Buddhism, Confession and Rejoicing in Merit

From Vision and Transformation (Sangharakshita, Windhorse Press, p48-49)

"Rejoicing in Merit is complementary to Confession of Faults. If you think about your faults and contemplate your numerous backslidings too much or too often you may become a bit disheartened. So after confessinf your faults you should inspire yourself by recollecting the vitrues of others, thinking especially of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, of the lives they have led, and the perfections they have practised. Think, say, of the inspiring example of Milarepa, or Han Shan, or Hui Neng, or Hakuin. Or think of the variuos secular heroes and heroines who have lived for the benefit of others, and whose lives are an inspiration to us: people like Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Fry, great humanitarians, great social reformers. Think, even, of the virtues of ordinary people: think of your own friends, how well they sometimes act, how unselfish they are on occasion, how kind. Dwell on this more positive side of their natures, and in this way learn to appreciate -to rejoice in - the merits of all other living beings, from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas right down to the ordinary people who happen to be your friends and neighbours. This will give you a feeling of exhilaration, even of support. You will realise that you are not alone in the world, spiritually speaking, but are treading the dame path that others trod, and are treading, successfully. On account of this realisation you will feel buoyed up in your own spiritual life and spiritual endeavour."