Everything in Buddhism is interconnected. Here we look at how Kanzeon teaches compassion, and how compassion leads to transfer of merit as a radically unselfish action that Buddhists of many kinds do regularly.
Avalokiteshwara's Example, a Dharma talk by Rev. Meian Elbert, Abbess of Shasta Abbey.
Audio Library
On transfer of merit, a constant Bodhisattva practice.
Kanzeon/Avalokiteshvara with baby Maitreya Buddha
Rev. Master Meian emphasizes not taking the attitudes of others personally. This is the message of the Kanzeon scripture, regularly sung at the Abbey (audio link below). It is a chapter of the Lotus Sutra with the message that thinking of Kanzeon’s compassion can cut through the sufferings of self. How much more so having compassion oneself!
Strangely, in spite of Shakyamuni Buddha’s constant teaching and practice of unselfishness and of compassion for all sentient beings, the idea arose that achieving Nirvana is escape from being born and dying, and is therefore selfish. To counter this, with appropriate Skill in Means, many Buddhists taught the Bodhisattva Path, of constantly reappearing in the world to assist those mired in suffering. Within this path is the practice of giving away all of the merit of one’s training, and not selfishly keeping it to one’s non-existent self.
Here is a scholarly take on the development of transferring merit in early Buddhism. It unfortunately misses the koan entirely.
Paths to Merit Transfer in Early Buddhism?
Further Resources
Dedication of Merit
The Archive contains a library of the public talks of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, Rev. Master Daizui MacPhillamy, and other former teachers, as well as the past and present talks of Rev. Master Meian Elbert, Rev. Master Daishin Yalon and other senior teachers at Shasta Abbey or visiting teachers. Talks are added to this archive regularly, either from past talks or current teaching. The Archive also includes recordings and text of our ceremonies, scriptures, and invocations.
To see the archive of ceremony and liturgy recordings, go here.
Here is a listing of recording of the Shasta Abbey choir.
For a list of full ceremonies go here.
For a list of scriptures used in festivals and other ceremonies go here.
For a list of invocations or hymns sung at festivals and other ceremonies go here.
