Question: I was having a practical test and there was a candidate who did very badly. Immediately, I chanted silently, dedicating it to him, hoping it will help him calm down and do better. But no matter how hard I tried, I just could not focus. My thoughts strayed, and out of the blue, two words appeared in my mind – 自救 (self-reliance) I realise then, that he has to do it on his own. The lecturer had showed us how to do it, and all we had to do is to follow. Just like the Buddha had showed us the path, we need to walk by ourselves.
Answer: Yes, but actually, it is possible to chant to share blessings with someone to help calm the person down. If not, the purpose of the practice of sharing of merits would be severely limited. But in cases where this doesn’t seem to work, it can be either because our practice is not strong enough yet, and/or the person lacks the positive karma to be helped sufficiently. A case similar to helping another is when the Buddha radiated his Metta (Loving-kindness) to Nalagiri the enraged and intoxicated elephant, which was powerful enough to calm him down from his anger and rashness. This in principle is similar to the power of the sharing of merits.
the more practical approach is to find time, talk to him, study with him.. and prep together for the next test..because its not so practical to pray in such instances..it doesnt solve the cause of your friend’s panic!
Yes indeed, though it is not practical then, to do that, if it’s in the midst of the test, realised too late that it is too late…