The Jesus Prayer and the Field of Merit: Awakening Through Love
The Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,” has been a cornerstone of Christian mysticism for centuries. It is more than a petition; it is a practice of unceasing prayer, a means of drawing near to the divine presence that dwells within and beyond us. This invocation of Christ’s mercy opens the heart, dissolves illusions of separateness, and allows the radiant grace of divine love to permeate our being.
The Field of Merit: Drawing from the Love of Jesus, Mary, and Our Benefactors
An ancient technique for deepening the experience of the Jesus Prayer involves what can be called the “field of merit,” an approach that aligns closely with the contemplative wisdom of both Christian and Buddhist traditions. In particular, we can draw from the work of Lama John Makransky, whose teachings on Awakening Through Love offer a profound way to receive the blessings of those who have held us in loving-kindness.
To enter this field of merit, one begins by envisioning Jesus Christ and His mother, Mary, whose love is unshakable and ceaseless. Imagine them standing before you, radiating divine compassion, their love like the light of the morning sun, shining upon you with infinite warmth. They see you not with judgment, but with profound mercy, knowing your struggles and embracing you as you are.
Surrounding them, call forth your benefactors — those who have, in this life, held you in a wish of love. These may be family members, teachers, spiritual guides, or even kind strangers whose generosity has left an imprint upon your soul. Feel the love they have extended to you, the prayers they have offered on your behalf, the kindness they have shown you, whether in words or silent presence. Let their love merge with the boundless mercy of Christ and Mary, forming a vast, luminous field around you, a refuge of grace and warmth.
Bathing in Divine Mercy
As you repeat the Jesus Prayer — “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” — allow yourself to be bathed in this love. Let it flow over you like a gentle stream, dissolving fear, doubt, and self-condemnation. There is no need to strive or force anything; simply rest in this field of mercy, allowing the love of Christ, Mary, and your benefactors to hold you.
With each breath, let the words of the prayer sink deeper, as though you are breathing in divine light and exhaling all that burdens your heart. The mercy of Christ is not earned; it is freely given. His love, like the sun, does not choose where it shines — it embraces all.
As you continue this practice, you may sense that the boundary between yourself and this field of love begins to dissolve. The mercy you once sought outside of yourself is revealed as the very core of your being, the divine presence that has never left you. In this realization, the Jesus Prayer ceases to be mere words and becomes the voice of your own heart, harmonized with the infinite love of Christ.
Resting in Pure Awareness
After a time, allow yourself to let go of everything. Release all effort, all visualization, all sense of doing, and simply rest in awareness. Let all things go, as in the practice of Dzogchen, where one abides in the natural state of pure presence. There is no need to hold onto even the concept of prayer or self — just be. Rest in the radiant expanse of awareness itself, where nothing is grasped, nothing is pushed away. In this space, all distinctions dissolve, and the vast, boundless mercy of Christ reveals itself as your very being.
Remain in this open, effortless state for a few minutes, allowing all constructs to fall away. There is nothing to achieve, nothing to seek — just rest in what is.
Extending the Light to Others
After resting in awareness, gently bring back your field of merit. Once again, envision Christ, Mary, and your benefactors radiating love upon you. This time, as you receive their wish of love, begin to radiate it outward.
First, extend this love to those closest to you — your family, dear friends, and loved ones. Let their hearts be filled with the same mercy that has filled yours.
Next, extend this light to strangers, those whose paths you cross in daily life, those whose names you do not know but who share in the human experience. Imagine the love of Christ touching them, offering them peace.
Finally, bring to mind those with whom you have difficulties — those who have wronged you, those who challenge you, those who cause you pain. Without forcing anything, allow the light of mercy to embrace them as well, recognizing that all beings are held in the boundless love of God.
Becoming a Vessel of Mercy
Having received this love, you naturally become a conduit for it, carrying the light of Christ into the world. The prayer continues in the silent depths of your soul, shaping your thoughts, your words, and your actions. As you have been bathed in mercy, so too do you begin to extend mercy to others — not from obligation, but from the overflowing wellspring of grace within.
The Jesus Prayer, practiced in this way, is not merely a repetition of words but a path to awakening in love. It allows us to rest in the mercy of Christ, to receive the blessings of our benefactors, and to extend this love to all beings. In the embrace of this divine field, we discover the truth that was always there: we are deeply known, infinitely loved, and forever held in the mercy of the Lord
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