The Difference Between the Reward of Merit and Merit

Sentient beings gain blessings through generosity (dāna), but because the mental attitudes behind giving differ, the blessings obtained also differ. The mental attitude referred to here means whether one gives with a mind seeking gain, a selfish and self-interested mind, a mind seeking something in return, a greedy mind, and so on. If one practices giving with such mental actions, attitudes, and thoughts, one only gains blessings (retribution), not merit. Virtue represents purity of mental action—selfless, without ego, not seeking reward, having no demands, or not seeking for one's own personal gain or desires, without any impure motives. A pure mind is virtue; a pure, desireless mind is virtue. Only by practicing giving with such a mind can one gain merit, attain the Path, and possess the Way.

With virtue, there is pāramitā, and one can reach the other shore of wisdom; without virtue, there is no pāramitā, one cannot reach the other shore of wisdom, and cultivation of the Path will not succeed. A mind that seeks something has a very small capacity, so the blessings gained are naturally small; a mind that seeks nothing has a very great capacity, so the blessings gained are also great, and the virtue is also great.

Therefore, when practicing giving, try not to seek anything, not to have greed, and not to have a utilitarian mindset. No matter what one does, if there is craving, greed, selfishness, impure motives, or an impure mind, there is no merit to speak of. A mind that seeks something has a very small capacity, so the blessings gained are naturally small; a mind that seeks nothing has a very great capacity, so the blessings gained are also great, and the virtue is also great.

Those who regularly cultivate the practice of giving should calm their minds and introspect: what is the purpose of cultivating giving and blessings? Is it pure—only for the Path or for sentient beings? If greed is found mixed in, one must continually purify one's own mind, remove the defilements, and clear away the coverings. Because striving so hard at giving in this way only yields blessings without pāramitā; once the blessings are exhausted, nothing remains—the virtue does not exist, and no progress can be made on the Path. Conversely, practicing giving and cultivating blessings with a mind that seeks nothing and gains nothing, with an altruistic mind, one will gain merit—not only blessings but also virtue, and virtue forever belongs to oneself and will never disappear; it is the capital and provisions for accomplishing the Path.