Dual cultivation of merit and wisdom means two sublime approaches in cultivating merit and wisdom simultaneously. What are in the so-called “gate of merit and virtue” For example, the Six Paramitas, wholesome actions which benefit others include generosity (dana), upholding precepts (sila), patience (ksanti), diligence (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna) belong to merit and virtue. The gate of wisdom refers to prajna, which is the truth and concept that benefits oneself.

According to the ninth fascicle of Vijnaptimatratasiddhi-aastra{1},among all the supreme practices of Bodhisattvas, those that are of wisdom in nature is called wisdom, and the rest are called merit. In order to achieve Buddhahood, a Bodhisattva must seek Buddhahood above (cultivation of wisdom), and liberate sentient beings below (cultivation of merit). Thus, both practices of merit and wisdom that the Bodhisattva possesses are the most supreme practices in achieving Buddhahood. Therefore, they are called Two Kinds of Supreme Practices{2}.

There is a saying in Buddhism. “Cultivating merit without wisdom is like an elephant wearing a jeweled necklace; cultivating wisdom without merit is like an arhat who is offered with little alms.” This tells us that learning and practice should be a simultaneous cultivation of merit and wisdom; neither should be neglected.

【Key Words】
{1}Vijnaptimatratasiddhi-aastra：成唯識論
{2}Two Kinds of Supreme Practices：二種勝行