In everyday practice , making merit (punya) remains the chief way in which the Buddhist laity improves their standing in the Buddhist cosmos.
Ideally, sufficient merit will ensure rebirth in a heavenly realm, if not actual enlightenment.
Making donations (dana) is a primary way to make merit.
Merit-transfer procedures have also become widespread in Buddhist societies. In this practice, one dedicates the merit one has accrued to a favored deity. The hope is that the deity will repay this kindness to the donating individual.
Merit can also be dedicated for the benefit of relatives, living or deceased.
The most popular common ritual that monks perform is pouring or sprinkling sacred water on lay followers.