The Importance of Merit

Merit is the cornerstone of Buddhist practice and realization. If merit is insufficient, meditative concentration cannot be cultivated. Without meditative concentration or with insufficient concentration, comprehending the Dharma's meaning becomes very difficult. When merit is lacking, some things may seem easy yet remain unattainable. One may feel that upholding precepts is straightforward, yet fail to maintain them; some Dharma teachings may appear easily understandable, yet one cannot penetrate them through contemplative practice. Without merit, nothing goes smoothly, including all endeavors within worldly affairs. When both meditative concentration and merit are perfected, wisdom arising from contemplative practice easily manifests in every aspect of the Dharma. This enables us to realize emptiness—where the mind is empty, devoid of self and phenomena—leading to liberation and ease. Spiritual practice is also the process of perfecting various conditions for perceiving the truth. Only when the necessary causes and conditions are fully assembled can one perceive the truth, attain the purity of the Dharma-eye, and realize the samadhi of emptiness.