金剛般若經旨贊 1.86

1.86

Sūtra: "[This] merit [is not the nature of merit; therefore the Tathāgata] says the merit is much."

Commentary: This is the explanation. In terms of ultimate truth, because all dharmas are empty, one cannot conceptualize and cling to the existence of merit, not to mention that this cannot induce bodhi; it is not like collecting pledged collateral to advance toward merit; thus it is said that the nature of merit is not merit. Now, in conventional truth, the merit of generosity is not destroyed, and it can also induce many fruits of birth-and-death; it is like bearing a heavy burden that oppresses and drowns merit; therefore, the Tathāgata says that the merit is much.