The merit of merit.

The two accumulations are merit and wisdom. To progress we need the best of intentions. The accumulation of merit produces a life that is beneficial for practice – good karma. Because of good merit the mind is open to the understanding of wisdom.

Merit

Sogyal Rinpoche says:

Merit is the positive power and benefit, the peace and happiness that radiate from your practice.

Mingyur Rinpoche says:

Merit is connected with the power of interdependence. Each phenomenon has its own characteristics and power. Interdependence has outer and inner power. The inner power is dependent on the mind. It can be either negative or positive. The positive is what we call merit. The negative, which is a cause of suffering, is non-virtue. Merit is the same as virtue.

Wisdom

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche says:

“Sherab shé, which means ‘knowing’ and rab which means ‘excellent’ or ‘best’. So it is the best knowledge, the best form of knowing. It is knowing correctly, clearly and fully.”

Patrul Rinpoche says:

“Wisdom is identified as the recognition during the formal meditation session that all phenomena are empty, and the knowledge during the post-meditation phase that all phenomena are unreal, like a magical illusion or a dream.”

Chökyi Drakpa says:

“Through the wisdom that comes from hearing, you are able to recognize the disturbing emotions. Then, through the wisdom that comes from reflection, you are able to overcome the disturbing emotions temporarily. And finally, through the wisdom that comes through meditation, you conquer completely the enemy of negative emotions and obtain the confidence of knowing inexpressible and inconceivable reality with the wisdom of discriminating awareness.”