In this episode, we look at creating merit by intentionally engaging in activities that are good karma. Merit, or good karma, propels our spiritual practice forward. Thus accumulating merit is a central activity of a bodhisattva, one striving for enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, as well as those who believe in the law of karma.    Ten merit-making activities    Giving (dāna ) Observing the moral precepts (sīla ) Meditation (bhāvanā ) Showing respect to one's superiors (apacāyana ) Attending to their needs (veyyāvacca ) Transferring merit (pattidāna ) Rejoicing at the merit of others (pattānumodana ) Listening to the Dharma, that is, the Buddha's teachings (dhammasavana ) Preaching the Dharma (dhammadesanā ) Having right beliefs (diṭṭhijjukamma )   Guru Padmasambhava said, “My realization is higher than the sky. But my observance of karma is finer than grains of flour.”   One is not a mendicant  Just because one begs from others.  Nor does one become a mendicant  By taking on domestic ways. But whoever sets aside  Both merit and evil,  Lives the chaste life,  And goes through the world deliberately Is called “a mendicant.” (266–267)*    Not by silence  Does an ignorant fool become a sage.  The wise person, who,  As if holding a set of scales,  Selects what’s good and avoids what’s evil  Is, for that reason, a sage.  Whoever can weigh these two sides of the world  Is, for that reason, called “a sage.” (268–269)* —Buddha, The Dhammapada   References Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 69-70 (Link)