dedication of merit

The Three Supreme Methods

~ DudjomTersarNgondro

Whatever practices we do, whether the common ones of taking refuge and making prostrations, the various trainings in bodhichitta, the methods for purifying the defilements of body and speech, or the uncommon practices of the Secret Mantra (the visualization and recitation of Vajrasattva, guru yoga, or meditation on the yidam deity), all that we do—and this is very important—should be accompanied by the three “supreme methods.”

The first of these methods is the attitude of bodhichitta. All beings possess the
tathagatagarbha, the seed of buddhahood, but this is obscured and veiled. As a result, they wander in samsara. The first method is therefore to be determined to liberate them from this ocean of suffering.

The second supreme method is to have a mind free from conceptualization, which means to practice without distraction. Even if we make only a single prostration, we should not just go through the motions mechanically, with our thoughts and words elsewhere. On the contrary, we should practice with a concentrated mind, and never be carried away by distraction.

The third supreme method is to conclude with dedication. Whatever merit has been generated must be dedicated for the sake of beings, who are as many as the sky is vast. In fact, if we forget to round off our practice with the excellent attitude of bodhichitta, dedicating the merit to others, this merit could be destroyed in a moment of strong anger or defilement.

For this reason, all positive actions should immediately be followed by an act of dedication for the welfare of all beings. The benefits of this supreme method are immense; dedication renders merit inexhaustible and causes it to increase constantly.

Dudjom Rinpoche
Counsels from My Heart
Shambhala

The Three Supreme Methods

~ DudjomTersarNgondro

Whatever practices we do, whether the common ones of taking refuge and making prostrations, the various trainings in bodhichitta, the methods for purifying the defilements of body and speech, or the uncommon practices of the Secret Mantra (the visualization and recitation of Vajrasattva, guru yoga, or meditation on the yidam deity), all that we do—and this is very important—should be accompanied by the three “supreme methods.” The first of these methods is the attitude of bodhichitta. All beings possess the tathagatagarbha, the seed of buddhahood, but this is obscured and veiled. As a result, they wander in samsara. The first method is therefore to be determined to liberate them from this ocean of suffering. The second supreme method is to have a mind free from conceptualization, which means to practice without distraction. Even if we make only a single prostration, we should not just go through the motions mechanically, with our thoughts and words elsewhere. On the contrary, we should practice with a concentrated mind, and never be carried away by distraction. The third supreme method is to conclude with dedication. Whatever merit has been generated must be dedicated for the sake of beings, who are as many as the sky is vast. In fact, if we forget to round off our practice with the excellent attitude of bodhichitta, dedicating the merit to others, this merit could be destroyed in a moment of strong anger or defilement. For this reason, all positive actions should immediately be followed by an act of dedication for the welfare of all beings. The benefits of this supreme method are immense; dedication renders merit inexhaustible and causes it to increase constantly. 


Dudjom Rinpoche
Counsels from My Heart
Padmakara Translation Group
photographer unknown

Dedication of Merit

~ DudjomTersarNgondro

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


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