In this episode, we look at creating merit by intentionally engaging in activities that are good karma. Merit, or good karma, propels our spiritual practice forward. Thus accumulating merit is a central activity of a bodhisattva, one striving for enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, as well as those who believe in the law of karma.
Ten merit-making activities
- Giving (dāna )
- Observing the moral precepts (sīla )
- Meditation (bhāvanā )
- Showing respect to one's superiors (apacāyana )
- Attending to their needs (veyyāvacca )
- Transferring merit (pattidāna )
- Rejoicing at the merit of others (pattānumodana )
- Listening to the Dharma, that is, the Buddha's teachings (dhammasavana )
- Preaching the Dharma (dhammadesanā )
- Having right beliefs (diṭṭhijjukamma )
Guru Padmasambhava said, “My realization is higher than the sky. But my observance of karma is finer than grains of flour.”
One is not a mendicant
Just because one begs from others.
Nor does one become a mendicant
By taking on domestic ways.
But whoever sets aside
Both merit and evil,
Lives the chaste life,
And goes through the world deliberately
Is called “a mendicant.” (266–267)*
Not by silence
Does an ignorant fool become a sage.
The wise person, who,
As if holding a set of scales,
Selects what’s good and avoids what’s evil
Is, for that reason, a sage.
Whoever can weigh these two sides of the world
Is, for that reason, called “a sage.” (268–269)*
—Buddha, The Dhammapada
References
Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 69-70 (Link)