Merits Are Like Account Balance - It’s Running Out

Why Do We Really Need Money?

Let’s face it money is something we all chase. We spend our lives earning it, saving it, spending it, and then worrying that it’s not enough. Why? Because we need money for everything food, a place to live, transport, medicine, raising kids, going on trips, and fulfilling our dreams. But if we dig deeper, there's one thing all these expenses aim to achieve: comfort and happiness.

No one spends money to suffer. Whether you're buying a home or booking a vacation, it’s ultimately to feel good, to feel safe, or to enjoy some form of mental or physical peace.

The Cycle of Spending and Earning

Now, imagine a person with a massive bank account. Life is good. They can eat whatever they want, travel the world, wear designer clothes, and sleep peacefully. But here’s the twist every time they indulge in something, their account balance drops. A dinner costs them $100, a vacation costs $5,000, and suddenly the bank sends them a message: “Your balance is low.”

So, what do they do? They rush to refill that account work harder, invest, hustle. It becomes a cycle:

Earn ➝ Spend ➝ Feel good ➝ Balance drops ➝ Earn again.

Merits: The Invisible Balance That Powers Comfort

This is where the wisdom of the Supreme Buddha comes in. According to His profound teachings, comfort is a synonym for merit (puñña). Let that sink in. Just as money gives you physical comfort, merit gives you spiritual and emotional comfort in this life and beyond.

And here's the real insight:

Just like your bank account, your merit account is also being used up every time you experience joy, health, safety, or luxury.

When You Feel Good, You Spend Merit

Have you ever had a perfect day a delicious meal, quality time with family, a comfortable night’s sleep, good health, no accidents, everything flowing smoothly? That’s not luck. That’s the effect of past good actions your merit account being spent.

You don’t get a text message saying, “You’ve just used 50 merit points,” but spiritually, that deduction happens.

Human Life: A Priceless Gift Earned Through Merit

Let’s zoom out. Your very existence in this human world being born as a human, having a functioning body, being able to think, reflect, learn, and understand all these came from accumulated merit from past lives. The Buddha taught that human life is exceedingly rare and valuable. It’s a high-status rebirth that cannot be bought with money only earned through virtue, generosity, and wisdom.

But every second you live, that merit is slowly being spent.

Why We Forget About the Merit Account

We constantly check our bank accounts, get updates, set reminders, even plan our day around our financial situation. But when it comes to merit, we often forget. Why?

Because it’s invisible. There's no banking app that tells you how much merit you have. You don’t get SMS alerts.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not real.

It takes faith in the Buddha’s teachings and wise reflection to realize, “Hey, my merit account is running low. I better top it up.”

What Happens If You Don’t Refill Your Merit Account?

Think about it what happens when your bank account hits zero? Your card gets declined. You can't afford rent. Your lifestyle crumbles.

In the same way, if your merit account is empty, you start experiencing more pain, discomfort, bad luck, disease, conflicts, emotional disturbances, and even lower rebirths after death. This is not superstition; it’s a cosmic law of cause and effect.

How to Top Up Your Merit Account

So now the big question how do we earn merit?

Here’s a spiritual investment plan that never fails:

1. Dana (Generosity)

Give without expecting anything in return. Offer food to the hungry, support the sick, donate to temples, help someone in need. Every act of selfless giving deposits merit into your account.

2. Sila (Virtue)

Live a clean life. Follow the Five Precepts. Avoid killing, stealing, lying, and intoxicants. Being moral earns you tons of merit.

3. Bhavana (Meditation)

Train your mind. Practice mindfulness, loving-kindness, and insight meditation. A peaceful mind is a fertile ground for growing merit.

4. Respect and Service

Respect monks, elders, parents, teachers. Serve the Sangha, sweep the temple grounds, offer your time. These humble actions yield profound merit.

5. Rejoicing in Others’ Good Deeds

When you genuinely feel happy about someone else's good actions, you share in their merit without doing the action yourself!

Merit Attracts Wealth and Opportunities

Here’s a surprising truth: merit is the cause of wealth.

You might think hard work alone brings money. But how many hardworking people still suffer in poverty? And how many people get wealth through ease or luck?

Merit creates the conditions where wealth becomes possible being born in a good place, having education, skills, contacts, opportunities. It’s all driven by unseen karmic energy merit in action.

So, if you consistently top up your merit account, you won’t have to stress much about your bank account. Because the money, health, relationships, and success will come as a byproduct.

The Secret Formula to True Wealth and Comfort

Let’s tie it all together:

Money = Temporary comfort
Merit = Lasting comfort in this life and next
Money runs out when spent ➝ needs refilling
Merit runs out when enjoyed ➝ needs refilling

If you spend both without earning, you go bankrupt.

But if you’re smart and diligent in earning merit, you’ll always live a life of ease, contentment, and safety, both seen and unseen.

Merit Accumulation: Your Exit From Samsara

Beyond wealth, merit is your fuel to escape the endless cycle of birth and death Samsara. Every act of merit takes you one step closer to Nibbāna, the ultimate peace beyond suffering.

So, the choice is yours:

Keep running in circles, trying to fill a leaking money account.
Or start filling your merit account, which secures not just your present, but your eternity.

Conclusion

In this world, people go to extreme lengths to grow their wealth. But very few consider the spiritual balance they carry within the merit account. Every comfort you enjoy is not just a product of money, but a reflection of the invisible merit you carry.

That merit depletes just like your wallet does. The difference is you can’t see it go. So be wise. Have faith in the Buddha’s words. Live a life of generosity, morality, and mindfulness. If you keep your merit account topped up, life will take care of you in this world and beyond.

FAQs

1. Is merit really as important as money?

Yes. Money gives temporary comfort. Merit brings deeper, longer-lasting comfort, and is the foundation for receiving opportunities, wealth, and peace.

2. How do I know if my merit is running out?

There’s no exact meter, but signs include increased stress, health issues, conflicts, and repeated misfortune. These may indicate merit depletion.

3. Can merit from past lives affect my present life?

Absolutely. Being born as a human, your intelligence, surroundings, and blessings all result from past merit. But you must keep adding to it.

4. Can I transfer merit to others?

Yes. According to Buddhist tradition, you can dedicate merit to departed loved ones or others in need. It benefits both parties.

5. How often should I do meritorious acts?

As often as possible. Daily acts like kindness, respect, honesty, and generosity keep your merit account healthy and growing.

Namo Buddhaya!

Merits Are Like Account Balance - It’s Running Out | Calm Mind