Seven Meritorious Practices in Buddism

Buddhism is a religion known from the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. Around 2,500 years ago Shakyamuni taught a way to end suffering. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the most popular spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism and is Tibet's Head of State. On December 10th, 1989 Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama, was awarded the Noble Peace Prize. He is known as the first Lama to bring Buddhism to the West. The 14th Dalai Lama advises seven meritorious practices to enhance your daily living.

To intensify your compassion taking homage in the three jewels is necessary. The three jewels are the Buddhas, the Dharma, and the Sangha. As a meditation practice imagine Shakyamuni Buddha surrounded by many other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Pay homage to the heavenly beings with your body, speech, and mind. Placing palms together show your respect and say, "Homage to Shakyamuni Buddha and Bodhisattvas." Many Buddhist bow touching their forehead to the ground similar to the way Muslims pray.

Offering fruit, candles, incense, or any vegetarian food produces merit. Imagine everything that might be suitable to be offered including your body, resources, and your own virtue. Offering these items in their entirety to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will generate generosity within you.

In Buddhism time is beginingless, so we are responsible for countless ill deeds of body, speech, and mind. In the spirit of full disclosure developing regret for having done these acts and the intention to abstain from repeating bad habits will have positive effects. Think, "From the bottom of my heart, I disclose to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas the ill deeds that I have done." This act will purify the bad deeds through regret.