How to Check If Your Merit Is Sufficient

To ascertain whether one's blessed virtues are sufficient, observe the smoothness of one's practice: whether there are any hindrances; whether one can practice according to one's wishes, with ample time and conducive conditions; whether one can act autonomously in matters one wishes to undertake, free from restrictions; whether, when one resolves to uphold precepts, one can uphold them perfectly; whether, when one aspires to diligence, one can be diligent; whether, when one seeks to cultivate meditative concentration, there are no obstructive conditions; whether wisdom continuously increases; whether the Dharma one practices comes naturally and effortlessly; and whether, upon encountering profound teachings, one can endure and accept them, finding them delightful and willingly complying.

If the practice of the Six Paramitas of a Bodhisattva proceeds smoothly without obstruction, then the blessed virtues are fundamentally sufficient. One may then shift focus to other deficient areas to master the Six Paramitas. However, if faith in the Buddha, the true Tathāgatagarbha Dharma, or the true Sangha is incomplete, harboring doubts and lacking certainty, then the conditions for being a Bodhisattva at the Stage of Faith have not yet been fulfilled. One must further cultivate faith in the Three Jewels, establish the root of faith, and generate the power of faith. Thereafter, one may enter the Ten Abodes to practice the Six Paramitas.