The Temple Gate Stands Wide Open – Why Do So Few Enter?

A teacher once shared a story. An officer from the police force in Hue called to boast that the city had organized a parade of decorated floats for Vesak, with two thousand people attending. The teacher replied with a sigh, "That is far too few!" Meanwhile, at the valley of Tuong Quang Pagoda, tens of thousands of people still did not feel crowded. Why does the temple gate stand wide open, yet so few step through it? The physical gate is always open, but the door of the soul may remain shut.

What lies behind the open gate?

We often say "the temple gate is wide open" to describe the compassion of the Buddha and the inclusiveness of the monastery. The temple welcomes everyone, from the happy to the suffering, from the rich to the poor. Yet there is a truth: while the gate is open, few enter. This is because people are deceived by external appearances. The front of the temple may seem quiet, solemn, or unattractive. But behind that gate lies boundless bliss. Conversely, places of loud entertainment with dazzling lights attract crowds, yet they hide suffering and moral decline within.

The temple gate is open for anyone to come, practice, and plant seeds of merit. Yet very few actually arrive.

People need the eye of wisdom to see beyond form. Consider romance: one may be captivated by beauty, only to find endless complications upon union. The Buddha’s teachings state that craving leads to suffering and that life is impermanence (anicca). Without wisdom, we chase superficial glamour and miss inner peace.

Should we blame the lay followers or the abbot?

When the temple remains empty despite an open gate, people often blame the weak spiritual resolve of the lay Buddhists. Indeed, many know the Dharma but stop at casual discussion in coffee shops, lacking the strength to join communal practice. However, looking deeper, the abbot also bears responsibility. A temple is formed by the initial vow of its founder. If that vow was to retreat into solitude on a remote mountain peak, the temple will naturally remain quiet. Most founders desire a pure place with few visitors, but this mindset must shift.

The original intention of the founder becomes the long-term destiny of the temple.

Therefore, the abbot must renew their daily intention: the temple exists as a place where sentient beings can come to learn and practice. Whether the person who built the temple or the current abbot, they must constantly remind themselves that the temple is meant for many to visit and cultivate. It is not about wanting a crowd for pride, but fulfilling the duty of practitioners toward all beings.

Three conditions for a truly open gate

For the temple gate to be wide open and inviting, the abbot must cultivate three elements. First is the conduct of the monastics. Laypeople need to witness genuine practice among the monks and nuns to generate faith. They should be respected for their virtue and spiritual power, inspiring love and trust through personal example.

Second is the ability to guide practice. Words matter greatly, as the Buddhas used speech to awaken minds. Monastics must be capable of teaching the Dharma and resolving doubts for laypeople. Their guidance helps practitioners navigate their path.

Third is adequate infrastructure. The temple needs clean restrooms, meditation spaces, and areas for resting. An open gate means nothing if facilities are cramped. Visitors coming from morning until evening cannot stay if they face inconvenience. The temple grounds must be welcoming and comfortable.

The power of sincere words

In his youth, the teacher read sutras in the temple when a visiting monk asked, "What sutra are you reading? Do you understand it?" The monk then offered brief insights on the Lotus Sutra and encouraged persistent study. Those simple words nurtured the teacher’s spiritual heart for a lifetime. We do not need to speak much; speaking with compassion and wisdom, even a single sentence can change a life.

It was just those modest words from the visiting monk that sustained the teacher’s devotion throughout his entire life.

Abbots should focus on teaching the Dharma rather than merely pleasing laypeople to gain affection. Indulgence spoils people, while true teaching builds lasting foundations.

Conclusion

The temple gate stands open, but the door of the soul must be unlocked each day. Step through without being fooled by appearances. If you are an abbot, make your temple warm, well-equipped, and filled with the Dharma. Then, beings will come seeking refuge like water flowing to its source. It is not just the physical gate that opens, but the compassionate heart that never closes.