Merit—Puñña (Pali) or punya (Sanskrit) is the result of virtuous action. Punya is different from the English word “merit” as it is both free of the Judeo-Christian concept of ”deserving” and includes the idea of impermanence in its meaning. Punya can be accumulated, but it can also run out.

Merit contributes to the conditions that support both inner development and worldly opportunities, such as access to teachings and supportive environments. It also plays a role in shaping the quality of one’s future experiences and lives. In Buddhism, actions and experiences arise from causes and conditions; merit influences those conditions, creating favorable circumstances rather than granting total independent freedom of choice. Merit-making is a common Buddhist practice that involves engaging in virtuous acts with the intention of benefiting others. It is taught that at death, a person takes nothing with them, except the karmic seeds of their positive and harmful actions, their merit, and wisdom. Buddhists aspire that their meritorious actions lead not just to temporary benefit, but to awakening for themselves and others. Pali texts define three bases of merit, from the easiest to the most difficult: generosity (dāna-maya), virtuous discipline (sīla-maya), and mental cultivation (bhāvana-maya).

The Dana Sutra, about giving, discusses the motivations one might have for being generous, and rates in ascending order the results that different motivations can lead to. The commentary notes that the highest motivation, untainted by lower motivations and leading to non-returning, requires a certain level of mastery in concentration and insight in order to be one’s genuine motivation for giving.

Generating goodwill, and practicing virtuous thoughts, words, and actions aligns with our own basic goodness, and uncovers this fundamental nature, creating favorable circumstances (such as protection from harm, a joyful mind, and having what one needs), due to the law of cause and effect. While the results of good intentions are not always immediate or observable, we must still strive to act in a wholesome manner.

Reflect on the feelings and results of performing meritorious actions. Compare how it feels to receive credit for these actions or to do them anonymously.

• How do we participate in our evolution?
• How much are we a product of genetics and culture?
• How much agency do we have?
• What tools, training, and practices help develop one’s agency?
• Is everything we experience in this life our karma?
• Is there anything that we ever do that is entirely selfless?

Analyze the relationship between virtuous actions and their karmic effects; evaluate how motivation influences the merit generated by specific behaviors; and synthesize understanding of merit by designing anonymous acts of service that demonstrate the Buddhist principle of selfless giving.