Dhamma Talks - Items Of Meritorious Action :: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

In (Thai) Buddhist tradition in the old days, on holidays people stopped working and flocked to the temple to do meritorious actions such as donation, observation of precepts and development of the mind, or meditation. There was a saying, “It’s holiday, shall we go to the temple to give donations, observe the precepts and listen to the Dhamma?” Such a day was a special day for people to join each other to do good things. They would speak only good words, and do meritorious acts. This action is called “Blameless action or beneficial activity”.

Nowadays people also follow those actions when they have a holiday. Some things may have changed from the past, as people now work more, but they still find a good opportunity to do good acts according the teachings of the Buddha. For example, people who live in the UK still follow the good path, finding the time to come to the Buddhapadipa temple and do meritorious actions, such as giving donations, observation of the precepts and the practice of meditation. Especially on Sunday, when they can do full activities, for instance they offer food to the monks, listen to Dhamma talks, and chanting, and do meditation. These are great acts as they are blameless and beneficial activities.

Buddhist practice is not so very different from in the past, it may even continue in the future. Devotees still stick with the teachings which develop their lives. This can make life more secure and happy, as the knowledge grows, and that helps to make life peaceful and happier. It not only helps in personal life but also in society as is said, “Buddhism goes side by side with human beings; it lays emphasis on humanity”. All the activities which the Buddha taught can be put into action, not only written in the scriptures, and the acts will give rise to good fruit. Meritorious actions lift up life higher, if one does not just live life randomly. The aim is to develop the perfections as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism did, together with his disciples, they acted in this world and reached enlightenment. So they are called, “The perfect ones”. With items of meritorious action, our life, as well, can be developed, if we just learn and practise them with our hearts, we can see the result for ourselves.