Luang Por wishes to offer this as a matter deserving of careful and mindful attention: whatever occurs — even when one has taken no direct part in the action of another —
Should it be something wholesome and good, and one rejoices in that goodness, or lends one’s support and encouragement to that wholesome endeavor — this is what the ancients have termed anumodanā in merit — the sharing in and rejoicing of another’s wholesome kamma.
However, should something harmful and unwholesome occur, and one rejoices in it — or takes satisfaction in another’s misfortune, thinking: “How fitting that they have met with such an end” — then this becomes nothing other than anumodanā in demerit — the sharing in and rejoicing of another’s unwholesome kamma.
When one partakes in anumodanā of demerit, one receives a share of that demerit in kind. When one partakes in anumodanā of merit, one receives a share of that merit in kind. Let this be held with vigilance and care.
March 17th, 2020
