F. Sharing Merits (Pattidana)
A person shares the merits of his good· deeds
with others so that the performance of these
deeds isnot for egoistic motives. This illustrates
the paradox that a man makes most merits
when he does not think, "I am making merit for
my well-being." The most meritorious actions
are done spontaneously, selflessly and out of
the goodness of heart.
G. Rejoicing in Others' Good Deeds
(Anumodana)
Cultivating appreciation and gladness at others'
happiness isa noble and positive mental quality
which eradicates jealousy. Speaking and
thinking well of others can cause a person's
enemies to become his friends and his friends
become his brothers. It also means digging for
reasons to praise and applaud instead of
scratching for excuses to gossip and criticize.
Traditionally, when someone has done a noble
deed, a Buddhist says, "Sadhu" meaning "It's
excellent."
H - I. Teaching and Listening to
Dhamma (Dhamma savana, Dhamma desana)
Teaching and listening to Dhamma goes
together because for there to be a giver there
must be a receiver. Teaching Dhamma is
showing a practical path which leads to the
relief of suffering. Listening to Dhamma means
concentrating one's attention to the one who
speaks the Dhamma and reflecting on how the
teachings can be applied. Both are highly
meritorious activities.
J. Straightening One's Views (Ditthijjukamma)A person suffers more from his own foolishness
than because of others. Likewise, through his
efforts he can gain peace and final release.
Wrong views lead him away from Reality, the
Dhamma, while Right Views bring him closer to
Reality.How Can Others Benefit from a Person's Merits?Though merit-making benefits oneself, it also
brings great advantages to others. Giving
benefits the receivers. Moral conduct and
mental culture benefits those with whom one
comes into contact.Reverence ensures harmony in society, service
lightens the burden of the receivers. Sharing
merits and rejoicing in others' happiness
promote peace and goodwill. A person who
teaches Dhamma, listens to Dhamma and
straightens his views is able, with his practice
and understanding, to show others how they
can improve their lives with Dhamma.10