Understanding the Mind of the Saints: Do Not Measure the Noble Ones by a Hundred Thousand Dong

From a story about New Year’s celebrations and a stranger giving money at a bus station, this article explores the profound qualities of enlightened beings. It reveals how deep reverence opens the door to immeasurable blessings from merit.

The story goes that at a bus terminal, a young man was struggling because he lacked twenty thousand dong to buy a ticket home. A stranger suddenly handed him one hundred thousand dong, saying gently, “I give this to you; buy some bread to eat along the way.” The young man, filled with gratitude, saw the person only as an ordinary benefactor. Much later, he learned that the stranger was a super-wealthy individual who possessed tons of gold in his home. Yet, what he could never see was the vast world of wisdom and compassion within that person’s mind.

New Year’s Day is similar. When we ask each other, “Where are you going on the first day of the Lunar New Year?” our answers reveal what we value most in life. Some go gambling, others seek calligraphy for good luck, some visit martyrs’ cemeteries, and others return to the temple. Each choice is a lesson in cause and effect (karmic law). Venerable Thich Chan Quang teaches:

“By observing where people go and what they do at the beginning of the year, we understand their karmic conditions.”

### New Year and Time – What We Do Not Yet Understand

Venerable Chan Quang begins with the difference between the Lunar New Year and the Western New Year. The Lunar New Year falls precisely in spring, while the Western New Year remains in winter. Celebrating the Lunar New Year means stepping into the spring of heaven and earth. However, the Western New Year was chosen due to the imposed authority of a king who wished to be remembered. This is historical fact. But why should we care? Because it shows that humans always try to impose a “new beginning” upon time, yet science still cannot answer what time truly is.

“What is time? What are days and months? No one can grasp them,” the teacher says. Science knows time exists but does not know its essence. Similarly, the mind of a saint is like this. We know they possess compassion and wisdom, but we cannot fully measure them. If we only see a small act, such as saving an injured dog, we offer slight praise. But “within that monk’s heart lies a mountain of jewels consisting of wisdom and compassion.”

### Do Not Measure the Heart of a Saint by a Hundred Thousand Dong

The teacher recounts that when someone gives us one hundred thousand dong, we simply think they are kind. But if we knew they had tons of gold at home, our respect would multiply greatly. The mind of a saint is the same. We see a small action, but we fail to see the infinite treasury of wisdom and morality within.

“The karmic law is this: however much respect we show to a saint, our merit increases exponentially in proportion to that respect.”

Therefore, to gain great merit, we must strive to understand the saints’ minds more deeply. The more we understand, the more we respect; the more we respect, the more blessings we receive.

### Compassion – Love Without Discrimination

The first quality of a saint is compassion. Compassion is not just loving good people or beautiful creatures; it is loving all beings.

“What is compassion? Loving everything. All sentient beings, all species. Sentient beings include those with great merit and those with heavy sins. They include high-level beings and extremely lowly ones.”

We might love a cute dog, but if we knew that in a past life it was a murderer, we might feel disgust. But saints love everyone equally. During New Year festivities, while we celebrate, we should remember suffering beings, from tiny insects to those in hell realms. Simply contemplating this boundless generosity allows us to see their greatness.

### Freedom of Mind – Unmoved by Praise or Blame

The second quality is freedom of mind. This means the mind is not shaken by praise or blame, favorable or unfavorable conditions. The teacher recalls the story of the Buddha being cursed by residents of Kosambi. He did not get angry or avoid them. Instead, he walked directly into the place where they were cursing, quietly listening to hear it all. He remained calm and forgiving. In contrast, we often leave the temple forever after hearing just one insulting remark at a bus stop.

“He went right into the place of cursing. Wherever they cursed him, he entered that exact spot to listen quietly, as if to hear every word completely.”

When we compare our petty ego with the sky-like tolerance of the saints, we realize the vast distance between us. Understanding this helps us respect them and also sympathize with those still trapped in afflictions (kleshas).

### Non-Attachment to Fame and Humility

Two other qualities of saints are non-attachment to fame and profit, and humility. Monastics often say they ordain to seek liberation, but if long practice leads to attachment to positions or abbacy, the goal of liberation is lost. Saints do not need fame or profit; if present, these are merely tools for service.

“No goal of fame or profit, no need for it, no greed for it. If fame and profit happen to come to them, they view it only as a tool.”

Regarding humility, the teacher emphasizes: even if someone holds a higher position or has deeper practice than others, in terms of moral humility, they must still respect everyone and never consider themselves superior. This is a paradox that only saints can achieve.

### Conclusion: Open Your Heart to Understand and Respect

On New Year’s Day, look back at what you value most. If you find that your greatest treasures are fame, gambling, or material goods, you will know where your mind stands. If you find that your treasures are temples, the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), and filial piety, you are walking the path of the saints. Strive to understand the saints’ minds more, so your heart may be nourished by reverence, allowing blessings from merit to fall like spring rain on fertile soil.

Understanding even a little brings much healing. Begin today, by lighting a candle before the Buddha image, by reciting the Buddha’s name, or by performing an act of compassion. That is the true New Year of your heart.