No, my understanding is based on the notion of dana-without-attachment. But if you are suggesting here that I should bury it in the ground, and watch it grow and bear fruit, I guess I have no problem with that!Aemilius wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 8:43 am Planting a seed in a field has something to do with the field, in which it is planted. It grows in a field and it produces fruit (or grain etc.) in a field. Without a field it would not produce fruit.
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Your attitude to giving is harmful and nihilistic. I sincerly suggest that you let go of it, bury it in the ground.
Your examples only support what I am saying. Giving money to a dharma center is like planting a seed in a large field where it will spread. Giving to an individual needy person, while worthwhile and meritorious, is like planting a seed in a flower pot. It’s benefits are limited, so the giver’s merit is limited. But why? this is where we disagree.
But let’s go back. When I made this point, that there’s more merit giving to a temple or dharma center, your reply was basically that the needy individual who needs help would likely think otherwise (which suggests that if the needy person needs your help more than the dharma center or temple does, then giving to the needy person accrues the giver more merit).
But if merit depends on what the receiver thinks or needs, this would mean that it’s the attitude (or what is in the mind) of the receiver which determines the merit of the giver. How is that even possible?
I don’t think there is anything in the Buddha’s teachings to back that up.