The Dharma method of “dedication of merit” allows us to share all the blessings, all the merit and goodness that we have earned. We can send out all the benefits that would otherwise accrue to ourselves, to every living being in the world. Simply make a wish, for whatever need you perceive in the world, for whatever wholesome change you would wish to take place in the world, and send the goodness out with a single mind. The results we desire can take any form, specific or general, personal or universal. The power of a concentrated mind for goodness, amplified by the community in unison, makes the connection effective. The spirit of giving sends the gift, the prayer for well-being, throughout the world, to all creatures, as far as our minds extend.

May every living being,
Our minds as one and radiant with light,
Share the fruits of peace,
With hearts of goodness, luminous and bright.
If people hear and see,
How hands and hearts can find in giving, unity,
May their minds awake,
To Great Compassion, wisdom and to joy.
May kindness find reward,
May all who sorrow leave their grief and pain;
May this boundless light,
Break the darkness of their endless night.
Because our hearts are one
This world of pain turns into Paradise
May all become compassionate and wise,
May all become compassionate and wise.

Guitar and vocals: Rev. Heng Sure
Music: Loreena McKennit, “The Dark Night of the Soul.” from the Quinlan Road CD, The Mask and Mirror
Lyrics: Traditional Buddhist hymn, translated from the Chinese by Rev. Heng Sure and Bhikshu Heng Lyu

Rev. Heng Sure is a professor at Dharma Realm Buddhist University. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1976. Rev. Heng Sure received his Master’s degree in Oriental languages from the University of California at Berkeley and his doctorate from the Graduate Theological Union. He is director of the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery and lectures widely on the study and practice of Buddhism.