Each Person Works Threefold: A Teaching on the Productivity of a Practitioner

Have you ever felt pain when throwing away a plastic bag? Or do you simply see it as ordinary trash? If not, listen to the story shared by Venerable Thich Chan Quang in his dharma talk titled "Each Person Works Threefold." This is a lesson about subtlety in practice and how each person can benefit themselves and others.

### Progressing in Practice: From a Narrow Ego to an Altruistic Mind

When practicing for a long time, the mind undergoes many changes. The most evident shift is an increase in morality. Hatred gradually diminishes, and greed does the same. We no longer wish to hoard material possessions as we once did. Instead, we prefer letting go, giving away, and caring for others. Venerable Chan Quang teaches that after prolonged practice, greed fades away, and selfishness slowly disappears, transforming into altruism.

This transformation is not only found in grand deeds but also in small acts, such as offering a seat to the elderly or pregnant women. A long-time practitioner naturally thinks of others first.

### Nothing Is Useless – Not Even a Dry Leaf or Food Wrapper

A practitioner with wisdom sees value in all things. Venerable Chan Quang says we should never view anything as mere trash. There is nothing superfluous or useless to discard in this life. A dry leaf is precious, and even a blade of grass deserves compassion. Therefore, when eating a cake, if holding the plastic wrapper feels painful because there is no other way to dispose of it, that person knows how to practice.

He emphasizes that this is not just a social issue but a spiritual one. Keeping the environment clean is also keeping the mind pure.

### Do Not Let a Single Moment Pass Meaninglessly

Once one possesses morality and wisdom, a practitioner does not waste any moment. Venerable Chan Quang states that those who begin to have wisdom and morality do not let a single second pass meaninglessly. While worldly people entertain themselves with karaoke, chess, or Facebook, practitioners use every minute to contribute, serve, or maintain mindfulness.

One young person answered correctly that every moment is a moment for contribution and service. This is the true meaning of practice: living to give, not living wastefully.

### Work Threefold – Contribute with High Productivity

Venerable Chan Quang gives an example: If you fill one pothole this morning so people can pass safely, that is good, but it is not enough. With your capacity, you could fill three potholes. Yet, you might feel satisfied having filled only one. He teaches that we must work three times harder. This fulfills the principle that each person works threefold.

You are not guilty; you have created merit. However, that merit remains small because you only filled one pothole while many others still exist. You must work three times as hard. He points out that Vietnamese people have historically lacked productivity, which has hindered national prosperity. Therefore, everyone should strive harder and work more efficiently to contribute more to society.

### Accumulating Merit for Oneself, Glory for the Nation

The final lesson combines the path and daily life. When each person works threefold, they accumulate blessings from merit for themselves and bring glory to their country. By living dedicatedly, not wasting time or resources, and working with high productivity, we build up merit and help construct our homeland. This is how we practice the Buddha's teachings in everyday life.

Start today. Make every second useful. Perform every task with full capability. This is the simple yet profound teaching of Venerable Thich Chan Quang.