Do Not Let Anger Burn Away Your Merit – A Warning from the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

Venerable Thich Chan Quang’s teaching opens a window into the invisible world of hungry ghosts. He reminds us of the destructive power of anger and the vital importance of compassion and generosity. Have you ever felt a chill when entering an old house, or heard footsteps in a deserted place? Many assume these are spirits, but few realize that the realm of hungry ghosts is not distant. It exists right beside us. In the Dhammapada, the Buddha told strange stories about starving beings to awaken our understanding of karma and the danger of anger.

## The Invisible World Around Us

Through his supernatural powers, Venerable Maudgalyayana saw hungry ghosts with bizarre forms. One had a human head and a snake body, surrounded by flames. Another was as large as a mountain, enduring immense pain. The Buddha confirmed these visions were real. He had not spoken of them earlier because he feared people would doubt him. This hesitation showed the delicate wisdom of a holy being.

The world of spirits is not separate from the human world. They live among us, though our physical eyes cannot see them. As Venerable Thich Chan Quang shared: "In this hall, it is not only the visible people sitting here listening to the dharma talk. There are also unseen beings gathered here, listening, though we do not perceive them."

When they wish to make their presence known, we may feel cold currents, hear strange noises, or experience unexplained psychological disturbances. We should not rush to fear them or equate them with sources of disaster.

## Why Do We Fear Spirits?

We fear spirits because we cannot see or understand them. This uncertainty leads us to misjudge wandering souls. Venerable Chan Quang taught: "This fear arises from not seeing. Because we do not see and do not know, we are afraid. But when we clearly know and see a person or situation, we have no fear."

In truth, many spirits simply want help. They seek food or a proper burial. They influence us to ask for assistance or express their suffering, not to cause harm. When we understand this, compassion replaces fear.

## Karma Is Not Only for the Next Life

A story in the Dhammapada tells of a farmer whose field lay near the hut of a Pratyekabuddha. Pilgrims trampled his crops while visiting the sage. Enraged, the farmer burned down the hut. As a result, villagers beat him to death. He was then reborn as a giant snake engulfed in flames. Similarly, a thief who stole offerings meant for the Sangha was reborn as a ghost with a human head and a snake body. These are karmic results manifesting in future lives.

However, not everyone reincarnates immediately. Those with heavy negative karma descend to hell realms. Those with great merit ascend to heavenly realms. Other spirits linger, suffering hunger and thirst, often bullied by other restless souls. In this state, they crave rebirth so intensely that they may enter the womb of an animal just to find shelter. The life of a hungry ghost is truly miserable.

## Anger – The Knife That Kills Blessings

The farmer in the story reacted wrongly. For a small loss of rice, he destroyed the dwelling place of a holy being. Venerable Chan Quang connects this to modern life: "The harm we receive may be small, but our retaliation is often huge. When we are offended by a minor slight, if we react with anger, we cause tremendous harm to others."

For example, if someone insults us, we might hit them or throw stones at their car. This excessive reaction creates new negative karma. Anger harms others and burns away our own blessings from merit. The world is full of triggers for anger, which is why the Buddha taught us to practice non-anger to avoid creating bad karma.

## Practicing Compassion and Generosity – Saving Ourselves and Others

Hungry ghosts desperately need the help of the living. The daily ritual of offering food to spirits in temples is not merely ceremonial. It is an act of compassion toward invisible beings. Venerable Chan Quang encourages us to practice with sincere heart. Only when our intention is genuine can the spirits truly receive the offerings. If we perform rituals superficially, they remain hungry.

Living beings with merit know how to help others. They are rewarded while alive, and after death, they are protected by many. The story of a woman who ran a small noodle stall illustrates this. She buried an abandoned child with dignity, and afterward, her business flourished. Being kind to the dead is ultimately being kind to oneself.

In conclusion, let us open our hearts with compassion to all beings, both visible and invisible. Do not let anger burn away your merit and blessings. Each of us should practice generosity, recite the Buddha's name, and refrain from anger. This brings peace to ourselves and makes the world a gentler place.