The Distinction Between Merit and Virtue

Beings attain blessings through giving, but the blessings differ according to the state of mind behind the giving. The state of mind refers to whether the act is performed with a mind seeking gain, self-interest, desire for reward, greed, and so forth. If giving is done with such mental states, thoughts, or intentions, one gains only merit (福报), not virtue and merit (福德). Virtue (德) represents pure mental conduct—selfless, free from personal gain, seeking no return, having no ulterior motives, or not seeking for personal benefit or desire. A pure mind is virtue; a mind that is pure and free from desire is virtue. Only by giving with such a mind can one attain virtue and merit (福德), accomplish the Way (道), and possess the Way.

Where there is virtue, there is paramita (波罗蜜), enabling one to reach the other shore of wisdom. Where there is no virtue, there is no paramita; one cannot reach the other shore of wisdom, and cultivation of the Way will not succeed. A mind that seeks gain has a very small capacity, so the blessings attained are naturally small. A mind free from seeking has a vast capacity, so the blessings attained are great, and the virtue is also great.

Therefore, when giving, one should strive to avoid having desires, greed, or utilitarian motives. Whatever one does, if there is grasping, greed, selfishness, impure purpose, or an impure mind, there can be no virtue and merit (功德) to speak of. A mind that seeks gain has a very small capacity, so the blessings attained are naturally small. A mind free from seeking has a vast capacity, so the blessings attained are great, and the virtue is also great.

Those who frequently practice the act of giving should calm their minds and introspect: What is the purpose of cultivating giving and accumulating blessings? Is it pure, solely for the sake of the spiritual path (道业) or for the sake of sentient beings? If one discovers that greed is mixed within, one must continually purify one's own mind, clear away defilements, and remove obscurations. Because giving so diligently with such motives yields only merit (福报) and no paramita, once that merit is exhausted, nothing remains. Virtue does not exist, and no progress is made on the spiritual path. Conversely, giving and cultivating blessings with a mind free from seeking and gain, with a mind focused on benefiting others, yields virtue and merit (福德). Not only does one gain blessings, but one also gains virtue. This virtue belongs to oneself forever and does not vanish. It is the capital and provisions for accomplishing the spiritual path.