Merit Like Clouds in the Sky

On a high mountain peak, amidst an ancient pine forest, sat a bodhisattva in full lotus posture beneath a bodhi tree. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating his face—a countenance so radiant that anyone who beheld it was struck with awe. Beyond this supreme beauty, he possessed extraordinary wisdom, understanding every principle of the Dharma and grasping truth wherever he looked or listened. He wielded supernatural powers, manifesting whatever he desired; a golden lotus, a string of precious beads, or any object simply appeared in his hand. Surrounding him, hundreds of devas, humans, and spirits prostrated in reverence, offering incense and flowers while praising his merit.

One day, however, he recalled the Buddha’s teaching in the Diamond Sutra: “A bodhisattva does not accept merit.” He questioned himself deeply: “I possess everything—wealth, wisdom, beauty, and power—yet why have I not attained the highest enlightenment? Is it because I am attached to these very blessings?”

He looked down at his hand, where a glittering jewel rested. A thought suddenly flashed through his mind: “Perhaps I should discard everything. I will throw all my gold and jewels into the river. I will abandon this beautiful appearance, making myself ugly, ignorant, and poor. Only then can I truly say I do not accept merit.”

At that moment, a voice echoed from the void, gentle as wind passing through stone cracks: “O Bodhisattva, you are mistaken. Gold and silver have no fault; the error lies only in how they are used. If you dump wealth into the river, do you relinquish merit? No, you merely create negative karma by wasting resources that could benefit sentient beings. If you mutilate your beautiful face, do you cease to be beautiful? No, you only harm the body formed by past blessings, while your heart remains attached. If you wish to become ignorant, does your wisdom vanish? No, it remains intact; you are only deceiving yourself.”

The bodhisattva awakened to this insight. He realized that merit is not an object one can give away, discard, or hide. It has become part of his body and mind, woven into the fabric of his life. Like a shadow following him, it cannot be separated. So, how does one practice “not accepting merit”?

He remembered the Buddha’s instruction: “View all that you have as if it were nothing.” He looked upon his exquisite beauty, but pride had left his heart. He observed his penetrating wisdom, yet arrogance had vanished. He saw his possessions, companions, and powers, all present, yet he viewed them like drifting clouds, fleeting bubbles, or dreams. He did not need to throw anything away; he only needed to change his perspective. Having things while seeing them as empty—that is the most noble way to renounce merit.

From then on, the bodhisattva lived in the world with all his wealth, wisdom, and beauty, yet his mind remained serene and unburdened. He used his merit to benefit sentient beings and teach the Dharma, never considering it his own achievement. He regarded everything as belonging to the Buddha and the protection of the devas, seeing himself merely as a guest borrowing space in this transient world. Free from pride and greed, he gradually progressed toward the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

**The Meaning of the Story**

This tale teaches us that when merit arrives, no matter how great, we must not cling to it. Renouncing merit is not about throwing things away, but viewing all as empty, so the mind remains free from pride and attachment. Only through this attitude can we perfect our ethics and move toward liberation and enlightenment.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang