Right and Wrong: The Fragile Boundary Between Truth and Subjectivity

This article explores the sharp contrast between right and wrong, the pitfalls in our judgments, and how the Buddha teaches us to see with a tolerant heart.

Recall your first mathematics lesson. The teacher wrote on the board: two plus two equals what? We all knew the answer was four, with no room for debate. From that moment, we learned that right is right, and wrong is wrong; there is no middle ground. As we grew up, we carried this mindset into life: we must live correctly and never be wrong. But a profound question remains: What is truly right? And who has the authority to judge?

## Right and Wrong: An Unforgiving Opposition

Master Chan Quang once said that right and wrong are intensely opposed concepts. He taught that we have the right to choose what is correct, but we should not accept what is incorrect.

In school, mathematical answers had to be precise; a single error meant losing points. Entering adulthood, these rules became even stricter: one must live according to proper human ethics and align with the Dharma. Yet, the critical question persists: Who determines what is right and what is wrong?

## Judging Right and Wrong Is an Extremely Delicate Matter

Looking at daily life, we see that judging right and wrong is not as simple as arithmetic. Master Chan Quang warned that evaluating correctness is incredibly difficult and delicate. It is easy to fall into subjectivity when attempting such judgments.

Consider someone who gives generously. We might view this action as right. However, what if their money comes from unwholesome sources? Or what if they spend lavishly on others while ignoring the poor neighbors beside them? The master offered a vivid image: a person might easily tip a server one hundred dollars but turn away from a destitute neighbor. In such cases, the notion of "right" is no longer pure or whole.

## The Trap of Prejudice and the Need for Tolerance

Furthermore, people often use their own definition of "right" to attack others. It is regrettable that we frequently rely on prejudice, labeling things as right, wrong, heretical, or orthodox, only to criticize one another further.

In the Forty-Two Sections Sutra, the Buddha compared human judgment to a dragon twisting its body: praising one moment and condemning the next. Therefore, instead of rushing to conclusions, we need tolerance. We must recognize that right and wrong often coexist within the same situation. They are frequently mixed together in the same place.

## The First Standard: Objective Laws

In science, there are objective laws that cannot be denied. Two plus two equals four whether you are in Vietnam or Siberia. Water freezes at zero degrees Celsius under the same pressure. These are solid standards. Yet, science also maintains humility. Newton famously exclaimed that his knowledge was like a drop of water, while what he did not know was the entire ocean. The world is vast. Concepts like samsara (cycle of rebirth) and cause and effect (karmic law) may not yet be scientifically proven, but we should not hastily dismiss them.

## The Second Standard: Traditional Views – Quite Subjective

Every society holds its own views on right and wrong. In India, caste was historically seen as destiny. People believed bathing in the Ganges river washed away sins, even though the river often carried floating corpses. To Vietnamese observers, this seems irrational, but for them, it is truth. Similarly, sexual freedom in the West surprises us, yet locals consider it normal. Master Chan Quang expressed concern about the encroachment of Western culture, particularly the public display of sexuality. As Buddhists, we must remain mindful to protect wholesome customs and preserve filial piety.

## Seeking the Right Path – A Legitimate Longing

We all fear straying onto the wrong path, so we deeply desire truth. Skipping luxurious entertainments to visit a temple and listen to a dharma talk is precious. However, we must be cautious: do not rush to label others as wrong. Learn from the Buddha’s equanimity toward praise and blame, and live with a tolerant heart. Those who refuse to seek truth and only pursue sensual enjoyment are the ones truly worth worrying about.

## Conclusion: Living Rightly with a Compassionate Heart

Amidst the flow of life and countless choices, right and wrong are not always as clear as addition. Carry tolerance with you, place yourself in the mind of truth, and trust that the noble path always leads to peace. Begin today by practicing listening, learning, and living rightly with a heart full of compassion.