Accumulating Karmic Merit in the New Year

"Glossary of Buddhism. Merit (Sanskrit: puṇya, Pali: puñña) is a concept considered fundamental to Buddhist ethics. It is a beneficial and protective force which accumulates as a result of good deeds, acts, or thoughts."  -Wikipedia

Karmic merit in Buddhism is similar to the beatitudes and other Catholic teachings from my parochial upbringing, like the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Basically, the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit it is a spiritual guide of good deeds practiced when one receives the sacrament of Confirmation by committing to a set of virtues strengthening one's faith in Christ.

In Catholicism I was taught that habituating these traits would offset the tendency to indulge in the 7 deadly sins (envy, sloth, wrath, lust, pride, gluttony, and greed), certainly sending me straight to hell for my propensity to sin. At least with the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit there was a chance I would get a get out of hell card by serving penance in Purgatory. This dualistic dogma always made me feel I could never be good enough because my sinful ways would always outweigh any benignity I practiced.

Then, through listening to a CD by Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, I heard this quote from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche:  "Blind to the mind's true nature, we hold fast to our thoughts, which are nothing but manifestations of that nature. This freezes awareness into solid concepts, such as I and other, desirable and detestable, and plenty of others...Once you have recognized the true nature of reality, which is empty and at the same time appears as the phenomenal world, your mind will cease to be under the power of delusion. If you know how to leave your thoughts free to dissolve by themselves as they arise, they will cross your mind as a bird crosses the sky -- without leaving any trace."

This quote shattered the parochial concepts I had of good and bad, saint and sinner, and heaven and hell. Practicing karmic merit is not for me but for the benefit of all sentient beings. So, what are some simple ways of practicing good karma? Here is a partial list I found at WikiHow:

-Smile. Smiling makes people feel good about themselves and makes your workplace, school or home a more positive environment.

-Help in little ways. Like, for example, holding the door open for someone behind you or picking up a dropped pencil.

-Do the right thing even when no one is looking. They may not know, but karma always knows.

-Donate to charity tins. You know, those tins at the cashier that donate to the children's hospital and such? Think of all the good that money does. If everyone donated their spare change to charity tins, the world would be a better place.

-Take time to talk to different generations. Older and younger people know lots of cool stuff you probably don't, and you'll make them feel good too.

-Recycle. You've seen that commercial. You can take them into most stores and they'll give you 5 cents a pop can. You can even give that money to a charity tin! Two good deeds in one day. Doesn't that make you feel better?

-Listen. When people talk about their problems, it makes them feel better. Don't offer advice. Don't give opinions. Just listen.

-Little things help a lot. If you simply say hello to that shy girl at the back of the class, if you are kind to those you aren't a huge fan of, if you let someone use some of your lunch money and not ask the next day for the money you lent, if you're at the store and see a $0.50 pin your friend would like and buy it: These are the things that help make you a good person. Not only will you get karma points, but you will have a better reputation.-Give compliments. It's like smiling with your voice. It makes people feel better and more confident. But don't just compliment - be thoughtful in finding something you truly appreciate or adore, and mean what you say.

-Relax. Stress and tension can lead to illness - it's a proven fact. Relax, and acknowledge why your life is wonderful.

-Love. Love life, love friends, love family, love yourself. Love makes the world go 'round.

-Wisdom. Search for Wisdom. Through wisdom you make better decisions. Great decisions lead to great outcomes and thus an awesome life.

My list:
-Meditate, pray, or do some form of spiritual practice every day.
-Think of and do more for others.
-Be kind, have patience, encourage, and offer help.
-Take the time to be present,even when you want to run.
-Recognize, refrain, relax, and resolve not to commit offenses.
-Realize we have group and individual karma. 
-Share your money, gifts, and uniqueness with the world.
-Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. 

Happy New Year!