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Central to the Pure Land tradition is the figure of the Bodhisattva Dharmakara, the future
Amitabha Buddha, who came to exemplify the Bodhisattva ideal and the doctrine of dedication
of merit. This merit transference is the source of the vow-power, or other-power in
Pure Land Buddhism.
The Mahayana idea of the Buddha being able to impart his power to others marks one of
those epoch-making deviations which set off the Mahayana from so-called .....original
Buddhism.....The Mahayanist accumulates stocks of merit not only for the material of their
own enlightenment but for the general cultivation of merit which can be shared equally by
their fellow-beings, animate or inanimate. This is the true meaning of Parinamara that is
turning one's merit over to others for their spiritual interest.
The rationale for such conduct, which on the surface appears to run counter to the laws
of Cause and Effect, may be explained in the following passage concerning one of the three
Pure Land sages, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Guanyin):
Some of us may ask whether the effect of karma may be reverted by repeating the name
of Guanyin. This question is tie up with that rebirth in [the Pure Land] and it may be
answered by saying that invocation of Guanyin's name forms another cause which will right
away offset the previous karma. We know for example that if there is a dark, heavy cloud
above, the chances are that it will rain. But we also know that if a strong wind should
blow, the cloud will be carried away somewhere else and will not feel the rain. Similarly,
the addition of one big factor can alter the whole cause of karma.
It is only be accepting the idea of life as one whole that both Theravadins and
Mahayanists can advocate the practice of transference of merit to others. With the case of
Guanyin then, by reciting Her name we identify ourselves with Her and as a result of this
identification Her merit flow over to us. These merits which are now ours then
counterbalance our bad karma and save us from calamity. This law of Cause and Effect still
stands good. All karma has overshadowed the weaker one...
This concept of transference of merit, which presupposes a receptive mind on the part of the
cultivator, is emphasized in Pure Land.