Merit / Phra Ajan Ofer

Greetings to all

On the difference between metta and merit – Phra Ajahn Ofer

 I have been asked to speak today on the concept of merit.I shall do this by emphasizing the common and the different between the concepts of merit and

metta, concepts that are sometimes thought of as being identical.

The Pali term of merit is punna. The opposite of merit is demerit, actions which harm ourselves and others, and the erroneous belief that bad actions don’t have bad results. As a result our consciousness becomes agitated and full of accusations and regrets. Merit and demerit are actions (karma) that we carry out. There are ten actions that are considered merit:

Dana- the giving of things such as food, clothes, medicine, shelter-

the acceptance of commandments or the intention to adhere to the rules of Morality- the practice of meditation and the development of consciousness-

respecting elders and those that are worthy of respect-

to serve and aid others-

to include and share our merit with others-

to take joy in the merit of others-

to listen to dharma-

to teach others-

to have right understanding concerning karma and the four noble truths-

Metta is a Pali word which is translated into English as loving kindness. Metta is one of the four Brhama Viharas (the four abodes of the god), one of the fifty-two mental states or mental formations, sankhara, and also will or strength of will which drives us to action (such as anger, fear, desire, wisdom, compassion, generosity etc.) Metta is the intention or cause of how we act with our surroundings, with thought, word and deed, and its expression will be: a good word, with a smile and happiness and love that we direct to others

When we send metta we use the good energy that we have accumulated through the various actions of merit that have given us peace of mind, calmness, serenity and we direct those to ourselves and to others in order to strengthen health and happiness, long life and success. Analogously merit is like the electrical energy with we charge our car battery, and metta is like the action of driving our car. As you can discern there is a direct connection between merit and metta. I wish for each and everyone of you that the merit and the metta within you shall grow and be for you a condition of true happiness, of nirvana.

Yours in Dhamma,

Phra Ofer