What is the transfer of merit? ~ with Julian Daizan Skinner

The transfer of merit in Japanese is called Eko - literally turning around. It refers to the process of offering any merit we gain from our practice for the benefit of others. Traditionally this would include particular people who you wish to remember, as well as all beings. Here Daizan discusses what merit is, and what might happen when we start to turn that merit around and offer it for the benefit of all.
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Zenways promotes and encourages activities and practices that enhance human wellbeing, balance and awakening (satori or kensho - the enlightenment of Zen) in the many different situations we find ourselves in. Over many years of strict training, in Japan and the west, Julian Daizan Skinner received dharma transmission and permission to teach in both the Rinzai and Soto lineages of Zen. He now teaches at the Yugagyo Dojo in London, UK. May these recordings help you and those around you to find and realise the truth.
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[@Vince-ml9gw]

🙏 Just what I needed to hear. Many thanks Daizan. Many thanks. 🙏

[@Zenways_zen]

You're very welcome, Vince 🙏

[@james_wolf]

Thank you 🙏

[@Zenways_zen]

You're very welcome, James.

[@clarabsl5529]

When you describe how generous people are in traditionally Buddhist countries in Asia, this reminds me of how, in some Native American peoples, a person's wealth was not counted as what you kept but what you gave away. Someone who hung onto more than they needed was pitied and seen as lacking. Even today, when my friend's daughter travelled in Morocco she was amazed by how generous people were, not thinking to offer a meal or accommodation to a stranger. I think many cultures outside the "West" still have genuine, living traditions of generosity and hospitality which we could learn from.

[@Zenways_zen]

🙏

[@leeedwards784]

Maybe the transfer of merit is a conscious acknowledgement of individual practice within the context of Shunyata. The apparent benefit felt by the individual practitioner is simultaneously a benefit freely extended to all.

[@Zenways_zen]

Thank you for this. Makes sense.