The Importance of Volition in Meritorious Deeds

When performing acts of Dharma generosity or any other virtuous deeds, one should cultivate a wholesome motivation, inwardly wishing that others may thereby obtain various benefits. Once such an aspiration is generated, not only will Dharma protectors facilitate the fulfillment of this wish, but one’s own Tathagatagarbha will also promote its realization. Consequently, the recipients of generosity will experience a resonance, receive blessings, feel joyful, become more receptive to the offering, open their hearts, and give rise to wisdom. In this way, virtuous connections are established, and one’s own merit and virtuous qualities increase accordingly. The effort yields multiplied results, benefiting both oneself and others, and the deed is accomplished perfectly.

Intentions can transform everything, similar to the practice of dedication. The moment a wholesome thought arises in a person, it generates a magnetic force, amplifying the energy of the magnetic field, making it easy to inspire and influence others. With sincere and earnest motivation, one gains the power of blessing and guidance, and the other party will experience a spiritual resonance, making the interaction smooth and joyful, thus achieving good results. Aspirational prayers serve precisely this purpose—when others receive blessings and support, improving their condition, one’s own merit and virtuous qualities naturally increase. This is called benefiting oneself and benefiting others; those who help liberate others are simultaneously liberating themselves. This principle applies to all endeavors: infuse one’s sincere heart into every action, perform tasks with utmost sincerity and focused concentration, and everything can be done well. Cooking meals makes them delicious, nurturing flowers makes them flourish, growing vegetables yields abundant harvests, and pursuing endeavors leads to success.

The outcome varies greatly depending on each person’s intention. When others sense your sincerity, they will respond with sincerity in return, and the rewards will come swiftly. Why do some people interact with others in a way that makes them well-liked? Because with a sincere and focused mind, the goodwill they extend is felt by others, who then respond and resonate. This is the effect. In the Avatamsaka Sutra, the World-Honored One teaches us that in performing any action, we should recite the corresponding mantra, wishing others to attain wholesome results, and make aspirational prayers for them to receive the benefits and merits of wholesome dharmas. When these prayers are fulfilled, sentient beings benefit, and one will naturally receive the due merit and blessings. Benefiting others invariably benefits oneself.