One benevolent deed can eradicate a hundred evils. The sutra says, "One kind thought is sufficient for attaining buddhahood." The kind thought of a young novice monk to save a colony of drowning ants ended up adding years to his short life. A benevolent deed can outweigh much unwholesome karma. Therefore, we should never underestimate a single benevolent or harmful thought. Instead, we should be very aware of our every thought and be able to always keep kindness and compassion on our mind. In doing so, we can naturally eradicate much unwholesome karma in our life.
— Master Hsing Yun, Keys to Living Well