How Can We Be Both Adaptable and Unchanging?

Through the teachings of Venerable Thich Chan Quang, we come to understand the true strength of Buddhism: holding firm to core principles such as cause and effect (karmic law) and compassion, while skillfully adapting forms to suit life. Have you ever wondered why the same sutra is chanted in a folk melody in one place and sung with Western music in another? Does Buddhism change with the times, or does it remain immovable like a mountain?

What belongs to the unchanging?

In Buddhism, there are things that must never be altered, even at the cost of one’s life. These include faith in the law of cause and effect (karmic law), belief in samsara (cycle of rebirth), the ideal of enlightenment and liberation, compassion, and the Four Noble Truths. These are the core values that define the character of a Buddhist practitioner.

Venerable Thich Chan Quang teaches that fundamental principles must be preserved, even if we have to sacrifice our physical bodies to keep them intact. A person who holds fast to faith in cause and effect (karmic law) will not dare to commit evil, knowing that every action bears fruit. One who maintains compassion will not incite hatred or despise anyone. This is an unshakable foundation.

Adaptability: Being flexible to connect with life

Alongside these constants, there are forms that can change so that Buddhism may reach all people. Examples include ritual ceremonies, robes, language, and music. When teaching dharma talks to lay followers, Venerable Thich Chan Quang uses modern language so that everyone can understand easily. He advises us to always speak in the language of those sitting before us.

We should not cling rigidly to external forms; what matters is having a mind aligned with the Buddha. Monks in the time of the Buddha wore simple robes, but when Buddhism reached China, their attire was adapted to local culture, keeping only a symbolic robe. This is adaptability.

Does being adaptable mean losing the unchanging essence?

No. True strength lies in holding firm to the core while remaining flexible in application. The teacher explains that enjoying quietude is good, but when it is necessary to go out for relief work or to teach others, we must still enter noisy places. Although our inner nature is unchanging, sometimes we must adapt by entering chaotic environments to benefit sentient beings.

Thus, the unchanging aspect is the mind, while adaptability is found in action. Knowing how to keep oneself pure amidst a bustling life is like the ancient monks who cleared land and farmed with villagers, yet never forgot their practice of chanting sutras.

Practice adaptability and constancy today

In daily life, you can maintain your faith in cause and effect (karmic law) and compassion, while interacting flexibly with others. Meet people of different faiths with respect and joy. Go into noisy places while keeping your mind calm.

This is the Middle Way: neither rigid nor rootless. Let your mind be like water, taking the shape of the vessel while retaining its clear and pure nature.