There was a son whose father just died and invited Master Foguang to conduct a “Sutra-Chanting Ritual” for his deceased father. So the Master prepared offerings of the ritual, such as flowers and fruits to the dead person.

This so-called filial son was worrying about the price of the ritual, so he unceasingly asked Master Foguang the fee. Master was disappointed to this son’s attitude and told him straight, “Chanting a scroll of The Amitabha Sutra costs ten silver taels (a unit of weight used in China approximately equal to 50g).”

The son didn’t approve of the price and said, “Master, isn’t it too expensive? How about eight silver taels?”

Master nodded wordlessly, “It’s up to you then.”

Then the Master started the Chanting Ritual. When the son heard Master chanting: “All the Buddha, may the son’s father reincarnate in the Eastern World”, he protested and said again, “Master, there was something wrong. I never heard that the dead people reincarnated in the Eastern World instead of the Western Paradise World.”

Master answered, “You should pay ten silver taels if you father could reincarnate the Western Paradise. However, now that you insisted to have an eighty percent discount, you father had to reincarnate in the Eastern World.”

The son said unwillingly, “I would pay two silver taels more; please direct my dead father to the Western Paradise World.”

At that time even the dead father couldn’t suffer any more in the coffin and shouted loud to his son; “You an unfilial son, I was so tired to run from east to west just for your saving two silver taels.”

Buddhism is not merchandise, which shouldn’t be bargained. Buddhism is priceless, it couldn’t measured by money. However, it should arise from the very sincerity, spontaneity and belief of your heart.