--- Ong Yong Peng <yongpeng.ong@...> wrote:

>
> Dear Ven. Yuttadhammo, Nina and friends,
>
> In the Mahayana, giving is considered an unilateral
> event. Only when
> there is a willing acceptor of your gift, i.e. when
> it becomes
> bilateral, will there be merits accrued. In other
> words, practising
> dana or generosity does make a person kinder, but it
> doesn't mean
> there will definitely be merits.

What do the venerable experts about Theravada doctrine
say about this? I have always thought that what makes
kusala- or akusalakamma is the intention behind the
action, rather than the action itself; so if I make a
gift sincerely wishing that the receiver should profit
by it, it is kusala even if the receiver should refuse
it; and conversely, if I try to kill a person, but
fail, this is akusala even if the intended victim
survives, and perhaps doesn't even no about my plans.

Thankful for comments,

Gunnar


gunnargallmo@...