ABHIDHAMMA IN DAILY LIFE - Abhidhamma.com

deeds done without insight-wisdom have two roots.
6.4.2 . Mind associated with three roots – non-attachment, non-delusion and non- hatred.
Wholesome Deed done with an understanding of kamma and its result has three roots. Today
many educated devotees do good deed for the sake of Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha as well as for
their parents and elders with good attitude. Since their minds are associated with clear
comprehension of resulting benefits in samsara, their deeds has three roots. If charity is done
with insight thought, "These material things are really material groups associated with the law of
impermanence – “anicca, dukkha and anattá characteristics". It is therefore imperative that
elders and parents should teach their young about kamma and its result, as well as the basic
understanding of anicca, dukkha and anattá before doing meritorious deeds and before sharing
the merits gained.
6.4.3 Superior and Inferior Wholesome Deeds
All wholesome deeds, superior or inferior, if done now of arising of volition are wholesome
deeds.
Comments:
i. A meritorious deed accompanied by insight of kamma and its effect is superior.
ii. If such insight is absent it becomes inferior
iii. If a good deed is preceded and succeeded by wholesome mind, it is superior
iv. If wholesome mind arises before and after a good deed, it is superior.
Another Method of Classification
Charity – Charity - may be classified into three levels:
i. inferior - Hina Charity
ii. Medium - Majjhima Charity
iii. Superior - Panita Charity
This classification is based on the offertories donated.
• If the offertories are inferior to what you consume, it is inferior charity.
• If you donate things that are of equal quality to what you use, it is mediocre charity.
• If you give away offertories better than what you consume, it is supreme charity.
Charity done with the hope of getting praise such as donor of monasteries or pagodas or
popularity is inferior. Charity performed with speculations of benefits in future existences
throughout samsara is medium charity. Charity given without consideration for future benefits
but with sincere goodwill in conformity with the custom of the virtuous and the wise is superior
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