Steadfast Right View: The Secret to a Peaceful Year

**Summary:** Holding firm to right view helps us live altruistically, believe in cause and effect (karmic law), and remain loyal to our nation. From this, we receive peace and blessings from merit. This article shares the teachings of Venerable Thich Chan Quang.

Every time spring arrives, we eagerly visit temples to pray for peace and good fortune for ourselves and our families. But have you ever asked yourself why some people suffer despite endless prayers, while others find luck without asking? The answer may lie in a deeper factor: right view – correct understanding of life and the universe.

### From Personal Prayers to Wishing for National Peace

In his opening lecture for the new year, Venerable Thich Chan Quang touched upon a reality: many people come to temples to pray for peace, but in truth, they are only nurturing a selfish mind, seeking benefits solely for themselves and their families. However, if personal gain is always placed first, morality and blessings from merit do not truly grow.

The teacher taught that there is a more noble way to pray: wishing for the country and all its people. Because when the nation is peaceful and the people are safe, we are included in that peace and share in it.

Pray for our country to develop and prosper. Pray for our people to be at peace, rather than praying for yourself alone. When the nation is stable and the people are safe, you, your family, and those you love are already included. That is enough.

An interesting point the teacher emphasized was: "We do not pray for ourselves, yet we receive what we seek." This aligns perfectly with the law of cause and effect (karmic law): the wider the heart, the greater the merit. When we open our hearts to think of others, we often receive exactly what we desire.

### Altruism – True Happiness

To maintain right view, we must steadfastly hold to an altruistic perspective, living for others. The teacher shared a vivid story about a young Buddhist student studying psychology in America, a field notoriously difficult to enter. This student always helped classmates, even direct competitors, guiding them through lessons and sharing materials. As a result, she was admitted directly into a doctoral program with a full scholarship, selected from two hundred and fifty applicants for only five spots. She shared that this virtue stemmed from her Buddhist spirit, and the law of cause and effect (karmic law) rewarded her in a way no one expected.

The teacher also cited the story of a Russian intelligence officer who answered a friend’s question about what he gained by sacrificing a wealthy life. He replied, "But I am at peace with myself." That inner peace is a happiness far greater than money, houses, or cars.

That happiness surpasses gold, silver, vehicles, and mansions.

### Faith in Cause and Effect – The Foundation of Right View

Among the views the teacher taught, faith in cause and effect (karmic law) is unshakable. Some argue that God is above cause and effect (karmic law), but the teacher reasoned that even if God is fair and wise, He must act according to the law of cause and effect (karmic law). Therefore, the law of cause and effect (karmic law) remains the absolute truth, the foundation of the universe.

The law of cause and effect (karmic law) is the fundamental truth of the universe. It validates everything else in life; nothing can validate cause and effect (karmic law) in return.

For this reason, we must maintain unwavering trust. Even in death, we must not lose our faith in cause and effect (karmic law).

### Loyalty – Merit Building the Nation

The teacher also emphasized loyalty to the Fatherland, to leadership, and to the Dharma. Loyalty is not slavery; it is a way to build and protect the country.

This loyalty is not for the benefit of leaders... but is itself a form of merit that contributes to building and defending the nation.

The teacher stated frankly that if tempted by billions of dollars, many might lose their loyalty. Therefore, we must vow to hold our ground at any cost, ensuring that neither money nor slander shakes our resolve.

### Steadfast Right View – The Basis for a Peaceful Life

Finally, the teacher shared key perspectives that Buddhists must uphold: loving the country, loving humanity, cherishing the Dharma, living altruistically, believing in cause and effect (karmic law), remaining loyal, diligently practicing meditative concentration to preserve the world amidst the rise of artificial intelligence, and living a life of service, sacrifice, and dedication.

Each of these viewpoints helps us stand firm against temptations and challenges. When we maintain right view, our mind/heart becomes serene, morality grows, and blessings from merit naturally arrive.

Begin each day with a thought of altruism, a thought of patriotism, and a thought of faith in cause and effect (karmic law). These are not just the Buddha's teachings (Dharma); they are the keys to unlocking true happiness. May you always remain steadfast in faith, live in peace, and be filled with blessings from merit.