We Live in the Unknown: A Lesson of Awakening Amidst Life’s Flow

Have you ever asked yourself what will happen to you in the next five minutes? We can plan for an entire year, yet the very next moment remains a mystery. Venerable Thich Chan Quang began his dharma talk with this question, causing listeners to suddenly realize they are living in a world full of uncertainty. He said:

We only guess about the future; we have never truly known for certain what will happen in our lives.

This not-knowing—ignorance—is the root of all anxiety and suffering (dukkha). Yet, it is also the opportunity for us to learn humility.

Knowledge Is Not True Understanding

We often take pride in our degrees, in what we read in newspapers or on social media, or in stories shared over coffee. But that is merely knowledge. Venerable Chan Quang clarified:

What we know is just a drop of water. What we do not know is the entire ocean.

Even Newton, who discovered the great laws of the universe, admitted he knew only a drop. Therefore, let no one boast about knowing much. When we think we know a lot, we close ourselves off. The path of learning only opens when we recognize our own smallness.

The Human Heart – An Unpredictable Mystery

Every day we meet many people, smiling warmly at them. But do we understand their souls? Our ancestors taught us: "You can paint the skin of a tiger but not its bones; you can know a person’s face but not their heart."

Venerable Chan Quang explained that humans have a chronic tendency to hide their faults and display their virtues. Thus, everyone appears kind, but behind a smile may lie calculations, pain, or even betrayal. Living in the world without understanding the human heart requires mindfulness. Do not be disappointed when someone reveals their darker side. That is the nature of sentient beings.

Karma – What We Do Not See

Each of us wants to know the future, but past lives, future lives, and the karma of ourselves and others are beyond our comprehension. The teacher gave an example: a person who goes to the temple daily to chant sutras might assume their next life will surely be peaceful. However, unknowingly, we may sow negative causes.

Every thought that arises in the mind becomes part of cause and effect (karmic law).

Thoughts of irritation, silent curses, judgments born of contempt—all these create karmic results. Therefore, do not be complacent about yourself. Simply strive to practice sincerely, focus on doing good, and trust that cause and effect (karmic law) is the fair operating principle of the universe.

The Invisible World Around Us

There is a world invisible to the naked eye: the realm of spirits, ghosts, and also devas and bodhisattvas. Venerable Chan Quang shared, "Ghosts are everywhere." The spirit world is always present, influencing our lives daily, though we remain unaware. If we understood this, we would know how to resolve conflicts, perform rituals for the departed, and live more correctly.

On the other hand, devas and bodhisattvas arrange favorable conditions (dependent origination) for us. The teacher said:

Devas chose you; they called you to attend this dharma talk today. You should be happy that you were chosen by the devas.

When we take refuge in the Three Jewels, we connect with the devas. No action, not even a blink, escapes their observation. Therefore, live as if you are standing before the Buddhas and the devas.

Humility Is the Path

All these teachings offer a profound lesson: never think you know too much. The teacher emphasized:

Anyone who feels they know a lot has committed the first error, the first mistake, the first act of foolishness.

A wise person recognizes their own blindness. By living with a humble mind, moving slowly, and maintaining awareness, we will see a bright path open up. This is how we walk through life without stumbling.

Walk Through Ignorance With Light

Life is impermanence (anicca); it consists of unknowns. But there is one thing we can fully trust: when we turn toward goodness, when we acknowledge that we do not know, we will be guided by the Buddhas and the devas. Live with gratitude, generosity, and sincerity. Each breath is a gift, and each moment is an opportunity to sow good causes.

Begin right now, from this very second. Ask yourself: "What do I truly know?" Then, place your hand on your chest, smile, and continue walking in faith.