Alan : great also MERIT and VIRTUR awakens boddichita AND (so it is told ) merit eradicates “Kalpas” of bad karma Your videos use skillful means with various illustrations and examples berating great merit upon you ❤
There're so many simple ways to generate merit, it's pretty amazing! I think I read even knowing, hearing or saying sutra and Buddha names may be meritorious?
Hi Cole! Yes, pretty much any sort of Buddhist practice is merit practice (generation/cultivation of merit). Traditionally, we view merit generation along the lines of charity/giving, for example, but reciting sutras, copying sutras (a very popular form of merit generation especially in China), chanting a Buddha's name, etc., are all wholesome and merit generation. One part is, of course, helping transform your mind, body, conduct, etc., in accord with the Buddha's path. And the other you can think of how this transformation is now reflected in your conduct/morality which is helping other sentient beings. More broadly, they may hear or see you doing these "Buddhist" activities, and that is a bit of merit transference! Someone may get that 'spark' to light their interest in Buddhism. The reason we have so many temples, statues, artwork, etc., was because those with wealth would use their wealth to commission Buddhist art and places of worship - which was how they generated merit.
I am really enjoying your videos. I realized while watching this one that I have a resistance to giving dana to some of the teachers I have been in contact with. I hate to admit this but deeper examination of my feelings reveals this idea that I feel like they chose this path that does not provide much financial security and therefore maybe they need to get a side job. Your video has given me some perspective...certainly on my own stayed beliefs..but also on the reason behind dana as merit. Thank you.
Hi Aden! We don't have an afterlife (something permanent that you go to after death) in Buddhism but have a cycle of rebirth. There are different "realms" rebirth can occur in, but they are all impermanent (although some can last an exceptionally long time) and one faces rebirth again and again in the realms. Here's a video: ua-cam.com/video/sYmp3LjvSFE/v-deo.html
Alan : great also MERIT and VIRTUR awakens boddichita AND (so it is told ) merit eradicates “Kalpas” of bad karma
Your videos use skillful means with various illustrations and examples berating great merit upon you ❤
🙏
There're so many simple ways to generate merit, it's pretty amazing!
I think I read even knowing, hearing or saying sutra and Buddha names may be meritorious?
Hi Cole! Yes, pretty much any sort of Buddhist practice is merit practice (generation/cultivation of merit). Traditionally, we view merit generation along the lines of charity/giving, for example, but reciting sutras, copying sutras (a very popular form of merit generation especially in China), chanting a Buddha's name, etc., are all wholesome and merit generation. One part is, of course, helping transform your mind, body, conduct, etc., in accord with the Buddha's path. And the other you can think of how this transformation is now reflected in your conduct/morality which is helping other sentient beings. More broadly, they may hear or see you doing these "Buddhist" activities, and that is a bit of merit transference! Someone may get that 'spark' to light their interest in Buddhism. The reason we have so many temples, statues, artwork, etc., was because those with wealth would use their wealth to commission Buddhist art and places of worship - which was how they generated merit.
I am really enjoying your videos. I realized while watching this one that I have a resistance to giving dana to some of the teachers I have been in contact with. I hate to admit this but deeper examination of my feelings reveals this idea that I feel like they chose this path that does not provide much financial security and therefore maybe they need to get a side job. Your video has given me some perspective...certainly on my own stayed beliefs..but also on the reason behind dana as merit. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you so very much.
Thank you sir. 💜
Welcome! 🙏
Could we see a video on the afterlife in Buddhism.
Hi Aden! We don't have an afterlife (something permanent that you go to after death) in Buddhism but have a cycle of rebirth. There are different "realms" rebirth can occur in, but they are all impermanent (although some can last an exceptionally long time) and one faces rebirth again and again in the realms. Here's a video: ua-cam.com/video/sYmp3LjvSFE/v-deo.html
Merit is better than cash...
It is very valuable indeed!