Do not underestimate yourself by thinking that your merit is too little. Whatever form of merit-making one engages in, and however much or little it may be, one must accept the truth that for merit to bear fruit, merit too must be given its time.
It is like planting a tree and expecting fruit immediately — that cannot be. The tree must be given time to grow, to put forth branches, leaves, blossoms, and fruit. Yet when the time comes, fruit will be borne without fail. Therefore, that merit has not yet fully manifested at this moment is natural. And while one waits for the right moment for merit to bear fruit, one must conduct oneself correctly and in accordance with sound principles.
Farmers who cultivate crops and orchards must also wait for their harvest. And while they wait, they do not simply stand idle — they water the soil, turn and loosen the earth, apply fertiliser, and clear away the weeds and unwanted growth that would encroach upon their plants. In the same way, while we await the fruition of our merit, let us have full confidence in that merit. Each day and each night, reflect upon the merit of the past — reviewing continually what merit one has made — all of which constitutes great merit sown in fertile ground. And new merit, continue to make without ceasing.
Guard the mind as well — with the recitation of the mantra Sammā Arahaṃ, and with the chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta — both in one’s personal practice and collectively, as described. Whatever the weather may bring, and whatever may befall the economy of the world, before long everything will improve of its own accord.
July 1st, 2017
