Claiming Merits

Yutang Lin

Catastrophes and disasters are tied to common karmas;
Infirmities and accidents are each one to come upon.
Solving problems by prayer relies on Buddha power;
Claiming merits in self-delusion lacks scaling of virtue.

Comment:

Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters that are tied to common karmas, as well as sufferings of infirmities or accidents that are consequences of individual karmas, all could be reduced or resolved through prayers and Dharma activities. Nevertheless, such blessings are completely up to the power and compassion of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Dharma protectors, but not due to the practitioners. Some practitioners or Buddhists would claim that changes in the turn of events were due to their merits. Such claims not only lack scaling of their own virtues but also have deviated from the right view of non-self.

Written in Chinese on July 17, 2001
Translated on July 21, 2001
El Cerrito, California

---

[Home][Back to list][Back to Chinese versions]