The Scripture of the Fo...

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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.”