Written By: Sky Yang
A farmer requested a monk to recite sutras (scriptures) for his late wife, who had died.
After the recitation was over, the farmer asked “Do you think my wife will gain merits from this?”
“Not only your wife, but all sentient beings will benefit from the recitation of sutras” said the monk.
“If you say all sentient beings will benefit” said the farmer, “my wife, she is very weak and others will take advantage of her, getting the benefit she should have. so please, recite sutras just for her.”
The monk explained that it was the desire of a Buddhist to offer blessings and wish merit for every living being.
“That’s a fine teaching” says the farmer, “but please, make one exception. I have a neighbor who is rough and mean to me. Just exclude him from all those sentient beings.”