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It's an act of generosity, because the intention occurs in this lifetime, whereas it is only the results of that intention which take place post mortem. A gift which continues to generate benefit for others like an invested legacy is more skillful, in that it helps more people. But again, the intention takes place in this life. If, for example, the fund failed to deliver or the bank holding it crashed, one would have still had the good intention, which is I believe where the merit lies.philosopher wrote: ↑Sun Sep 23, 2018 3:44 am If one leaves to, say, Buddhist world organizations a sum of money after one's death, is this still an act of generosity? Would setting up a fund that gives gifts into perpetuity (through investing) keep generating merit that would benefit the giver in his/her future births?
Yes.philosopher wrote: ↑Sun Sep 23, 2018 3:44 am If one leaves to, say, Buddhist world organizations a sum of money after one's death, is this still an act of generosity?
No. Although nowadays this sort of thing is very widely believed in Buddhist countries, the ancient Pudgalavādin belief that "merit increases with utility" (paribhogamayapuñña-diṭṭhi) was rejected by the Theravādins at the Third Council.philosopher wrote: ↑Sun Sep 23, 2018 3:44 amWould setting up a fund that gives gifts into perpetuity (through investing) keep generating merit that would benefit the giver in his/her future births?
