Small and Large: Do Not Lean to One Side on the Path of Practice

Have you ever wondered why some people diligently visit temples, recite sutras, and chant the Buddha’s name, yet their lives remain filled with suffering? Or why others perform great acts of merit but still lose everything? The answer may lie in how we perceive the "small" and the "large" in daily life and on the path of practice.

## The Difference Between the Small and the Large

In his dharma talk titled "The Difference – Small and Large," Venerable Thich Chan Quang opens a perspective that seems simple yet is profoundly deep. When we see the broad scope of the Dharma, that is the "large." When we observe only a narrow corner, that is the "small." He emphasizes that Buddhist practitioners must not be biased. We should not focus solely on the big picture while neglecting details, nor should we obsess over minor points while forgetting the greater cause.

He warns against thinking that caring for the grand vision or making great vows excuses us from attending to small details. Such an attitude is also a mistake. For example, when looking at the current state of Buddhism, a general view might suggest it is thriving, with many temples and a flood of published scriptures. However, stopping there leads to misjudgment. Within this apparent prosperity, there are many specific concerns that require attention.

## Prosperous Now, Weak in Each Small Corner

Venerable Thich Chan Quang notes that, broadly speaking, Buddhism is developing strongly. There are many practice centers, classes on doctrine, and devoted laypeople supporting the Sangha. Yet, when examining individuals closely, he sees that genuine spiritual practice remains scarce. Few people possess strong ideals for liberation, great compassion, diligent meditative concentration, or the ability to control their mind/heart moment by moment. This reality keeps him uneasy.

Within this prosperity, we must still recognize the small, individual aspects. He also mentions divisions among different schools and the fact that not all Buddhist academies teach well. If these small details are ignored, we become complacent and fail to find timely solutions.

## Evaluating a Person: Do Not Rush to Conclude Based on Few Actions

In daily life, we often judge people based on a few actions or brief attitudes. Venerable Thich Chan Quang warns that this is extremely erroneous. A person who was previously greedy or deceptive might encounter the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), develop affection for the path, go to the temple to bow and practice repentance, and serve diligently with remorse. We might quickly praise them as good. But four months later, greed resurfaces; they flatter teachers, take money, and disappear. Therefore, he teaches that we cannot evaluate a person based on one or two actions or a short period of time.

## A Small Mind: When Practice Unintentionally Destroys the Dharma

Another danger arises when our mind/heart is narrow and our aspirations are small. Even if we practice diligently, we may become selfish. If we seek liberation only for ourselves, abandoning all duties to enter solitary retreat, we risk harming the whole. He explains that attainment depends on merit. Without sufficient blessings from merit, enlightenment is impossible. If we are selfish and devote our entire lives to seeking personal awakening while ignoring the world, Buddhism may decline before we achieve anything.

Thinking only of one’s own liberation can unintentionally become a way of destroying the Dharma. Here, the "small" is not just trivial matters, but a contracted heart that cares only for oneself. This destroys Buddhism from within—a form of harm no less dangerous than external attacks.

## Seeing Your Own Faults: Three Levels of Practice

To avoid falling into a small-minded state, Venerable Thich Chan Quang teaches that the profound foundation of practice is seeing one’s own faults. He categorizes levels of practice as follows:

High level: Seeing faults while they are still hidden, before they arise. Medium level: Seeing faults as they begin to arise in the mind/heart. Low level: Only seeing faults after they have manifested in speech or attitude. Very poor level: Faults manifest in attitude, yet one remains unaware, requiring others to point them out. Worst level: Spending all day spying on others’ faults while remaining blind to one’s own.

He reminds us: "Regardless of what you practice, you must identify your own faults hour by hour, minute by minute." This is a deep reminder for practitioners not to worry excessively about large external issues, but to courageously face the small corners of their own minds. Only then do the "small" and the "large" truly merge.

## Conclusion: Living in Harmony Between Small and Large

Be careful not to lean to one side. Look at the whole to understand the greater cause, but also attend to each small detail in your practice. Do not rush to judge anyone based on a few actions, and do not consider personal liberation as the highest goal. An open heart, with great aspirations yet attentive to every moment—that is the path of a mature Buddhist. May we always remain mindful to see ourselves clearly, contributing peace and happiness to all beings.