The Bank Loan of Destiny

On a misty morning in a small village beside the Ganges River, an elderly merchant sat at his table, his hands trembling as he held a scrap of paper. He sighed deeply, his brow furrowed in serious calculation. He had heard that another trader was selling a rare and precious gemstone. If he could buy it at a bargain price and resell it, he would triple or quadruple his wealth. However, he had to arrive before others claimed it. His capital was limited, and if someone offered more, he would lose the opportunity entirely. This worry kept him awake for days.

Seeing her husband’s distress, his wife suggested visiting a tantric master at a nearby temple who was known for granting good fortune. The merchant hesitated, reminding her that they followed the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) and relied on cause and effect (karmic law), not miracles. She argued that seeking help during difficult times did no harm, as long as they continued their practice. After much thought, he agreed.

The next day, the merchant brought offerings to the tantric master, who sat in a small hut surrounded by incense smoke and a statue of the Buddha. After listening to the request, the master nodded and said, "I will bless you, but understand that everything has a price. Whatever you receive today, you must repay in the future." Confused but eager, the merchant thanked him and left.

On the day of the purchase, the merchant felt anxious. Along the way, he encountered acquaintances who also intended to buy the gem. One slipped and broke his leg; another’s vehicle broke down. Surprised yet relieved, the merchant arrived first. The seller looked at him and said, "I see you have conditions (dependent origination) with this stone. I will sell it to you at this price." He bought it cheaply and later sold it for three times the cost, rejoicing and thanking the master profusely.

However, joy was short-lived. Ten years later, a series of misfortunes struck. His business failed, his children fell ill, and he himself became gravely sick. His savings vanished. Sitting in his home, bitter and weary, he suddenly recalled the master’s words: "Whatever you receive today, you must repay in the future." Understanding dawned upon him.

He visited an old Zen master in the region and asked, "Is this karmic retribution for relying on miracles?" The Zen master smiled gently and replied, "It is not punishment, but the fair operation of cause and effect (karmic law). You borrowed blessings from merit (phước báu) from your future to enjoy them now. It is like taking a bank loan to start a business. You received the capital immediately, but now you must work hard to repay the debt. You enjoyed great luck ten years ago, so now you must give back. Nothing escapes cause and effect (karmic law)."

The merchant sat in silence, tears streaming down his face. He realized that everything has its price. From then on, he stopped seeking miracles. He lived diligently, conducted business honestly, practiced contentment, and waited patiently for good things to arrive in their own time. He often told his neighbors, "Do not borrow from the future to enjoy today. Sow good seeds, and good fruits will come."

**The Meaning of the Story**

This story reminds us that whether we use tantric powers or any other means to achieve our desires in the present, nothing lies outside the law of cause and effect (karmic law). When we enjoy something prematurely, we are borrowing blessings from merit (phước báu) from the future, which must eventually be repaid. Therefore, do not greedily seek supernatural powers for unearned gain without sowing seeds. Instead, live virtuously, patiently sow good causes, and harvest good results sustainably.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang