慈悲道場懺法 9.57

9.57

Today, members of the assembly sharing this karmic endeavor! Having already generated the [bodhi]citta and accomplished what was to be accomplished, we should next make dedication of merit respectively with our previous merits. Why is this so? The reason all sentient beings are unable to attain liberation is entirely because they cling to worldly karmic retributions and cannot abandon them. If they have even a sliver of merit or a hair's breadth of goodness that they are able to dedicate, they will no longer give rise to attachment to karmic retributions, and will then attain liberation, carefree and at ease. For this reason, the scriptures praise the practice of dedication of merit as being of great benefit. Therefore, today we should make dedication of merit, while also exhorting all not to cling to karmic retributions. Together, we should first sincerely throw our five limbs to the ground, take refuge in, and pay homage to the worldly Father of Great Compassion and Loving-kindness: