The Correct Way to Gain Merits : หน้า 134/207

In the chapter, "The Correct Way to Gain Merits" from the book Good Question, Good Answer by Venerable Phrarajabhavanaviriyakhun, the issue of merit was discussed in detail as follows: "The Lord Buddha stated that there were three methods of gaining merits, namely through acts of generosity, adherence to the precepts, and meditation. 1. Generosity. This is the sharing of useful things with those who are deserving. However, it should not be done to our detriment. Generally, Buddhists are fond of giving to monks and virtuous persons regularly. 2. Adherence to the precepts. This means to keep under control our actions and speech so that they do no injure others and us. We should observe at least the Five Precepts. And when the opportunity arises, such as the day before a Buddhist Holy Day, a Buddhist Holy Day, and during weekend retreats, Buddhists can choose to observe the Eight Precepts to gain additional merits. Some people even choose to observe the Eight Precepts one day a week on a regular basis. 3. Meditation. This is the way to purify the mind. Study Dhamma and chant to calm and purify the mind every night before bedtime for at least twenty minutes to one hour. Some people establish routines to ensure they accumulate these three merits: -In the morning, I will not eat before I have performed the merit of giving. -Today, I will not leave the house before I have resolved to observe the precepts. -Tonight, I will not go to bed before I have recited the mantras and meditated. If a person can follow this routine consistently, he can be sure that his life will never lead to despair. The future will be bright. All three will gradually advance the purification of the mind to a higher level. If our mind is clear and bright, we will feel joyful. In a happy mindset, we will think right, speak right, and do the right thing. As a first step to gain merit, I suggest first practicing generosity. The Lord Buddha stated that to gain the maximum merit, giving should meet these four criteria, namely: 1. Wholesomeness of the object. The object to be given must be obtained legitimately and morally, not through fraudulent means. 2. Upright intention. The objective of giving is to get rid of miserliness, selfishness, and greediness. It is not done to gain riches, renown, or recognition. The true intent is to share and gain merit. Gaining merit is not greed; it is actually replacing greed with generosity. The Warm Hearted Family 266 Complete Criteria in Giving The Warm Hearted Family 267 Complete Criteria in Giving