Special Topics
Q3: Would it matter if I don’t transfer merits after chanting?
There are indeed people who incessantly attempt to accumulate karmic blessings and spiritual provisions because they deem merit to be a kind of savings. However, when one does this, he or she is putting too much emphasis on the "self" and grasping it too tightly, which is the opposite of attaining liberation. The purpose of transferring merit is to remind ourselves to refrain from being stingy. We should joyously share everything we own with others, whether tangible or intangible. W...
Q4: When we transfer the merit generated from self-cultivation to our family, friends, and deceased loved ones, can they really receive it?
Merit transfer is a form of spiritual response we establish with others that arises from the power of our mind, which in turn is fulfilled through the power of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas' vows. Master Sheng Yen used an analogy to explain the idea: sun rays reflected off a mirror or any metal object can illuminate dark spaces within the interior of a building. This is how dark spaces of a building's interior receive sunlight without been directly exposed to it. Orthodox Buddhists ...
Q5: Should we still transfer merit to specific people after we have already transferred it to all sentient beings in the Dharma realm?
Ａ：Of course we should! Ven. Guo Kae explained that, though the transfer of merit practice entails an attitude of non-self, our self-cultivation should start with the "recognition of the self." If the goals we set are too lofty in the beginning, will find it difficult to focus and make progress. Therefore, there is a gradual path for cultivating merit transfer. First, we should start with transferring the merit to ourselves, then expanding to our family members, friends, acquaintan...
Q6: The terms “making vows” and “transfer of merit” are often used alongside each other in Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. What are the differences between them?
A：Although the concepts of merit-transferring and vow-making are distinct, they can complement each other, and are often discussed together. Though the vows we make might not be fulfilled in a short period of time, they establish a clear direction for our lives, creating a kind of energy that allows us to keep returning to the right path. Two good examples of vow-making would be, "the vow to soon attain buddhahood and deliver innumerable sentient beings soon," as well as "t...
Q7: Are there corresponding dedication verses for different Dharma methods? Can these dedication verses be used interchangeably?
A：Dedication verses are usually written by Venerable Patriarchs. Some verses indicate authors, while others have unknown sources. However, these dedication verses were all created to serve as guidance for teaching their disciples to make vows and practice self-cultivation. The verses share commonalities; hence, some dedication verses could surely be used interchangeably. However, the dedication verses are relevant to the Dharma method, vows, living environment, and state of being of the a...