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 

 

1. Giving (dāna )
2. Observing the moral precepts (sīla )
3. Meditation (bhāvanā )
4. Showing respect to one's superiors (apacāyana )
5. Attending to their needs (veyyāvacca )
6. Transferring merit (pattidāna )
7. Rejoicing at the merit of others (pattānumodana )
8. Listening to the Dharma, that is, the Buddha's teachings (dhammasavana )
9. Preaching the Dharma (dhammadesanā )
10. 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)