When seeing someone win the first prize lottery and receive a large sum of money, many wonder, “What merits did they perform to be this lucky?” or whether it is due to past good karma. Meanwhile, some people buy lottery tickets almost every draw but never win. Beliefs about luck are explained from various perspectives including karma, fortune, and timing in life. However, all are personal beliefs, not guarantees for winning.
The first belief holds that financially lucky people may have been generous givers before, especially making donations willingly without expecting recognition or reward—for example, helping the needy, sharing food, or donating money for public benefit.
According to this belief, the results of giving return as abundance, support from others, or unexpected wealth. However, Buddhist teachings emphasize charity to reduce greed and practice sacrifice, not just to expect lottery winnings.
Some texts believe that those who have helped others during crises—such as providing medical funds, relieving debt caused by necessity, or offering job opportunities—may receive financial merit and find solutions when they themselves face difficulties.
At a certain time, the merit from helping others out of suffering may return as “a big stroke of luck,” but not necessarily in the form of lottery prizes. It could appear as career opportunities, assistance, or escaping harm.
Participating in constructing temples, schools, hospitals, roads, water sources, or other public services is another belief about merits that help life flow smoothly, because what is built continues to assist many people.
Ancient people believe those who made such merits may have fortune in wealth, receive great opportunities, or have life support. But merit-making does not require large sums; the value depends on intention and one's appropriate capacity.
The belief in “past merit” explains that everyone is born with different life capital due to past deeds. Some are good at making money, some have support from elders, while others seem to have luck easily come their way.
Big prize winners may be seen as having fortune for sudden wealth, but Buddhism views karma as complex and does not conclude from one event who has more merit. Having money does not always mean having more merit.
Another belief emphasizes the giver's mental state. If the giver is happy before, during, and after giving, without regret or expecting return, it is believed to create powerful merit that brings joy back into life.
Luck received may not only be monetary prizes but also a good family, strong health, loved ones, or life-changing opportunities. Therefore, the meaning of “good luck” should not be limited to lottery winnings.
From a belief perspective, each person has different karma and fortune timing. Some gain luck from gambling, others from work, business, skills, or relationships. Hence, lottery wins or losses should not measure who has more merit.
In reality, the lottery is a game of probability. Every number has a chance to win based on draw conditions. Frequent purchases do not guarantee a prize, and never winning does not mean lacking merit, just that the odds of big wins are very low.
In Buddhism, merit affects not only wealth but also happiness, peace, good opportunities, relationships, and wisdom in life. Some never get sudden windfalls but have steady income, good health, or overcome challenges—these are also positive results of their actions.
Therefore, if you want to make merit, do so with the intention to help and train the mind, not with conditions to win. Lottery buying should be moderate, using money that does not affect essential expenses and avoiding borrowing to gamble.
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