Want Liberation? First, Fulfill the Way of Being Human

Have you ever asked yourself: "I bow to the Buddha and chant sutras every day, but am I truly a good person to my loved ones?" During the Vu Lan season, when filial piety is emphasized, Venerable Thich Chan Quang dedicated his entire dharma talk to a seemingly simple yet profound topic: the way of being human. He began with a surprising observation.

"We follow Buddhism, thinking it is a path of liberation to become saints. We do not realize that within Buddhism, there already exists a vast system for the way of being human. It is precisely through this way of being human that we can attain sainthood."

## Buddhism Is Not Only a Path of Liberation

Many people believe that practicing Buddhism means leaving worldly life behind or seeking some transcendent value beyond this earth. However, Venerable Chan Quang reminds us of a simple truth: the lotus flower grows only from mud, and the status of a saint begins with the condition of being human. If we disregard our duties as humans, we will never be able to become saints. Only from the foundation of being a good human can we advance further on the spiritual path.

## Two Tasks for Practitioners

In the way of being human, there are two main tasks everyone must fulfill. The teacher said:

"The first is cultivating one's own moral character. The second is fulfilling our duty to bring peace and happiness to others."

He used the example of a diligent worker who completes assigned tasks and always helps colleagues. Over time, this person is promoted to higher positions because their employer clearly sees their virtues. Similarly, when we perfect ourselves and live for others, natural cause and effect (karmic law) allows us to step up to a new level.

## From Ordinary Person to Good Person

Yet, the first step—from an ordinary person to a good person—is already very difficult. What defines a good person? The teacher explained:

"A person who is not bad is someone who does not wish ill upon anyone. They always hope that people are good. Because they want everyone to be good, they do not think negatively about anyone. They do not speak ill of anyone."

A good person harms no one and wishes no harm upon others. They may be deceived at first, but cause and effect (karmic law) will compensate them: they live in tranquility and are protected. Consider the warmth of still loving people even after having been hurt.

## Truly Good People: Deep Kindness

Moving to the next level, a truly good person purifies their inner mind deeply. They are strict with themselves and tolerant toward others. The teacher taught:

"A truly good person always examines themselves, searching for their own faults with sharp wisdom. They treat others with great tolerance and kindness in a profound way. This is what makes a truly good person."

This means we do not merely offer guests food and drink; we must genuinely understand the feelings of the person before us. A deeply kind person always fears causing sadness to others and only wishes for their happiness. This attitude brings us great blessings from merit: the love and care of those around us.

## Wonderful People: Priceless Integrity

Beyond this, a wonderful person is one without flaw. They have broad influence, a pure inner mind, and specifically, no amount of money can bribe them into doing unwholesome deeds. The teacher gave a challenging example:

"A wonderful or holy person cannot be bought at any price to force them into unwholesome actions. Even if the act is tiny, even if offered one billion dong to commit an unwholesome deed as small as a hair, they firmly refuse."

Ask yourself: If someone paid you one billion dong to insult an innocent person, would you do it? A wonderful person would firmly refuse, knowing their true worth cannot be measured by money. For them, the boundary between good and evil is clear; they never cross it.

## The Way of Being Human Encompasses Many Relationships

The teacher summarized that the way of being human is not just an abstract concept, but a collection of specific relationships in daily life.

The way of filial piety is the duty of children toward parents.

The way of parental love is the duty of parents toward children.

The way of sibling harmony is the duty among brothers and sisters.

The way of loyalty and gratitude covers spouses, teachers and students, and friends. The teacher analyzed that the bond between teacher and student is great, the bond between spouses is heavy, and the bond between friends is beautiful.

The way of civic duty is the responsibility of citizens toward the country and government. Today, both the people and the officials must be responsible to each other.

The way of benevolence is the duty of superiors toward subordinates, and toward all people in life.

Each relationship is a rung on the ladder. When we fully fulfill each duty, we are building the foundation for our own liberation.

During this Vu Lan season, listen to your heart. Start with small things: be filial to your parents, smile at strangers, keep your promises, and fulfill your responsibilities. Live authentically in your role as a human, because the way of being human is the path to becoming a saint. The lotus blooms from mud, and sainthood arises from a complete human being.