Wherever disorder arises — whether at the national level, the community level, the level of the household and family, or even within the individual — it is a sign that merit in that place has grown deficient. One must find a way to replenish merit throughout the land. Merit, it should be noted, is not like fertilizer applied to the soil. To speak of it fully and precisely, replenishing merit means restoring it within the minds of people.
What is needed is for the Thai people — the many who fill this land — to have minds that turn toward merit, minds that aspire to create merit, and minds that hold a wholesome fear of wrongdoing. How is this achieved? Offering alms generates merit. Observing the precepts generates merit. Chanting, practicing meditation, and listening to the Dhamma all generate merit.
When one considers how to fill the entire land with merit, the conclusion is inescapable: the people of the entire land must engage in acts of giving — which is to say, in doing good. How does one lead people away from wrongdoing? Through observing the precepts. How does one help people cultivate a clear and tranquil mind? Through chanting, meditation, and listening to Dhamma teachings — for these are what bring clarity and stillness to the mind.
Therefore, to replenish merit throughout the land, one must find ways to lead the people of the entire nation to give generously, observe the precepts, chant and meditate, and listen to the Dhamma in great numbers. Only then will merit arise throughout the land — arising within the hearts of all the people.
Kaewsarapadneuk Hall, Wat Phra Dhammakaya February 15th, 2015
