Inviting the Buddha to Stay: When Science Overshadows Spirituality, Who Will Save Humanity?

The Buddha once agreed to enter nirvana at the urging of Mara. Let us learn from the seventh vow of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra: inviting the Buddha to remain in the world. This practice preserves spiritual values amidst the age of technology.

In modern times, a single touch allows us to reconnect with loved ones across half the globe. Yet, few realize that this ease of connection has erased the deep longing and yearning that once gave poetry to our souls.

Is science sweeping humanity away?

Venerable Thich Chan Quang observed how scientific progress affects emotional life. He noted that people used to miss each other deeply when apart. Today, however, constant digital communication eliminates that sense of distance. We stare at smartphones and chat endlessly, losing the profound feeling of separation that once enriched our hearts.

Habits and beliefs have changed as well. In the past, watching a film was a joyous occasion. Now, a hard drive containing thousands of movies is considered abundant. People begin to worship science, treating it like a deity. As science advances, reverence for spiritual values gradually fades.

Morality – The Foundation Protecting Humanity

This decline is a sorrowful reality. Venerable Chan Quang emphasized that science without morality leads to terrible destruction for humankind. Conversely, morality lacking scientific understanding easily falls into superstition. Therefore, science must be guided by ethical principles to avoid catastrophe.

Amidst the rushing torrent of technological advancement, some still recognize the value of spirituality. These individuals uphold morality, maintain faith in cause and effect (karmic law), and preserve inner peace. They are the true saviors of this world. As the teacher stated, these people possess wisdom that transcends the ordinary minds swept away by science. They will rescue the world.

Mara – The One Who Invited the Buddha to Enter Nirvana

In his teachings on the vows of Samantabhadra, the teacher recounted the story of Mara inviting the Buddha to pass into nirvana. Mara appeared polite, addressing the World-Honored One with folded hands, yet ultimately urged the Buddha not to stay. The teacher warned against those who come sweetly but intend to destroy your spiritual spring.

This serves as a profound caution: praise can sometimes be a tool for elimination. The teacher also mentioned those involved in fortune-telling or selling ritual items. They dislike the Buddha’s wish to bring the Dharma because its presence threatens their interests.

Mara was similarly deceptive. He sweetly invited the Buddha to leave. However, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra made the opposite vow: to invite the Buddha to remain in the world.

The Seventh Vow: Inviting the Buddha to Remain

Why did the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra make this vow? He understood that the Buddha’s presence is invaluable to the world. While the Buddha remains, the Dharma is propagated, and sentient beings are guided. He refused to let the Buddha depart, countering Mara’s influence.

The teacher pondered why the Buddha agreed to enter nirvana at Mara’s request. This reflection deepened his empathy for the Bodhisattva’s compassionate concern.

Lessons for Practitioners in the Modern Age

Each of us can embody the spirit of Samantabhadra in daily life. When we see a friend lose hope or faith, we can gently remind them to return to spiritual values. When society rushes forward with technology, we can help maintain balance by living with compassion and integrity.

The teacher taught that those who still believe in spirituality, in cause and effect (karmic law), and in morality are walking alongside science.

Let us be the guardians who prevent the loss of moral foundations. Let us "invite the Buddha to remain" within our own minds. Keep compassion, wisdom, and the aspiration for enlightenment present, so we are not swept away by the currents of our time.