The Function of Merit Transfer

Dedication occurs when the mental faculty is willing to transfer merits to other sentient beings, and the mental faculties of those beings are also willing to receive them. The tathāgatagarbha of both individuals will then cooperate to facilitate the transfer. Sentient beings, being incapable of cultivating blessings and wisdom on their own, rely entirely on the dedication of merits from other sentient beings and bodhisattvas. Through this, they accumulate a measure of virtuous karma, and by the power of these modest blessings, they gradually improve the quality and level of their existence. After countless kalpas, they may finally be reborn as humans. Therefore, since we have already attained human birth and have the opportunity to learn and practice the Buddha Dharma, we should express gratitude to the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and virtuous friends who have delivered us. As for how to express this gratitude, it should be by delivering sentient beings, just as the Buddhas and bodhisattvas have delivered us.