn are linked, because what appears on the surface to be chance events (for better or worse), are part of the deeper rhythm that shapes personal life based on how destiny is directed.[10] They are ultimately shaped by bào yìng, good action. Recognising this connection has the result of making a person responsible for his or her actions:[11] doing good for others produces further good for oneself and keeps the world in harmony.[12]
