I found this article interesting (not saying that Wikipedia is the final authority on anything) but I wonder, as far as you know, is ‘transfer of merit’ the same as ‘dedication of merit’ which is included at the end of many Buddhist rituals and which is often done at the end of meritous activity?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_of_merit?
Transfer / Dedication of merit
- PadmaVonSamba
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Transfer / Dedication of merit
EMPTIFUL.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
Re: Transfer / Dedication of merit
same deal as roman catholics can absolve you of your sins...in the old days it was money or sack cloth...PadmaVonSamba wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 12:04 am I found this article interesting (not saying that Wikipedia is the final authority on anything) but I wonder, as far as you know, is ‘transfer of merit’ the same as ‘dedication of merit’ which is included at the end of many Buddhist rituals and which is often done at the end of meritous activity?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_of_merit?
the high priests and their machinations eh...
- PadmaVonSamba
- Posts: 9447
- Joined: Sat May 14, 2011 1:41 am
Re: Transfer / Dedication of merit
I always assumed that to dedicate the merit (from whatever Dharma-related activity one has engaged in) to all sentient beings was the customary practice in all Mahayana traditions.Minobu wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 3:34 amsame deal as roman catholics can absolve you of your sins...in the old days it was money or sack cloth...PadmaVonSamba wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 12:04 am I found this article interesting (not saying that Wikipedia is the final authority on anything) but I wonder, as far as you know, is ‘transfer of merit’ the same as ‘dedication of merit’ which is included at the end of many Buddhist rituals and which is often done at the end of meritous activity?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_of_merit?
the high priests and their machinations eh...
Nichiren did this too, apparently:
https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/140
…so I don’t thing the similarity with Christian history is accurate. It’s a common practice, not something somebody is charging money to do.
My question is about whether there is a difference between the ideas of “dedication” and “transference” of merit.
EMPTIFUL.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
Re: Transfer / Dedication of merit
There is most assuredly a difference. Transfer of merit can be towards any goal : "May the merit gained from feeding these monks help me pass my final." Dedication of merit is usually a shorthand way of referring to the Mahayana practice of disowning your own merit and putting it towards a supra-personal goal.
Re: Transfer / Dedication of merit
Merits is like light. Light needs space. We dedicate to all beings and more specifically to different people. It creates space : it is not « my precious » merit, it is light energy that fill the space of selfless attention.
Then by meditating on the empty nature of merits, yourself and those you dedicate for, merits and space unites.
Is it efficient ? It is and more especially if you put consciousness in it, you really feel it and intent it.
This is not for me, this is for all, me included. It really makes the practice special.
Then by meditating on the empty nature of merits, yourself and those you dedicate for, merits and space unites.
Is it efficient ? It is and more especially if you put consciousness in it, you really feel it and intent it.
This is not for me, this is for all, me included. It really makes the practice special.
Re: Transfer / Dedication of merit
yeah it's a bad lense to look through.PadmaVonSamba wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:52 amI always assumed that to dedicate the merit (from whatever Dharma-related activity one has engaged in) to all sentient beings was the customary practice in all Mahayana traditions.Minobu wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 3:34 amsame deal as roman catholics can absolve you of your sins...in the old days it was money or sack cloth...PadmaVonSamba wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 12:04 am I found this article interesting (not saying that Wikipedia is the final authority on anything) but I wonder, as far as you know, is ‘transfer of merit’ the same as ‘dedication of merit’ which is included at the end of many Buddhist rituals and which is often done at the end of meritous activity?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_of_merit?
the high priests and their machinations eh...
Nichiren did this too, apparently:
https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/140
…so I don’t thing the similarity with Christian history is accurate. It’s a common practice, not something somebody is charging money to do.
My question is about whether there is a difference between the ideas of “dedication” and “transference” of merit.
When I dedicate merit it's like the practice i just did is not just for me to grow but so that i grow to help others...
thats my take on dedicating merit...
why i don't think you can actually transfer merit is ...well comes under the same heading as the Buddha cannot erase your karma cause if He could He would...