Commentary on the Father-Son Collection Sutra (205)

Buddhists Should Diligently Cultivate Both Merit and Wisdom

The karmic reward of attaining supreme enlightenment is exceedingly magnificent. Firstly, regarding worldly benefits, it brings complete abundance and happiness. Those who study the Dharma and realize its fruits avoid falling into evil realms. Secondly, wherever they are reborn, they enjoy the karmic rewards of honor and prosperity. After ancient Chan masters attained the fruits of the Mahayana path and were reborn in the human realm, they could become kings or high ministers. The higher the level of realization attained, the higher their status in the heavens or the human realm. This is called the worldly wealth and happiness.

We who study Buddhism should also cultivate both merit and wisdom extensively. The merit accumulated through virtuous deeds will likewise bring us worldly wealth and honor. The Buddha is honored as the Twofold Perfection. Which two aspects? Merit (punya) and wisdom (prajna). If one possesses only wisdom without merit, one cannot attain Buddhahood. Without merit, one also cannot receive the respect, reverence, and offerings of all people in the world. Therefore, when we recite sutras, we are cultivating both merit and wisdom. Sitting in meditation is cultivating merit. Paying homage to the Buddha is also cultivating merit. Moreover, the giving of material resources (dana) and the giving of Dharma teachings to benefit sentient beings are even more profound ways of cultivating merit. Only when both merit and wisdom are perfected and complete can one be called the Unsurpassed One.