What is merit in Buddhism?

Merit is the usual English word for the Pali puñña (in Sanskrit, puṇya). It refers to the good that comes from skilful actions, and to the happiness those actions bring, now and in the future. Making merit is a central part of everyday Buddhist life in many countries.

Three ways of making merit

The early texts name three main grounds for making merit: generosity (dāna), ethical conduct (sīla) and meditation (bhāvanā). Generosity includes giving food to monks and nuns, supporting a temple or helping someone in need. Ethical conduct means keeping the precepts. Meditation develops calm and wisdom.

Later traditions add further ways, such as showing respect, helping others, listening to the teaching and sharing one’s merit with others.

Merit and karma

Merit is closely tied to karma. Skilful intentions bring good results, and merit is a way of talking about that good. The Buddha once told his monks not to be afraid of merit, because it is another name for happiness.

What matters most is the intention. A small gift given with a joyful, generous mind is said to be more fruitful than a large one given grudgingly or for show.

Sharing merit

A widespread practice is to dedicate or share merit. After a good action, people may wish that its benefit go to others, such as family members who have died or all living beings. This is common at funerals and memorial ceremonies across Buddhist Asia. Many Mahayana practitioners end each practice by dedicating its merit to the awakening of all beings.

Beyond merit

Merit leads to happy conditions, such as a good rebirth, but the texts also point beyond it. The final aim is wisdom and the end of craving. Some teachers say that merit is like a raft: very useful for the journey, though not the destination. Still, the generosity, ethics and calm that merit-making develops are also the foundation of the path to awakening.

Merit in daily life

You can make merit in simple ways: offering help without expecting anything back, keeping a precept carefully, or sitting quietly for a few minutes. Many people find it helpful afterwards to pause and rejoice in the good they have done, and to wish that it benefit others too.