Dedication of Merit

The “dedication of merit” can be practiced individually after meditating at home, and it can be the closing of a group gathering. Worded in any number of ways, its intent is to express gratitude for the session and the wish that all beings be free from suffering.

Below are some examples to consider, but the dedication of merit can be expressed from the heart in the moment in whatever way feels most genuine.

A Simple Dedication

We dedicate the merit of our practice this evening to the benefit of all beings.
May all beings be safe.
May all beings be healthy.
May all beings be peaceful and at ease.
May all beings be free from suffering.

From True Refuge by Tara Brach

May all beings realize their essence as loving awareness.
May all beings live their lives from this awakened heart.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings touch great, natural peace.
May there be peace on earth, peace everywhere.
May all beings awaken and be free.

Adapted from “Verses on the Sharing of Merit” (Amaravati Monastery)

May whatever living beings, without measure, without end, partake of all the merit from the good deeds we have done.
Those loved and full of goodness,
Beings seen and those unseen,
Those neutral and averse.
May all beings live at ease in freedom from hostility.
May their good wishes be fulfilled, and may they all reach safety.

Adapted from “Reflections on Sharing Blessings” (Abhayagiri Monastery)

Through the goodness that arises from this practice,
And through this act of sharing,
May all beings receive the blessings of this life.
May attachments and harmful states of mind quickly cease
May we have an upright mind,
With mindfulness and wisdom, austerity and vigor.
May the forces of delusion not take hold or weaken our resolve.

Adapted from the Metta (loving kindness) Sutta

In gladness and in safety
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be,
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short, or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to be born,
May all beings be at ease.
Let none deceive another
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings,
Radiating kindness over the entire world:
Spreading upwards to the skies
And downwards to the depths,
Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.