Developing Merits Inside Us

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What is merit? It is purity of mind, concentration and wisdom. Think about it, if we lose our tempers, how can we maintain our concentration and wisdom? It is impossible. As for good fortune, it is our wealth and intelligence.

When our mind attains Constant Mindfulness of Buddha Amitabha or One Mind Undisturbed, we can accumulate merits and virtues. But with just one outburst of temper, all is lost i.e. no more Constant Mindfulness of Buddha Amitabha or One Mind Undisturbed. Therefore, we need to remain vigilant so as not to lose our merits.

The Buddha once said, if we practice the Ten Virtuous Karmas, we will not fall into the Three Bad Realms. Instead, we would likely be born in the heavenly realms if we practice these good conducts diligently. If we achieve the deep concentration along with the Four Immeasurable Minds of loving kindness [providing happiness to others], compassion [taking away bitterness of others], joy [liberating others from suffering and feeling happy for them] and letting go [of first three minds], we will rise to an even higher level of heavens, the Heavens of Form and the Heavens of Formless.

The law of causality never changes, either in this world or beyond, the more wealth we give, the more wealth we gain. We do not even know where this wealth will come from. The more teaching we give, the more wisdom we will gain, therefore, we do not want to withhold any of our wealth or knowledge.

Poverty is the result of not giving wealth. Ignorance is the result of not giving teaching and illness and short lives are the results of not giving fearlessness. If we seek to resolve disasters and conflicts, we must start from within our own body and mind. We need to truly affirm that all beings are one. All phenomenon are in harmony originally. Thinking thus, we will naturally be sincere, compassionate, peaceful, respectful, humble and loving.

Wherever the Buddha's teaching flourish, either in cities or countrysides, people will gain inconceivable benefits. The land and people will be enveloped in peace. The sun and moon will shine clear and bright. Wind and rain will appear accordingly and there will be no disasters. Nations will be prosperous and there will be no need for soldiers or weapons.

The people will therefore abide by morality and accord with laws. They will be courteous and humble and everyone will be content, without injustices, there will be no theft or violence. The strong will not dominate the weak but instead protect them and everyone will get their fair share.

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