Sylvia Boorstein
<p>MERIT BLESSING</p>
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Dedication of merit ...</p>
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May the MERITS that we have accrued today be taken in the spirit of
peace and kindness;  and may these merits be given away for the benefit of all beings everywhere.</p>
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  Personal growth is inextricably related to DEDICATION to SERVE.   Understanding and Action are related.</p>
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Thomas Merton:</p>
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Jul 7, 2008 9:57 PM</p>
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When I began my meditative practice 30 years ago, I sometimes heard the critique that meditation is self-centered. I never believed it. It has never been my experience. In fact, the more I personally know what leads to happiness and relief of suffering, the more committed I am to service. Indeed, the more I experience the suffering I feel when I am self-absorbed and the freedom and happiness I feel when I experience myself in caring connection with others, the more I am committed to serve.</p>
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<b>When my mind is reasonably focused and at ease, my best wisdom presents itself and my natural compassion and kindness becomes available.</b></p>
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I believe that <b>spiritual growth and service to others go together</b>. When my mind is held captive by my own suffering I can’t be of service to others. To stay motivated, to notice the needs of others, to be of service to them, requires that I keep my own mind relaxed and appreciative. To the degree that I have been able to keep my mind clear—through meditation, prayer, teaching, studying, working on my personal relationships—I have become more confirmed than ever in my belief that everything that I or anybody else does has wide-ranging effects. I want my practice to be <b>on behalf of all beings.</b>
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