merit, meritorious, is a popular term for karmically wholesome (kusala) action.

Opposite terms: apuñña, 'demerit'; pāpa, 'bad', 'evil',

The value of meritorious action is often stressed, e.g., in the Treasure Store Sutta (s. Khp. Tr.), Dhp 18, 118, 122. -

The Community of Holy Monks (ariya-sangha), the third Refuge (s. ti-sarana), is said to be "the incomparable field of merit in the world" (anuttaram puññakkhettam lokassa); s. anussati 3.

The Arahats, however, having transcended all life-affirming and rebirth-producing actions, are said to be "beyond merit and demerit"; see Sn.520, 547, 636, 790. - See foll. 3 articles.