Buddhism: The Progress of Humanity — The Secret from Meditative Concentration

Have you ever wondered: "Why do people practice meditative concentration for a lifetime when sitting in meditation is so arduous?" Numb legs, pain, and a restless mind... But if you look deeper, you will see it is precisely the path to contribute to building a civilized and progressive society.

**The Price of Every Achievement**

It is not only with meditative concentration; any achievement in life begins with hardship. A brilliant general once endured the grueling days of a soldier's training. A skilled doctor once struggled with cadavers in the laboratory. Therefore, view sitting in meditation as a necessary stage of growth.

"Every path to achievement has its price to pay, all involving hardship and difficulty."

Through perseverance, once the mind is settled, the happiness of meditative concentration will surpass all worldly pleasures. At that point, no amount of money or power can be traded for the peace within the mind.

**Buddhism Stands Still, Science Must Catch Up**

Other religions often have to revise their teachings to align with science. But Buddhism is different. Through the eyes of brilliant scientists like Einstein, Buddhism stands firm, while science must progress endlessly to keep pace.

"Budddism simply stands its ground, while science must chase after it. No matter how far science advances, it is only following Buddhism."

This is why many intellectuals worldwide are turning to Buddhism. We are fortunate to be born in a country with a thousand-year Buddhist tradition, and we must therefore cherish this favorable condition and practice diligently.

**Vegetarianism — The Pace of a Civilized World**

Vietnamese people eat vegetarian for religious belief. But in civilized countries like Germany, people are also gradually shifting to vegetarianism, recognizing it as an ethical lifestyle that is also good for health. They research vegetarian cuisine with modern technology, incorporating seaweed into dishes to create natural flavors.

"The civilized parts of the world are beginning to shift towards vegetarianism."

Since we already have a long-standing vegetarian tradition, it is a great advantage. Let us be proud and continue to maintain it, as this is our contribution to an advancing civilization.

**Building a Homeland or Leaving for a Better Land?**

When some people become wealthy, they seek to leave the country for a place of comfort to enjoy. But according to conscience and responsibility, that is truly deplorable. Building our homeland to be wealthy and beautiful is the greater goal. Buddhism teaches us to have faith in the law of cause and effect: whatever seeds you sow, you will reap.

"People who abandon their own country to seek a comfortable place to live are truly to be blamed."

We do not need to depend on unverified promises. Just do well in what lies before you, and the good seeds will naturally lead us to a place with commensurate blessings. That is the fairness of the universe.

**Three Things Meditative Concentration Brings**

To contribute to a civilized society, you do not need to do grand things. Just persevere in meditative concentration, and you will gain three important qualities:

A pure mind: When the mind is clean, you will not accept impurity. Your surrounding environment naturally becomes clean and orderly.

A virtuous mind: Compassion and tolerance help you live well with everyone, contributing to building a peaceful community.

A mind of wisdom: Through practicing meditation, understanding and clarity grow, helping you make correct and progressive decisions.

"Practicing meditation brings three things. First is a pure mind, second is a virtuous mind, third is a mind of wisdom."

These three qualities are the foundation of a civilized society. A person who possesses all three, no matter where they are, contributes to changing their community for the better.

**Conclusion: Buddhism is the Progress of Humanity**

Therefore, let each of us be proud to live within a long Buddhist tradition. Do not let those around us remain unaware of Buddhism. Share and invite each other to practice together, for this is the progress of civilization that we hold.

"Buddhism is the progress of humanity."

Today, begin with a session of meditation, a vegetarian meal, or a gentle word. Each small action will contribute to making this world more beautiful. That is the shortest path for us to become contributors to civilization.