MERITS WILL NOT BE EXPENDED FOR UPRIGHT AND POSITIVE PRAYERS
Caller: When we pray to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for blessings, to become more awakened, to have more wisdom, attain enlightenment, eliminate our bad habits and so forth, since such prayers are not aimed at gaining worldly blessings, will our merits be utilised?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Definitely.
Caller: Our merits will still be utilised even for such prayers?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, but they will only utilise a fraction of your merits. If your prayer is upright and positive, then it won’t. For instance, the prayer to seek Bodhisattva’s blessings to bestow you with wisdom, or the prayer to attain enlightenment. However, if it is for the well-being of your child, then your merits will be utilised.
Caller: In other words, our merits will remain intact if our prayers are related to our innate nature, is that right?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. As long as you are praying for others or for self-improvement, your merits will not be expended.
Source: Wenda20140907B 56:45, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program