Insight, power or energy bestowed on the mind when one performs virtuous actions.
Positive imprints left on the mind by virtuous, or Dharma, actions. The principal cause of happiness. Accumulation of merit, when coupled with the accumulation of wisdom, eventually results in rupakaya.
The concept of 'merit' is central to the Apache philosophy and community methodology. Merit is a qualitative and subjective term, referring essentially to attributes such as those below; however, it can probably be summed up as the combination of the worth of one's accomplishments and the respect of one's peers. - technical competence - ability to get along with others - positive contributions to discussions and code The acquisition of merit is a cumulative process; once acquired, it doesn't decay. It is possible to lose merit, though, by violating the community ethics, guidelines, or sensibilities.
( Skt. punya / Tib. sonam): The accumulation of positive tendencies in the mindstream derived from virtuous actions of the body, speech and mind.
( punya; shan-gen or ji-fu): In general, it means the good that one does; virtue or meritorious action. The positive energy or karma generated by wholesome actions of body, speech, and mind. There are two types of meritorious collections—the accumulation of merit and the accumulation of wisdom ( punya-jnana-sambhara). The hinayana teachings list generosity ( dana), good conduct ( sila), and contemplation ( bhavana) as the grounds of meritorious action. The nirmanakaya is the result of the accumulation of such merit. See also “ dedicating merit.