By Ven. Michael Yeshe

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, every spiritual and secular success is said to be dependent on having a great stock of merit. If one lacks sufficient amount of merit, that will affect one’s Dharma progress, but it can also mean one may face difficulties in the secular life such as experiencing poor health, financial difficulties, relationship problems and so forth.

One of the most effective ways to accumulate merit oneself, while supporting others as well, is by doing group prayers and practices. The great masters of the past and present have mentioned that doing group prayers and practices is one of the most effective means to accumulate merit; indeed much more effective than doing prayers just by oneself. Therefore, throughout centuries, the Tibetan Buddhist monastic as well as the lay community have devoted a great deal of their time and energy doing group prayers with the focus of bringing happiness for all beings, whilst removing obstacles for achieving realizations along the path to Enlightenment.

It is very fortunate that Tara Institute provides the means to do group practices at least three times a month. Therefore it would be highly beneficial if you were to take the opportunity to come to join any of these practices, and dedicate the merit to achieving all temporary and ultimate goals.