《Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds》

Different ways of thinking lead sentient beings to different kinds of action which in turn subjects them to rebirth in different states of existence. Now, Your Majesty, do you notice the variety of forms, colours and species in this congregation and in the sea? Are they not different from one another? Now, all these variations are due to the mind which is responsible for our bodily, oral, and mental acts of either meritorious or de-meritorious nature. As to the mind itself, it is immaterial, unknowable, and ungraspable. It is nothing but a collection of phenomena, transient and delusive by nature. Categorically, things have no absolute existence of their own and there is neither a ‘self’ nor concomitance of a ‘self.’ In accordance with their karma (deeds), things appear in various forms; but positively, there is no creator at the back of them. Hence all dharmas (things or phenomena) are above speech and concept, and their very own nature is phantom-like. Realizing this, the wise perform, as they ought to, meritorious deeds; and by doing so, they attain in their birth skhandhas (aggregates), ayatanas (sphere of meeting or basis of consciousness), and dhatus (elements) of noble nature, and they are pleasing to the eye of those who look at them. Now, Your Majesty, when you look at the body of a Buddha begotten by hundred thousand kotis of meritorious and virtuous deeds, you notice that every part of it is in magnificent form. Its splendor outshines that of the assembly… Again, please look at the Mahasattvas present here. How elegant and pure are their magnificent forms! This is due solely to the performance of good deeds. Again, look at the eight species of devas, nagas, etc. All of them are powerful and influential beings, and their favourite birth is also due to the merit of their good deeds. Your majesty, you should understand thoroughly the law of cause and effect and as a rule practise good deeds. Make this your constant study and practice and make all sentient beings to do likewise. Towards the Bhikshus (lit the fields of merit), respect them, feed them, and rejoice at their holiness. For doing so, you are now respected by men and devas who make offering to you. Your Majesty, we should know this. There is one way for the Bodhisattva to annihilate all sufferings of evil existence. What is this one way? It is this; from day to night, remember constantly the meritorious dharmas, think of them and make observations on them, so that their impression becomes stronger and stronger in the mind and not the least evil thought can have a chance to mingle therein. Such a practice will enable one to free oneself for ever from evil deeds, to complete the work of meritorious dharmas and to have frequent opportunities to be in the presence of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other holy persons (for their teaching). Now, why they are called meritorious dharmas? Because they are fundamental religious duties, by practicing which all men, devas, Arhats, Pratyeka Buddhas, and Supremely Enlightened Buddhas attain their respective fruits. Therefore they are called meritorious dharmas. These meritorious dharmas are the ten meritorious deeds. What are they? They are:—abstinence forever from killing, stealing, unchaste conduct, lying, slandering, harsh language, frivolous talks, covetousness, anger, and heretical views. These ten meritorious deeds will lead us to master completely the Dharmas…all men and devas maintain their footing upon these ten meritorious ways which form the principal base of all merits…Therefore all of you should practice them diligently.