The Correct Way to Gain Merits : หน้า 134/207

In the chapter, "The Correct Way to Gain Merits" -In the morning, I will not eat before I have performed from the book Good Question, Good Answer by Venerable *Phra Rajabha* (the rest is cut off) - 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.