The dedication of merit is the final dedication and wish that all of the virtuous activity you have accumulated be for the benefit of all sentient beings. 

By dedicating merit, you are accumulating it in a lasting and permanent way. Without dedication, any positive accumulation can easily be destroyed. For example, if you become angry, this can destroy all the positive accumulation of one aeon. Dedication of merit is like planting a seed in the ground or depositing all your accumulation of merit into a bank. It will grow until you reach enlightenment. It is extremely important to dedicate the merit of any dharma activity you perform.

In whatever practice you do, there are three things to remember.

1. establish the motivation to benefit all beings
2. apply your concentration to the practice or activity
3. dedicate the merit

Without the motivation of bodhicitta, your practice will never go beyond the realm of samsara. It will never be connected with nirvana or enlightenment. Without concentration, you meditation session will be taken over by obstacles. Without dedication, your wild emotions can immediately destroy your accumulation of merit. If you always carefully check these three points, then any practice you do will be blessed.

 ~  Lama Tharchin Rinpoche
Ngondro Commentary
© 2000 by Bero Jeydren Publications


In the service for public disclosure,
this post has been reprinted under the Fair Use Law.