self-power merit transfer
Buddhist term: directing one's own accumulated merit toward enlightenment, as opposed to relying on the merit of others (他力回向). Rare outside specialized Buddhist contexts.
The concept of self-power merit transfer is contrasted with the other-power merit transfer in Pure Land Buddhism.
他力回向 refers to relying on the merit of a Buddha or bodhisattva for enlightenment, while 自力回向 emphasizes one's own accumulated merit.
Compound of 自力 (self-power) and 回向 (merit transfer, dedication). The term is used in Buddhist contexts, particularly in contrast to 他力回向.