Strength and Righteousness: Lessons from Tripitaka and Sun Wukong

Have you ever found a bag of money on the street? The feeling of scarcity and the desire to keep it can be very strong. Yet, something compelled you to take it to the police station. That is righteousness – an invisible force that can overcome all temptations. In this New Year’s dharma talk, Venerable Thich Chan Quang pointed out that righteousness and strength are two doors that must open together, so that goodness does not remain only in the heart but spreads throughout life.

## What is Righteousness – The Seed of Goodness in the Mind

According to the Venerable, righteousness consists of good deeds, moral principles, and ethics that help us avoid evil and nurture a holy life. It is the teaching that "good people meet with good fortune," such as returning lost property or standing between two arguing people to advise one against arrogance and the other against resentment.

"Righteousness means moral principle, ethics, and goodness. It helps us avoid evil actions, perform good deeds, and makes our soul and daily life increasingly holy."

Righteousness is simple, yet it is the foundation for a peaceful life. If everyone carried this seed within them, society would see far less discord and conflict.

## Righteousness Has Its Own Power – A Measure of Inner Peace

Venerable Chan Quang advises us not to blindly trust any doctrine, regardless of its source, if it causes our mind to feel unsettled. True righteousness has the power to transform the soul naturally, without requiring long-term practice. Simply accepting it into the mind allows it to begin working, making us feel more serene and gentle.

"We evaluate whether a moral principle or doctrine is correct by observing our own mind when we accept it. Do we become better? Without needing to meditate or bow to the Buddha, just hearing teachings on compassion and altruism can suddenly calm our mind, bringing peace and reducing anger."

This is a crucial measure: if after years of practice, you find yourself less angry, less selfish, and more at peace, then your path is correct. Conversely, if you feel anxious, angry, or proud, stop and reconsider what you are following.

## But Righteousness Needs Strength to Be Realized

A good intention is not enough if it remains only in the mind. After achieving enlightenment, the Buddha still spent forty-five years preaching the Dharma and sending his disciples out into the world. Had He remained silent, truth would not have existed on this earth.

"The Buddha had to preach. Once enlightened, if He had stayed silent, would there have been light or truth in this world? He worked hard for forty-five years, speaking and sending accomplished disciples everywhere. One voice was not enough; many voices were needed."

Therefore, each of us must organize, contribute effort, and resolve to carry out great good deeds. Do not stay silent or stand by watching, because righteousness requires action to become reality.

## And We Need Strength to Protect It – The Story of the Dharma Protectors

In temples, beside the compassionate Buddha stands the statue of a Dharma protector holding a sword, a fierce figure who dispels demons. Newcomers often wonder why a place of gentleness features such intimidating imagery. The Venerable explains that goodness needs protection.

"A temple is a gentle place, but where gentle people speak moral truths, there must also be protectors. It is like the state. Parliament creates good laws, but if someone violates them, police and security forces are needed to uphold order."

In daily life, some people destroy others' good work out of jealousy. Like two scientists researching together, one may sabotage the other’s project out of fear of being overshadowed. We must be those who know how to protect goodness, through speech and clear demonstration.

## Lessons from Journey to the West – When Righteousness and Strength Combine

Venerable Chan Quang uses the classic novel *Journey to the West* to illustrate every person’s journey toward truth. Tang Sanzang represents righteousness and morality, while Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing represent strength. Only by traveling together could they reach the Western Paradise.

"Could Tang Sanzang alone reach the West to retrieve the scriptures? No. One person symbolizes ideals and righteousness, while the others provide the strength to bring those ideals to their destination."

The same applies within our own minds. We possess the compassion of Tang Sanzang, but we also need the strength of Sun Wukong to endure pain during meditation and the willpower to encourage friends to do good. Do not let strength chase worldly desires; instead, transform it into a tool for protecting the Dharma.

## Warning – Misused Strength Becomes Destruction

The Venerable recalls the early spread of Islam through the sword – beheading those who refused to convert and forcing entire families to adopt the faith, turning regions into Islamic territories. Buddhism gradually disappeared in these areas because people could not withstand violence.

"They propagated their religion through violence, which was effective and decisive. Consequently, Buddhism faded away completely. People simply could not endure the killing."

The lesson is clear: do not misuse strength when it is not accompanied by righteousness. Strength is merely a tool; if used through force, it destroys the very values it claims to protect. Buddhists should not use violence, but rather employ the strength of skillfulness, wisdom, and love.

## Four Tasks for a Buddhist

First, seek moral principles so that righteousness falls into the mind.

Second, engage in long-term personal practice.

Third, help organize and support many others in their practice.

Fourth, defend moral principles when they are attacked.

By fulfilling these four tasks, we become like Tang Sanzang leading the way and Sun Wukong striving forward. The path of today’s Buddhist children requires both: a compassionate heart and steadfast strength, so that goodness lives not only in the mind but also changes the world.