In Buddhist tradition, a dedication of merit closes a time of meditation, teaching, or other collective practice. We dedicate any merit we have created to all sentient beings, for it is on their behalf that we practice. We direct all this goodness we have generated to the awakening of all.
Through the goodness that arises from my practice
May my spiritual teachers and guides of great virtue
My mother, my father and my relatives
The Sun and the Moon, and all virtuous leaders of the world
May the highest gods and evil forces
Celestial beings, guardian spirits of the Earth, and the Lord of Death
May those who are friendly, indifferent or hostile
May all beings receive the blessings of my life.
May they soon attain the threefold bliss and realize the Deathless.
Through the goodness that arises from my practice
And through this act of sharing
May all desires and attachments quickly cease
And all harmful states of mind.
Until I realize Nibbanā
In every kind of birth, may I have an upright mind
With mindfulness and wisdom, austerity and vigour
May the forces of delusion not take hold nor weaken my resolve.
The Buddha is my excellent refuge
Unsurpassed is the protection of the Dhamma
The Solitary Buddha is my noble Lord
The Sangha is my supreme support.
Through the supreme power of all these
May darkness and delusion be dispelled.
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