Transforming Habits: Lessons in Merit and Money Management : หน้า 105/207

We have learned about the roads leading to ruin numerous times, but we have never implemented the principles to avoid them into our daily lives. When we suffer, we blame society or someone else. Luang Phaw received a lot of sound advice from his mother that day and was able to change his behavior. He became more prudent with his money and remained out of debt. ********************************* Luang Phaw first entered the temple when a friend invited him to go meditate. At that time, he was involved in a conflict with his boss. The night before going to the temple, he drank heavily, and the next morning he was hung over. When he reached the temple his friends asked him to join in the robe offering ceremony, the merit from which would help him at work. The conflict with his boss was in still fresh in his mind and feeling a little hung over, he retorted, “Merit! I can’t see it helping anyone. I perform merits regularly, but I still have problems with my boss.” Khun Yay (Khun Yay Ajahn Ubasika Chandra Khonnokyoong) heard about this conversation and asked Luang Phaw to meet with her. She said, “Son, you mentioned that merits cannot help with anything? In a year, how much merit do you perform?” Luang Phaw replied, “I donate 100 or 200 baht a month, so in one year that is 2,000 or 2,500 baht.” Khun Yay folded her hands together and said, “Very good, please continue doing that.” He thought that their conversation was over, but Khun Yay continued asking questions. “Son, do you smoke?” “Yes, I smoke.” “How much do you spend on cigarettes each year?” Back then Luang Phaw smoked cigarettes that cost six baht per pack and smoked about 1 pack to 2 packs a day. He answered, “About 3,000 or 4,000 baht a year.” Khun Yay continued asking, “Do you drink?” “Yes, I drink.” “How much do you spend a year drinking alcohol with your friends?” “Khun Yay, if you multiplied the amount of money spent on cigarettes two or three times, it would equal about 12,000 baht for alcohol.” “Do you go to clubs with your friends?” “Yes, I do.”