We arrive at last at the final verse of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva, which ends with a dedication of merit. It reads:

To dispel the suffering of beings without limit,

With wisdom freed from the three domains

Direct all the goodness generated by these efforts

To awakening- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Verse 37

In Buddhist tradition, a dedication of merit closes a time of meditation, teaching, or other collective practice. Consider it like a bookend to the intention set at the beginning. Just as we begin by hoping this effort will be of benefit, we send it out with hope that it has been, and will be, at the end. We literally dedicate any merit we’ve created to all sentient beings, for it is on their behalf that we practice. We direct all this goodness we’ve generated to the awakening of all. This is the bodhisattva way.

I find this to be such a beautiful ritual. This is how we know our practice isn’t self-serving. By definition, we do this for the benefit of others. And as we do, we release all our expectations and any need for it to “work out” a certain way in order for it to be worthwhile. We send it out, we trust, and we just keep going. As a person of faith, I do feel there’s some overlap between the dedication of merit and saying, “Amen.” It’s not just a closing word; it’s a way of letting it go in faith and trust. And, if we do it right, we just keep living faithfully, regardless.

The 37 verses were written to encourage us to live compassionately. And by definition, that means not being wrapped up in results and not being distracted by our own wants and needs. When we dedicate merit, we ground ourselves in this way. We become people in service to the world.

Tokme Zongpo concludes his manuscript with his own dedication. He writes, “Through the goodness of this work may all beings, in awakening to both what seems and is true, not rest in any limiting position- existence or peace. May they become equal to Great Compassion.”

May we not rest in any limiting position. Isn’t that a beautiful way to dedicate this work?!

A Farewell For Now

As I conclude my practice of blogging through these verses, I echo this dedication. What a gift it has been to share in practicing this wisdom with you all. Thank you for joining me on the journey. Forgive me for whatever ways these words have fallen short of the wisdom within. I release expectations, but I send out my highest hopes that these words will accompany you toward Great Compassion.

As for me, I’m going to take a reprieve from blogging here for a while. Life has become busy with other meaningful work, and I’m grateful. I trust I will return when the time feels right. There is always learning to do. Until then, may you be at peace. May your heart remain open. And may all beings become free from suffering.