Dianna Y. Jiang

The Concept of Observing Merits and Appreciating Kindness

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Why Practice This Mindset?

People tend to view the world through their own habits and perspectives, leading to conflicts and grudges. Over time, these negative emotions accumulate and create suffering.

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Goals of Observing Merits and Appreciating Kindness

The aim is to cultivate a positive mindset by seeing the good in people and situations, rather than focusing on flaws.

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Benefits of This Practice & Harms of a Negative Perspective

1. Personal Growth – Recognizing others’ merits benefits oneself by fostering positivity, while focusing on others’ faults harms oneself.

2. Stronger Relationships – Seeing the good in mentors and teachers strengthens trust and learning, removing barriers in relationships.

3. Reducing Negative Emotions – Wise individuals reflect on their own actions instead of blaming others, leading to inner peace.

4. Avoiding Self-Harm – Constantly dwelling on others’ mistakes only increases one’s own suffering.

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Key Principles

There are three ways to perceive life:

1. Focusing on Faults and Resentment – Always dissatisfied, blaming others.

2. Indifference and Detachment – Observing passively without engagement.

3. Observing Merits and Appreciating Kindness – Understanding others and maintaining gratitude.

This practice can be applied to relationships with teachers, parents, friends, colleagues, and even adversaries, fostering harmony and inner peace.