Merit in Buddhism - Tibet Travel Adventure

Merit in Buddhism - Tibet Travel Adventure

The concept of merit and compassion is highly valued in Buddhism. In today's article, we will explore the profound importance of merit and compassion in Buddhism. We will additionally explore means to acquire merit during the Tibet travel journey. Let’s take a moment to explore the concept of merit together.

Numerous Buddhist practices to accumulate merit entail repetitive tasks like reciting a mantra extensively or encircling a stupa or monastery. Contemporary influencers promote habit transformation in 21 days through persistent practice, echoing an ancient practice dating back to Buddha's era 2500 years ago. This tradition underscores habit formation through regular repetition, echoing Buddha's frequent recitation of the same verse.

The great Nagarjuna once said that nothing is challenging when it becomes a habit. This statement aligns with the explanation behind Buddhism's merit system, which integrates scientific principles.

1. Merit in Buddhism

Buddha, due to extraordinary merit, even the slightest sound, like a bird's tweet, could break the cycle of Samsara.

1. All compounded things are impermanent.
2. All emotions are prone to suffering.
3. All things have no inherent existence.
4. Nirvana is beyond concepts.

The statements known as 'the four seals' were taught by Buddha. These seals are sometimes referred to as 'truths' by masters to avoid confusion with the four noble truths in Buddhism.

Photo: The Mount Everest North Face base camp.

Having more merits can be the key to fulfilling our desires, but if those accomplishments lead to wealth, good health, and an absence of challenges, we may become entrenched in worldly existence. We may become so focused on our success that we don't need to consider the possibility of liberation from Samsara. In doing so, we distance ourselves from the teachings of Buddha and negate any merit we may have accumulated, so let's call that Samsaric merit. What we need is the merit of walking towards Nirvana. The acquisition of merit in Buddhist practices involves chanting, prostrating, meditation, scripture reading, and circumambulating the stupa.

Photo: Statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in Jokhang Temple at Lhasa.

Do we expect anything in return when we help others?

Our merit will increase daily if we don't anticipate anything in return when we make wishes for others or give something to them. The concept of merit helps us comprehend that practicing Buddha's Dharma is simple, as all Buddhist practices center on the mind, which is responsible for both happiness and suffering.

When you are happy, may everyone be as satisfied as me. When you are sad, may no one become sad like me. We can easily create many positive merits. May good things happen to all beings or that person. If such thoughts arise, we are making positive merits, and good things will occur to us because of our good intentions.

What are the negative merits?

When we are happy, may no one become as satisfied as me. When we are sad, may everyone or that person become even more hurt or sad than I am. If we have thoughts wishing negative things to happen to others or even to ourselves, we are creating negative karma, and negative things will happen to us due to our evil intentions.

According to Great Shantideva from Nalanda University in the 8th century, anger is the enemy of merit. He said that all the positive merit we accumulate over countless lifetimes can be destroyed with just one instance of anger. Therefore, it is important to avoid getting angry as it can destroy our positive merit. Anger is detrimental to the accumulation of positive merit.

Being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions is the greatest ally of merit. This is why meditation is one of the best friends of merit, as it enables us to silence our speech, halt our bodily actions, and focus entirely on our thoughts.

Bodhichitta is undoubtedly the King of merit. The most supreme way to accumulate merit is to practice Bodhichitta. Bodhichitta is the sole remedy that can assist us in discovering joy amidst our pain, rendering it the singular cure for all psychological ailments. In order to practice Bodhichitta, we must first practice compassion. The word compassion is precious and considered one of the most potent words in the world. Compassion is referred to as Nying Jey in Tibetan, which translates to "King of Heart."

Someone said: When I was young, I liked the word "power." As I grow older, I fall in love with the word "compassion." In a fundamental way, compassion means no selfishness. Due to my lack of experience in Buddhism, I need to acquire more understanding to properly engage in discussions about the significant principle of compassion, which holds great value in the Buddhism.

Image: Mount Kailash is a popular Tibet travel destination.

A master said, "In the 7th century, Chandrakirti, a well-known master at Nalanda University in India, used a cow that was painted to teach his disciples about emptiness." He demonstrated this by milking from the painted cow and giving the milk to the monks to drink. In Chandrakirti's teachings, he placed great importance on compassion, even above paying homage to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Shakyamuni Buddha himself attained enlightenment by showing compassion towards all living beings. Chenrezig is the Bodhisattva of compassion. The mantra of Chenrezig is: Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum  . With the merit of chanting this mantra, may Bodhichitta grow in the hearts of all sentient beings.

To begin practicing merit, we can start by making aspirations. For instance, when we come across a fancy car, we can make aspirations that everyone has the opportunity to drive one. Similarly, when we encounter an attractive individual, we can aspire for everyone to be blessed with good looks. As we become aware of someone being unwell, may all those who are suffering from illness recover quickly, and may everyone enjoy good health. We should extend assistance by contributing donations or any other form of aid, and we should do so without anticipating any compensation or expecting benefit in return.

Merits originate from three avenues: the mind, body, and speech. However, the most significant merit is generated from the mind as it is the origin of both speech and body.

2. Tibet Travel Packages

Making aspirations is an everyday occurrence for Travelers visiting Tibet, and merit plays a crucial role in this. By wishing for great weather for sightseeing at places like Mount Everest and Mount Kailash for other fellow Travelers, we can create better weather for our journey. Practicing merit is effortless when we do not expect to receive anything in return.

There are so many excellent spots in this Tibet travel itinerary where we can enjoy short meditations by the serene lakes or majestic mountains. The high altitude allows us to breathe in fresh, invigorating air, keeping us attentive and refreshed. The mountains remind us of the beauty of stillness during meditation, while the rivers gently teach us about the uninterrupted flow of this enriching practice.

Conclusion

Almost all Buddhist practices focus on acquiring merit, so merit is an essential subject in Buddhism. Buddhists view Bodhichitta as immensely precious, and many Yogis have concluded that having Bodhichitta is like having all.

I'm currently on a journey of learning, realizing there’s still so much to explore. Thank you for taking the time to read about article on merit. Here at Tibet Travelers, we extend a cordial invitation for you to travel to Tibet with us. Our services have received high ratings on Trip Advisor from our valued travelers. 

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