The Importance of Cultivating Merit

Individuals with the bodhisattva nature attain realization swiftly, which is the result of cultivation accumulated over many lifetimes. To expedite our own cultivation, we should all generate the great resolve to practice the bodhisattva conduct that benefits both self and others. The essence of the bodhisattva nature is selflessness. When selflessness accords with bodhi (awakening), one can swiftly attain bodhi; whereas self-centeredness is the root obstacle on the path. If a person's thoughts and intentions in cultivation are solely focused on personal benefit, showing no concern for Buddhism, sentient beings, or others, merit will be difficult to accumulate, wisdom will hardly grow, and cultivation will progress very slowly. There are some who, when urged to cultivate merit, simply refuse. Consequently, despite studying for a long time and expending great effort, their understanding remains pitifully shallow, unable to reach the correct path. Cultivating merit is the starting point of learning Buddhism and the foundation for attaining the Dharma; it is extremely important. Yet, there are still those unwilling to cultivate merit, thinking that doing so is a loss. They fail to realize that not cultivating merit is the far greater loss.

Choosing where to cultivate merit through generosity is also crucial. To harvest grain, one must sow seeds in rice paddies; one cannot plant rice seeds in vegetable plots. Only by cultivating merit within the Mahayana path can one attain the Mahayana Dharma. Only by sowing seeds in the true Dharma can one reap the fruits of both the Mahayana and Hinayana paths. If one specializes in cultivating merit, one should practice the act of giving (dāna), which includes material giving (dāna of wealth), Dharma giving (dāna of Dharma), and fearlessness giving (dāna of fearlessness).

Giving is not limited to making offerings to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha); it encompasses the three types of giving to sentient beings:

1. Material Giving (Dāna of Wealth): The giving of money, goods, or material resources.

2. Dharma Giving (Dāna of Dharma): If one has not yet attained the Dharma oneself, one can engage in indirect Dharma giving. This also accumulates merit very quickly, enabling more sentient beings to understand Mahayana Buddhism. One's own merit will accumulate rapidly, understanding will be established swiftly, and realization of the path will come quickly.

3. Fearlessness Giving (Dāna of Fearlessness): Alleviating the suffering and worries of others, freeing them from anxieties.

When these three types of giving are practiced to a certain degree, merit will accumulate sufficiently to attain the fruits of the path (attain fruition), illuminate the mind and perceive the true nature (ming xin jian xing), and transcend the status of an ordinary being.