The Last Notebook: What Will You Bring Before King Yama?

This dharma talk tells of a notebook recording the names of those you have brought to the temple to take refuge, and a gentle reminder that the law of cause and effect (karmic law) spares no one, not even the Buddha himself.

A Small Story, A Great Reminder

Imagine standing before King Yama, empty-handed, carrying nothing but a small notebook. In that notebook, you have written the names of the people you helped find their way to the Buddha's teachings (Dharma). The number in that notebook will determine your fate in the next life. This is not a work of fiction, but a truth that Thượng tọa Thích Chân Quang skillfully used as a metaphor to remind us of the sacred responsibility of the Buddha's children.

"After death, we cannot bring anything back with us except a single notebook. So from this day forward, each of us must live to fill a notebook to present to King Yama in the end, and we must promise that on the day we close our eyes, it will contain the names of at least fifty people."

Do Not Become a "Stagnant Pond" of the Dharma

The Venerable compared a Buddhist who only cares for themselves to a stagnant pond — water neither flows in nor out, becoming murky, still, and foul. In contrast, one who spreads the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) is like a great lake, with water flowing freely in and out, nourishing life for all beings. Have you ever asked yourself which kind of pond you are?

"With all the years of our lives, if we have gone to the temple for a long time, then we should have brought many people to the temple. Then we will know for certain that we are not a stagnant pond."

The Law of Cause and Effect Spares No One

One of the most startling points for listeners is the story that even the Buddha had to face the results of karma. Though fully established in enlightenment, he still endured a small wound from a golden splinter that fell from the sky, because in a distant past life he had killed twenty bandits in order to save five hundred lives. This shows that the law of cause and effect (karmic law) has no exceptions.

"The results of karma are fair and offer no exemption to anyone, not even the Tathagata."

The Dharma — A Priceless Gift to Be Given Away

Going to the temple, paying homage to the Buddha, and listening to the dharma talk are all priceless gifts received: blessings, guidance, and a heart oriented toward the path. But if you keep these gifts only for yourself, you are wasting a great opportunity. The Venerable emphasized that a Buddhist must be an ambassador, a bridge that brings family and friends to the Three Jewels.

"When we come to the temple and receive the blessings from the Buddha, we must also bring them back to share with everyone around us. We must not keep them for ourselves alone."

Begin Today

There is no need to wait until you are wealthy or have free time. Each of us can begin by guiding just one loved one to the temple this year. The Venerable encouraged every Buddhist to set a goal: at least twelve people in one year. One person each month — not difficult, yet it will make an enormous difference in your life.

"When we return here next year, you lay Buddhists will no longer be sitting in this hall, but will be sitting outside in the courtyard, because you will have given your seats to the newcomers."

Today, kneel before the Buddha, offer your repentance, and make this vow: "I will no longer be a stagnant pond. From this day on, when the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) reach my heart, I will carry them back to everyone." And then, take action. For your final notebook is waiting to be written. Do not wait until the day you close your eyes, only to find its pages still blank.