The True Dharma Begins with Right View: Rediscovering the Power of the Buddha's Teachings in a New Era

There is a question I often ponder: Building a temple takes an enormous amount of money, effort, and devotion from Buddhists. But if that temple is merely a magnificent architectural structure, with no true Dharma being spread and no beings benefiting, is that contribution truly complete?

In a heartfelt dharma talk at the groundbreaking ceremony for the main hall of Thien Chanh Temple, Master Thich Chan Quang raised the issue with great skill: Many places can build temples, but what matters is what one does after the temple is built. And the answer lies right in the title of his talk: The true Dharma begins with Right View.

The True Dharma Is More Than the Buddha's Words

What is the true Dharma? Master Chan Quang explains that it has two meanings. The first is correctness with respect to the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), with the truth of the universe. But what is remarkable is that the true Dharma does not depend on any particular religion. It is what is right, a universal morality that anyone with a conscience and wisdom must acknowledge. The Master offers an example: When we meet someone poor and suffering, we help them — does that act need to belong to Buddhism or Christianity? No, it is a truth common to heaven and earth.

"The true Dharma is what is right, it is truth, it is the way things are, and it does not depend on any religion."

This opens up a profound realization: Do not rush to confine truth within religious forms. Seek out universal values, principles of living that anyone, whether they believe or not, must acknowledge.

The Law of Cause and Effect — The Absolute Fairness of the Universe

One clear expression of the true Dharma is the law of cause and effect (karmic law). Master Chan Quang affirms strongly that this law exists as an objective reality, independent of whether we believe in it or not. But on a deeper level, those with conscience and wisdom cannot help but recognize the fairness of this universe. We believe in order to live, in order to move toward the future. Without fairness, what meaning would this life have?

"If this universe did not inherently contain fairness, I think that in playing with this universe, I would no longer need to exist. I exist in this universe, I live in this earth and sky. I still have faith to step toward the future. Because I believe this universe has a fairness, and that is the law of cause and effect."

Those who do not yet believe in the law of cause and effect are free to do so. But those who have quietly reflected on their own lives and the lives of others all sense, deep down, that a law of fairness is at work. That is the governing force of cause and effect.

Practicing the True Dharma Correctly Brings Strength

So what benefits come from practicing the true Dharma correctly? The Master points to two things. First, one's own merit grows, bringing happiness, peace, and progress on the spiritual path. Second, we contribute to sustaining and developing the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), helping Buddhism flourish. Conversely, practicing incorrectly makes things worse the more one practices — the mind becomes agitated, morality declines, merit gradually fades, and the Dharma itself withers.

"If we practice the true Dharma correctly, we gain two benefits. One, we ourselves are joyful and happy, rich in wholesome merit, and step by step we progress on the spiritual path toward enlightenment. The second benefit is that we contribute to protecting, developing, and sustaining the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), helping Buddhism flourish and endure far into the future."

This is an important reminder for each of us to look inward. Practice is not about chasing outward forms; it is about transforming body and mind, about becoming a better person, more useful to the world.

Renouncing Personal Happiness — The Secret of the True Dharma

Here is the surprising revelation the Master shares: A person who truly understands the way does not go searching for happiness for themselves. They renounce personal happiness in pursuit of something greater. The Master uses the word "renounce" — to have no need for happiness. Not because the teachings forbid it, but because once inner peace is attained, we are no longer dependent on external pleasures.

"One who practices according to the way, according to the true Dharma, does not go searching for happiness and has no need for it. Whoever is fortunate enough to understand this, to accept this, has the true Dharma within their heart."

In the end, if we practice in order to gain happiness, we remain bound by the very concept of happiness. When we practice for the Dharma, for all beings, we find true joy in helping others, in making this world a better place. That is the wondrous power of the true Dharma.

Walking with the Times, Leading the World

A person who practices the true Dharma correctly will have the strength to walk alongside the times and to go ahead as a teacher. Master Chan Quang quotes Einstein: "Buddhism always goes ahead, leading the way for science and for this world." Because the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) possess a full source of wisdom, morality, spirituality, and enlightenment. However far the world progresses, the Dharma has the strength to walk beside it and a few steps ahead.

"Whoever walks the path the Buddha taught always has a most remarkable strength: the ability to walk alongside everyone and one step ahead of them, so as to be their teacher."

But this requires that monastics and practitioners possess deep knowledge and firm morality. Otherwise, how could they be anyone's teacher? The Master tells of an abbot who was gentle and kind but knew nothing of technology, of genetics, and so on. Young people who come to such a temple will grow discouraged and think the temple is a place for the gullible. Youth are the future of the Dharma, and we must place ourselves at the center of their world in order to understand and walk with them.

Right View — The First Step on the Path of Transformation

Right View means understanding correctly and seeing correctly. Without Right View, all practice goes astray. The Master gives examples: One who practices incorrectly fails at everything they do, encounters breakdowns wherever they go, with a mind full of greed, irritability, and selfishness. Such a person cannot guide others, and only adds to the decline of the Buddha's teachings (Dharma).

Therefore, begin with Right View. Learn to understand correctly what the Buddha taught, correctly the truth and the way. Then we will gain extraordinary strength — the strength of merit from practice — to make this world brighter and more peaceful.

Closing Words — Become the Light of the True Dharma

There is a sacred belief that every Buddhist carries in their heart: The true Dharma of the Buddha once illuminated India, and it will spread across this world. To make that happen, we must each practice correctly, carrying that aspiration in our hearts across many lifetimes. Begin with the smallest things: practice Right View, do good deeds, live morally, and spread peace and joy to those around you.

The true Dharma is not found in some distant place; it is right within your own heart. When the heart is right, actions will be right, and life will become joyful and happy. May you always be diligent on the path of transformation and service.