Why Is There Meditative Merit When There Is Dhyāna?

Question: Why is there merit from concentration when one attains meditative absorption?

Answer: Meditative absorption is categorized into the concentration of the desire realm, the concentration of the form realm, and the concentration of the formless realm. When the mind aligns with the state of the desire realm heavens, the form realm heavens, or the formless realm heavens, one will be reborn in the desire realm, form realm, or formless realm heavens after death, becoming a heavenly being. There, one enjoys the supreme karmic retribution of the heavenly realms, experiencing bliss within the corresponding meditative absorption. Thus, concentration brings its own merit. This merit is worldly fortune, enjoyed within the world—the fortune within the three realms of existence.

Concentration represents purity, and purity itself is fortune. Many people desire purity but cannot attain it, indicating they lack the fortune of purity. Concentration enables comfort and ease for both body and mind; thus, concentration brings its own merit. Concentration can subdue and eliminate afflictions, freeing the mind from troubles; thus, concentration brings its own merit. Concentration can facilitate the arising of wisdom; thus, concentration brings its own merit. Concentration can eliminate distracting thoughts and affairs, removing disturbances and allowing one to enjoy precious moments of pure happiness; thus, concentration brings its own merit. Concentration can generate immeasurable spiritual powers and abilities, initiate vast and supreme practices, benefit oneself and others, accomplish all worldly and transcendental endeavors, and achieve all worldly and transcendental wisdom; thus, concentration brings its own merit.

Concentration can avert disasters. For instance, in the fourth dhyāna, with purity of equanimity and mindfulness, the three calamities cannot reach one; thus, concentration brings its own merit. As long as mental thoughts exist, disasters can be invited. Significant actions, especially those driven by afflictions, bring even greater calamities. With a pure mind that relinquishes thoughts, free from desires and seeking, one does not attract disasters. However, the fourth dhyāna is not the ultimate truth. After the meditative absorption fades, suffering will arise. Any form of meditative absorption is subject to arising and cessation. Without realizing the fruit of enlightenment or understanding the mind, and without cultivating wisdom to a sufficiently high level, meditative absorption will eventually vanish. Once it disappears, afflictions and disasters will reappear. The merit from concentration without realizing the path is still contaminated merit. Once this merit is exhausted, it vanishes completely. Therefore, one must still pursue the liberating wisdom born from meditative absorption, for this is the permanent and supreme karmic retribution.