Can a person acquire merits by engaging in generosity while at the same time grasping at “self” as an intrinsically existing phenomenon? The answer from those seated was “No!” Now that sparked the whole debate. From Buddhist philosophical perspective, there are hardly any moment when beings (except for highly realized ones like Aryas) aren’t holding onto “self” as independent, truly existing phenomenon (which, bytheway is root of all misconception in Buddhist world and it’s considered as ego-grasping). Therefore, this answer infers that common beings by no means can accumulate merits by engaging in virtuous actions such as generosity and loving kindness. Simply because they are constantly holding onto “self” as intrinsically existing phenomenon. With deep love and reverence to Zong Rinpoche who is seated there on the answering side.
