Want to Succeed? Help Others Succeed First

There is a small story in the Buddhist scriptures. In ancient times, when humanity was still in its early stages of civilization, a man went to watch a performance. He secured a beautiful standing spot, then stepped out to find some water. When he returned, someone else had taken his place. If it were you, would you demand it back? Instead, that man rejoiced because the other person was happy. He then cleared another space so more people could enjoy the show. That man later became Indra, the King of Gods. From just one small action, the spirit of service led him to immeasurable blessings from merit. Today, through Venerable Thich Chan Quang’s teachings, we will understand why living to serve is the path to true happiness and success.

Service brings dignity to others

During the Vu Lan festival at the temple, young volunteers were assigned to serve meals to thousands of Buddhists. The teacher emphasized that bringing food directly to people is not lowering oneself; rather, it grants dignity to others. If everyone had to queue up for rice, they would waste time, and their dignity would diminish. But when served with care, everyone feels warmth in their heart.

"You are those who bring dignity to the Buddhists attending this ceremony. Let everyone sit comfortably while you take care of everything."

This is the first lesson: service is not about humbling yourself, but about lifting others up. When we act with kindness and respect, we sow good causes for life.

Cause and Effect: A Universal Law Without Bias

Some believe that cause and effect (karmic law) is merely a Buddhist belief. However, Venerable Thich Chan Quang affirms that it is a universal law, independent of whether we believe in it or not. Whether we accept it or not, this law governs all things. Those who clearly understand cause and effect possess the key to walking peacefully through the dense forest of life.

"We have a key to live in this world. We are happier than those who know nothing about the law of cause and effect, who do not believe in it at all."

In our complex society, there are many paths, traps, and competitions. But if we understand cause and effect, we can choose a clear and confident way forward.

True Success: Helping Others Succeed First

When asked how to achieve success, many offer various strategies. Yet the teacher teaches a counter-intuitive philosophy: to succeed, you must first help others succeed. This holds true on two levels: cause and effect, and ethics. We do not compete ruthlessly, scheme, or create karmic debts. We leave behind only smiles, gratitude, and love.

"Seek success without causing division or conflict... Leave behind a trail of fragrance, love, gratitude, remembrance, and hope."

There is a common story: three Vietnamese people fall into a pit and pull each other down, resulting in death. Three Japanese people lift each other up and save one another. The teacher uses this analogy to remind us not to fear others being better than us. Support one another, because the success of others becomes your own success.

Live to Serve – Heaven and Buddha Will Care for Your Life

The teacher shared his dream of opening a charitable vegetarian restaurant. Although funds were not yet available, the temple distributed over eighteen thousand free meal boxes during a single festival day. Rice never ran out, except for one difficult year when supplies were stolen. This was not due to calculation, but to a sincere heart. When we hold the vow to serve, the universe arranges things accordingly.

"Just help others, and heaven and Buddha will take care of your lives. Do you believe this? ... If you live according to the Buddha's teachings, the Buddha will look after you."

Do not worry about your future. Focus on helping others, and cause and effect will naturally follow. It may come quickly or slowly, but it will surely arrive.

The Spirit of Service Is an Unstealable Value

In a meeting, a Vietnamese entrepreneur stated that he did not want his children to be academically brilliant, but simply moral. The teacher praised this view, saying: "Whether speaking lowly or highly, any act of service is wonderful." Whether you are a leader or a follower, true value lies in the spirit of service. Positions are illusions, but the spirit of service resides in the heart, where no one can steal it.

"That spirit of service is the real value. No matter what position you hold, what matters is the spirit of service, not the title."

Live with a heart dedicated to service. Do not chase status, fame, or money. Focus on living according to the Buddha's teachings, and results will come naturally.

Sow Causes of Unity to Avoid Lonely Old Age

The teacher mentioned the greatest fear: loneliness in old age. If we continue to divide and compete, we reap the fruit of isolation. But if we sow causes of unity and mutual support, our later years will be filled with warmth, closeness, and happiness. Loneliness extends beyond this life through the law of cause and effect.

"If you sow the causes of unity and love, until the end of your life, even when you are old, you will be surrounded by joy and happiness, never falling into lonely old age."

Social media may offer hundreds of virtual friends, but none will pour water for you when you are sick. True friends are those whom we have helped. Sow causes of unity today to reap joy tomorrow.

Venerable Thich Chan Quang does not teach us how to get rich or climb high positions. He teaches a simple yet profound principle: live to serve, and help others succeed first. When we do this with a sincere heart, without expectation, cause and effect will guide us to the shore of happiness. Start today: look around and see who wants to start a business, launch a venture, or find a job—find ways to help them. Do not worry about yourself, for heaven and Buddha will provide. You will see that life becomes a journey full of joy.