ACHIEVE PERFECT MERITS AND PREVENT THE DEPLETION OF MERITS BY EMBODYING THE MIND OF A BODHISATTVA
Question: When we persistently perform meritorious deeds for an extended period, we are bound to become physically drained. There are times in the midst of performing a virtuous deed, fatigue may overtake us to the extent that our mind is numbed by it.
In this regard, will it cause a depletion of our merits as we feel physically and mentally drained in the end, despite the initial influx of dharma bliss?
Answer: That’s for sure, and you are regressing in your spiritual cultivation. When anyone is performing good or meritorious deeds, they won’t feel fatigued at all. Otherwise, it is a sign of regression. This is because when one helps others, he embodies the mind of a Bodhisattva, and he won’t feel fatigued.
Just take a look at our Dharma conventions with tens of thousands of participants, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, dozens of the volunteers were more than willing to help cleaning the toilets after every use.
When a young person like you tells me that you feel fatigued after performing some meritorious deeds, don’t you think it’s a deviation from the right practice? Do you get me?
Question: Is it right to interpret it as: I have been performing meritorious deeds for a long period, even though I am exhausted, I must always remind myself to feel the Dharma bliss?
Answer: When performing meritorious deeds, you should remind yourself that, “By doing this, should I be faced with any karmic obstacles or disasters in the future, I will be blessed by Bodhisattvas, and I will be able to utilise these accrued merits to eliminate my karmic obstacles”. Otherwise, you won’t be gaining any merits at all.
Question: So, we must grit our teeth and persist?
Answer: Yes.
Question: In the event that we cannot persist in doing so and decide to take a break, never harbour any negative thoughts while performing meritorious deeds, as it will diminish all the merits.
Answer: Are you referring to the scenario where you are doing it unwillingly?
Question: Yes.
Answer: In that case, you may continue after straightening out your thoughts. Otherwise, your merits will be depleted. Do you understand?
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting (Q&A Session), Paris, France, 6 September 2019