SHOULDERING OF OTHERS’ KARMIC OBSTACLES – WHEN IS IT CONSIDERED MERITORIOUS AND WHEN IT IS NOT
Caller: Hi Master, with regards to ‘shouldering of others’ karmic obstacles’, what kind of karmic obstacles that we shoulder is considered meritorious in nature?
Master Jun Hong Lu: When you propagate Buddhism, you will shoulder others’ karmic obstacles, and this comes about because of a meritorious deed that you perform. Under such circumstances, when you pray to Bodhisattvas, They will immediately help you eliminate the karmic obstacles, because you are helping others.
Caller: What about a meritless shouldering of karmic obstacles?
Master Jun Hong Lu: This happens if there is an element of self-interests that drives you to propagate Buddhism to others. In such a case, not only do you have no merits, you will also shoulder a hefty amount of karmic obstacles.
For instance, you know truly well that this person lacks an affinity with Buddhism and yet, you choose to propagate to him because he will be of use to you in the future. By doing so, chances are you will shoulder his karmic obstacles, and worse still, you will garner no merits. Why is that? This is because you do it with an ulterior motive.
Caller: I see. Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20190308 38:01, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program