What determines the size of merit generated by person doing good?

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!

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.

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.

Feng Shui in your home - general tips #2

Declutter Your Home

A clean and tidy environment will allow us to settle into good mood easily. It is therefore important that we place all items in their respective places and discard away unwanted items.

We should not pursue cleanliness and tidiness excessively, because doing so will lead to problems for the family. Why is this so? 

Firstly, such obsession will create unnecessary anxiety for the family, as it is almost impossible to maintain the perfect condition in day-to-day living.

Secondly, the obsession may lead to infertility for couples as it subconsciously signifies intolerance with the mess that children usually create. A happy family is typically one that exhibits tolerance and flexibility.

Music

Meditation music will help us to relax our mind and body. It is especially useful to listen to meditation music after a long day at work.

Pu-Erh Tea

Pu-Erh tea is gentle by nature, and unlike green tea, it does not stimulate our senses too much. It also helps to strengthen our spleen and gastric system. It is good to drink the tea while listening to meditation music to relax further. 

Content Credits:  Meditation & Health Magazine Spring 2013 Vol.3 No.2 - Bodhi Meditation 

Feng Shui in your home - general tips #1

People and the natural environment are interconnected; they resonate with and complement each other. As long as we follow natural law and stay in sync with Nature, Nature will bring us auspicious energy and keep negative energy at bay. This is also what we normally call "Feng Shui".

The following are some Feng Shui tips for your home:

Do Not Display Furniture with Sharp Corners

Furniture with sharp corners creates wariness and tension in the mind. The pointed corners are like the tips of swords, cutting and wounding the energy field. Sharp furniture also increases the likelihood of children getting injured when playing in the house.

Display Auspicious Accessories in Your Home

Keep in mind that every item has its own unique energy field.

Skeletons and death-related accessories should generally be avoided as they radiate the energy of death and deterioration.

The master bedroom should not display collection of swords, weapons or pictures of predatory animals such as eagles and tigers. These objects are inconsistent with love and affection. The best accessories to feature include those that connote love, even better would be displays of objects that come in pairs, as a couple. Symbols that are singular, or in multiples of three, are not considered signs of love and harmony.

There Should Be No Junk around and Under the Bed

The bed should be clean and clear, both above and below.

The Bedroom Should Be Tidy

Your bedroom is a mirror of your life: It directly reflects your image. The bedroom should always be kept clean and tidy, especially the closet. Feng Shui theory posits that fabric attracts positive energy, and therefore a neat wardrobe or closet will naturally bring auspiciousness.

The Rooms Should Always Be Bright, Dry and Fresh

Keep your doors and windows clean, and open your windows as often as much as possible for ventilation, fresh air and plenty of light.

Ensure that your rooms are not dark, wet and dirty, as they attract negative energy, and people who live in such environments are susceptible to illness. Mold and foul odors draw forth negative energy. Garbage and food wastes should he disposed of quickly in order to keep the hone smelling fresh and feeling positive.

Conclusion

Feng Shui is not simply the physical aspects of the home. It also comprises of the hearts and the minds of members living in it.

When a family loves and supports its members, the family is manifesting positive energy and blessings. It is a natural law that if harmony exist within ourselves and in our environment, the Divine will be drawn into our lives. A loving, caring, supportive and grateful family environment will form a powerful, auspicious energy field that can nurture us and ensure continued flourishing.

Believe in Cause and Consequences

If you follow the natural law, you will be successful. Remember the old saying: “If you plant melons, you’ll get melons. If you plant beans, you’ll get beans.” In other words, we reap what we sow. By doing simple good deeds every day, we cultivate blessings. If we plant seeds of love by helping others in need, our own families will be blessed with Iove, compassion and good fortune.

A Chinese philosopher once said, “Self-cultivation first, then form a harmonious family, then govern the country and then bring peace to the world”. Self-cultivation is the foundation of our future success and happiness. Cultivating virtue is ultimately much more important than selecting furnishings for the home. Good fortune follows virtuous people; wherever they reside is an auspicious place.

Picture background designed by Tirachard - Freepik

Content credits: Meditation & Health Magazine Winter/ Spring 2013 Vol. 3 No. 1 - Bodhi Meditation