During the MCO period, I didn’t go to the morning market for groceries as I felt that it was very difficult to maintain social distancing. Instead, I went to a mini mart. Although the products sold were slightly more expensive, I preferred going there due to safety concerns. Occasionally during checkouts, the owner of the mini mart will give me some vegetables for free.

One day, while I was shopping, a middle-aged man came in and greeted me. He then told the owner: “I’ll pay for the Bhikkhunī’s groceries!” I thanked him and asked for his name as I wished to return the merit to him.

A month later, the owner approached me and said, "Some customers feel that my products are too expensive…But I have never messed around when doing business! All of my vegetables are carefully trimmed before being wrapped in plastic wraps. Although the vegetables they bought at the morning market were cheap, only half of them were edible once they reached home." He was telling the truth and as one of his long-term customers, I could vouch for him. I then suggested the followings: “For vegetables, dry food and food in general, your price should not be too high. In this way, you are also doing good deeds by giving alms to us, the low-income group! As for imported products, you may raise the price a little as people that buy these products usually can afford them!”

Some time later, when I was paying, the owner told me it was all free! I was stunned by his sudden gesture of kindness. He said, "A lot of people are doing Food Bank, but I can't afford it. Bhikkhunī, please let me cultivate a little merit by doing this instead." Declining his offer would be disrespectful, so I chose to accept it with a smile! He continued happily, " Bhikkhunī, I will provide you with free vegetables and dry food from now onwards. What you told me last month, I did most of it. Haven’t you noticed? My business is doing much better than before!"

My few words of advice ignited the kindness in his heart. He followed the Buddhist teachings and learned to give alms and make offerings to the monks. Every time I dragged my shopping cart away, he thanked me joyfully and unceasingly. As for his prosperous business, whereby the shop was always full of customers, that was the fruit of his good deeds. He made offerings and gave alms with great joy, and soon it blossomed and bore fruits!

I pray that he will be able to hold the precepts and cultivate wisdom while practising blessings! We may not know when the good karma we have created will bear fruit, but once the good karma is ripe, it will definitely bring us happiness!