Reciting the Sutras

A farmer came to a venerable Tendai priest and asked him to recite sutras for his wife, who was lying on her deathbed.

When the recitation was completed, the farmer asked:"Master, do you believe that my wife has gained merit through this sacred ritual?"

The priest replied:"When sutras are recited, not only your wife receives benefit, but all sentient beings."

The farmer furrowed his brow and said:"If that is the case, Master, then isn’t it possible that my wife — being ill and weak — may not receive the full benefit herself, while others gain it in her place?"

The priest looked at him gently and said:"In the heart of a true Buddhist lies the wish to offer blessings to all beings — without exception."

The farmer nodded thoughtfully."That is a beautiful teaching," he said."But allow me to make one small exception: I have a neighbor — coarse in manner and harsh in speech. May the blessings be for all beings — except him, I ask you."

At this, the priest smiled, furrowed his brow slightly, and said:"Then reflect once more upon the words you spoke after mine."