불교 이야기: 미묘 비구니, 5부 중 4부 (2015년 9월 4일)

“Reverend mother, in the past life, what kind of sin did you commit so that in this lifetime, you suffer so much? Please, can you tell us, so that we can learn something?” “Because I did not know about the karma and the consequences of karma. Therefore, I wickedly killed the baby son and I swore as if nothing will happen. Therefore in this lifetime, I had to suffer that much, as exactly as what I have wished in my terrible oath.” “But what kind of good deeds have you done in a former life, so that in this lifetime you are fortunate to meet the Buddha, and even attain a liberating level of consciousness?” “Because I was so sincere and respectfully made offering to this saintly being. And then I vowed, I prayed to attain a high spiritual level like He did.” They’re two different things. Merit, you can enjoy; but sin, you must still pay, endure. Yes, that’s what it is.