Question: I heard someone telling a friend that he had dedicated the merits of an overnight puja (chanting service) to her. Is it necessary to do this? Will the merits be the same with or without the person’s knowledge?
Answer: It’s not necessary, but it’s alright to do so too. It can be helpful in giving some extra comfort, as a show of spiritual support. For those who are unlikely to appreciate the dedication, it is better not to tell the person, in case he or she is offended or slanders the Dharma. When the one dedicated to appreciates the effort and rejoices in the goodness of the deed instead, this person actually creates some merits personally too!
