Dispelling Afflictions, Accumulating Merit

Understanding that every word and deed, whether good or evil, bears karmic retribution, one should be cautious in speech and action, exercising carefulness and restraint, not focusing solely on oneself while disregarding others. In daily conduct, greed, anger, arrogance, and jealousy should be restrained whenever possible; refrain from scheming against others or using cunning to exclude others. Instead, give more thought to others, to the various groups one belongs to, and to the greater good. Maintain a kind and honest heart. This serves two purposes: it eliminates afflictive hindrances and karmic obstacles, and it increases merit and virtue. If the mind is impure and one commits defiled actions, it will consume a great deal of merit. When merit is insufficient, nothing can be accomplished—whether worldly matters or spiritual cultivation, good deeds or bad—without the support of merit, nothing succeeds. 

For those with greater merit than oneself, deeper wisdom and meditative concentration, stricter observance of precepts, or superior abilities in all aspects, one should feel genuine admiration and, at the very least, show respect. Do not harbor jealousy. If one’s words or actions cause offense, it will consume considerable merit, and ultimately, the loss is one’s own. For those who are less fortunate or weaker than oneself, cultivate compassion, offering more help, assistance, and care. Do not give rise to arrogance or bullying. By doing so, one will increase one’s own merit and compassion.