Merit is the basis of happiness and success in our lives. The size of merit generated is dependent on a few factors:
1. Motivation of sponsor
Please make your offering with the mind motivated by Bodhicitta, or great compassion, for the benefit of all beings. When you think only for oneself or only for this lifetime, the merit generated is limited. When you are motivated by the benefit for all beings, and is concerned for your future lives, the merit generated is inconceivable.
2. The importance of the deed
The deed that you are sponsoring to is for the noblest deed – preservation of the pure holy Buddha’s teachings through the dharma activities. These auspicious activities are very important to ensure that the good quality of dharma remains, and is preserved for future generations. Your sponsorship will help bring about great benefit to dharma in both the short and long run.
3. Rejoice!
Be truly happy and rejoice in the kindness and generosity of oneself and many others. Be happy and contented that you have the means and ability to sponsor to the Three Jewels and bring benefit to the community. Rejoicing is the swiftest and easiest method to gain great merit!
Be truly happy and rejoice in the kindness and generosity of oneself and many others. Be happy and contented that you have the means and ability to sponsor to the Three Jewels and bring benefit to the community. Rejoicing is the swiftest and easiest method to gain great merit!
4. Dedication
Most importantly, after completion of your good virtuous deed, please remember to preserve all your merits by dedicating them towards achieving bodhicitta, and accomplishing the ultimate state of Buddhahood.
Most importantly, after completion of your good virtuous deed, please remember to preserve all your merits by dedicating them towards achieving bodhicitta, and accomplishing the ultimate state of Buddhahood.
References: http://www.drophenling.com/offerings/dedicate-your-merits/
Graphics and formatting: Ada
Author:
Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015. Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.
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