Lal wrote: “The intention of the followers of Saccaka was to make the offering to Saccaka. They prepared the meal on the request of Saccaka, and NOT because they wanted to make the offering to the Buddha”.
If the followers instead made the food with the intention of offering it to the Buddha, not handing the food to the Buddha but keeping in mind when the food is being prepared that it will be offered to the Buddha by their guru Saccaka. In this case will they earn merits?
Thanks in advance, this is an important concept I would like to understand.