Wrong Beliefs Can Destroy Your Life – How to Recognize and Correct Them

Belief is the power that directs our life. But if belief is wrong, it can push us into suffering (dukkha). Let us learn how to verify and build correct faith. Are you believing in something without any verification?

Imagine a person driving on the road, but the compass in their car is misaligned. No matter how fast they drive or how hard they try, they only move further away from their destination. Our lives are similar; belief is that compass. If belief is wrong, all our efforts become meaningless, even causing suffering for ourselves and others.

In his dharma talk, Venerable Thich Chan Quang posed a profound question: "What is belief?" The answer is not just accepting something, but also having affection attached to it. When we believe in ghosts, we do not merely accept their existence; we feel fear. That belief becomes a motivation, directing our actions.

Correct belief is boundless strength; wrong belief is an endless abyss.

The Venerable cited young people during wartime who believed in the ideal of independence for their homeland. They were ready to sacrifice their youth and their lives. This belief became extraordinary strength, helping them overcome all hardships. Conversely, if belief is wrong, such as sacrificing humans to gods to pray for rain, an entire civilization could be erased.

"When we choose a correct belief, we have correct motivation, a correct direction, and the strength to devote our whole life to that belief will lead our life to a noble, good, peaceful place."

This teaching reminds us that having belief alone is not enough; it must be correct belief. A wrong belief not only leads us astray but can also result in cruel actions, causing pain for countless beings.

Two dangerous extremes: having no belief and having blind belief.

According to the Venerable, there are two great disasters in life: one is having no belief at all, and the other is having belief but being mistaken. People without belief often live emptily and meaninglessly, caring only for themselves, lacking ideals and compassion. They are like "ghosts" wandering through life. Those with wrong beliefs are even more dangerous because they may commit atrocities while thinking they are doing right.

"There are two disasters in this life. One is that you have no belief at all. Two is that you have strong belief, but it is misguided."

We need to examine ourselves: Do we have belief? Is that belief correct? If it is not yet correct, let us bravely amend it. Do not let blindness guide your life.

Even scriptures can be incorrect – be a Buddhist with wisdom.

A notable point in the lecture was when the Venerable shared his discovery of sutras not spoken by the Buddha. He recounted that when he first ordained, he absolutely believed in all sutras. However, upon careful study, he found contradictions and illogical parts. Thanks to his mathematical mindset, he asked questions and gradually realized that not every sutra is the word of the Buddha.

"This happens even within Buddhism. There are truly sutras not spoken by the Buddha that have become the belief of many people over thousands of years."

This does not mean we discard the scriptures, but rather that we must possess wisdom and verification, avoiding blind faith in anything, whether books or teachings from anyone. The Buddha taught: "Be a lamp unto yourself." We must illuminate our own wisdom and examine things ourselves.

The responsibility of a Buddhist: sharing correct belief with others.

Once we have attained correct belief, we need to share it with those around us. The Venerable emphasized that we must help those without belief find a reason to live, and help those with wrong beliefs to correct them. To do this, we must possess sufficient virtue, wisdom, and ethics.

"I will return to this issue later. But now, I urge you Buddhists with a new mission, a new responsibility in this life. Look around you; for those who lack belief, give them a belief to live by, so they have the strength to survive."

Start with yourself, cultivating ethics and wisdom, then you can help others. This is the path a true Buddhist must walk.

Let us ignite genuine belief in our hearts.

This life is short; do not let wrong beliefs lead us into darkness. Take time to reflect on yourself, deeply understanding the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) with wisdom and verification. When we have correct belief, we will have a peaceful, happy life and can spread that goodness to everyone.

Remember the Venerable’s teaching: "Correct belief is the motivation that brings us to the shore of peace." Therefore, starting now, build a solid belief based on wisdom and compassion. This is the most precious gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.