- Chapter One: Prologue
- Chapter Two: Doctrine
- Chapter Three: Practice
- Chapter Four: The Way of Humanity
- Chapter Five: Cause and Effect
- Chapter Six: Doubts Clarified
- Chapter Seven: The Principle of the Nature
- Chapter Eight: Buddhahood
- Chapter Nine: Sending on Spirits in Transition
- Chapter Ten: Belief and Dedication
- Chapter Eleven: Maxims
- Chapter Twelve: Exemplary Acts
- Chapter Thirteen: On the Order
- Chapter Fourteen: Prospects
- Chapter Fifteen: Entrusting
Dictionary
The Scripture of the Founding Master
Chapter Five: Cause and Effect
21
A beggar told Kim Kich’ŏn to make merit by being charitable to him, so Kim Kich’ŏn asked, “If I make merit, do you have the ability to bestow it on me?” The beggar could not answer. Kich’ŏn continued, “Ignorant people often tell others to make merit when it is for their own sakes. These instead are words that will create transgressions.” Upon hearing this, the Founding Master said, “Kich’ŏn’s words are a dharma teaching. People in the world like to receive merit, but those who make merit are few; they dislike receiving punishment, but those who make transgressions are many. Therefore, in this world there are many people who receive suffering, but few who receive happiness.”
The Scripture of the Founding Master
Chapter Five: Cause and Effect
21
A beggar told Kim Kich’ŏn to make merit by being charitable to him, so Kim Kich’ŏn asked, “If I make merit, do you have the ability to bestow it on me?” The beggar could not answer. Kich’ŏn continued, “Ignorant people often tell others to make merit when it is for their own sakes. These instead are words that will create transgressions.” Upon hearing this, the Founding Master said, “Kich’ŏn’s words are a dharma teaching. People in the world like to receive merit, but those who make merit are few; they dislike receiving punishment, but those who make transgressions are many. Therefore, in this world there are many people who receive suffering, but few who receive happiness.”
