[Hedkffiz]

This is a difficult subject, I think. I don't feel the word properly represents what it is or the importance of it, but one Teacher I have received teachings from liked to look at merit as kind of like "supplies and provisions" needed for a long trip. It's an interesting analogy.

We need sufficient merit to overcome obstacles we may experience on our path, and help not to be "blown away by our karmic winds" as another teacher put it.

I certainly don't discount the importance of merit.

From a Mahayana standpoint, merit is an essential aspect to both practice and one's cultivation. From a mahayana point of view, I think one of the best ways to accumulate merit is by not necessarily doing good deeds for someone, but giving them an understanding of dharma so that they can free themselves from the causes of suffering. When you look very honestly at it, in some small way, most "good deed's" we do for others' still has some attachment from our side.