Upon making merit, beyond the two resolutions made — “May I never turn back and have regret in my merit done” and “May even the offering of a single baht fill my mind with a joy as complete as though I had offered a billion baht” —
there is yet a further resoltuion that must also be held and cultivated: that when the fruit of this merit ripens and bears its result — however magnificent and abundant that result may prove to be — may the fruit of merit, the fruit of wholesome conduct, and all the fruitions thus accumulated never be taken up and used toward unwholesome ends.
There are those who have made abundant offerings in generosity, yet have not accompanied their merit-making with a firm and wholesome resolution. When the fruit of that generosity ripens and bears its result — bringing great wealth in its wake — yet the resolution was ill-directed or left unguarded, the wealth thus received is taken and applied toward unwholesome ends. Finding themselves possessed of great riches and at a loss as to how to employ them wisely, such persons turn their abundance toward the paths of moral ruin and dissipation — and in so doing, generate unwholesome kamma in its place.
Merit that is left without direction may, if its possessor is heedless and complacent, yield results that are ultimately negative in their consequence. This too is a matter demanding the most careful and vigilant attention.
May 17th, 2014
