The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step

Phenomena

Dedicating illusion like merit

In absolute truth, all phenomena are devoid of any intrinsic nature, and therefore merit too cannot be objectified, being entirely free of the three concepts.
In relative, conventional truth, every aspect of a positive action – the agent who performs the action, the object of the action, and the action itself – is like a dream or a magical illusion: although it appears, it has no intrinsic nature.
It is with this approach that the dedication should be made, for as we read in the Middle Sutra of Transcendent Wisdom:
“Subhuti, all phenomena are like a dream,
like a magical illusion.”
Virtue too should be dedicated in the manner of its being like a dream.
– Dudjom Rinpoche
from the book “A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom: Complete Instructions on the Preliminary Practices”

Nothing outside yourself can cause any trouble

May be a black-and-white image of 1 person and performing martial arts
Nothing comes from outside your mind. Usually, we think of our mind as receiving impressions and experiences from outside, but that is not a true understanding of our mind. The true understanding is that the mind includes everything; when you think something comes from outside it means only that something appears in your mind. Nothing outside yourself can cause any trouble. You yourself make the waves in your mind. If you leave your mind as it is, it will become calm. This mind is called big mind.
– Shunryu Suzuki
from the book “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”

All phenomena are merely mind

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All phenomena are merely mind, manifesting as environment, objects and the physical body.

Karma Tutob Gyatso