Excess and Deficiency: The Lesson of Moderation in Life
In whatever we do, we often fall into two extremes: doing too much or not enough. Venerable Thich Chan Quang’s teaching reveals that only by finding the middle way can we achieve complete results and live in peace. Have you ever wondered why, despite pouring all our heart and energy into something, the outcome is not as we hoped? Sometimes we overdo it, and other times we fall short. In the dharma talk titled "Excess and Deficiency," Venerable Thich Chan Quang offers a very ordinary example. When infected with bacteria, a doctor prescribes antibiotics for three days. Taking them for exactly three days is the correct dosage. However, if fear drives us to take them for six days, our body suffers harm. Conversely, if we stop early once the fever breaks, the bacteria may become resistant, endangering both ourselves and the community.
Excess and deficiency represent the two poles of imbalance. Excess means going beyond what is necessary, while deficiency means falling short of what is needed. Both prevent our actions from yielding good results. Consider the distance when meeting an acquaintance. Standing too close makes the other person uncomfortable, while standing too far makes the conversation feel cold and distant. Even a slight difference creates a significant impact. As the teacher explains, excess is having more than what is necessary, whereas deficiency is lacking what is required. We often slip into these extremes without realizing it. People say that being overly good can turn harmful, which refers to excess. Meanwhile, carelessness and superficiality are forms of deficiency. Therefore, the key is knowing where to stop, doing just enough so that everything becomes complete.
In raising children, parents are often torn between love and discipline. If they indulge their children too much, the children may become spoiled and stubborn. But if parents are always stern, the children lose trust in them and might even run away from home. What is needed is a balance that adapts to time and place. When children behave well, show strong affection; when they misbehave, be firm. This reflects the wisdom of parenthood. There is no rigid formula for everyone. Instead, there is skillful flexibility in each situation. This principle applies not only to parents but to all relationships in life.
In spiritual practice, avoid becoming excessively devout. It is precious for Buddhists to have deep faith, but moderation is essential. If one focuses solely on the temple and the monks while neglecting family and society, it causes trouble. On the other hand, if one is too lax about visiting the temple, their spiritual heart will decline. A wise person nurtures their devotion within appropriate limits, advancing on the path while fulfilling worldly duties. A Buddhist must have enthusiasm for protecting the Dharma. This is correct and necessary, but it should not become extreme. One still has responsibilities toward family and society. In Buddhism, there is no coercion. People come to the temple out of self-awareness and because they find the teachings beautiful. Thus, we must keep our minds clear, ensuring that devotion does not turn into extremism.
Venerable Chan Quang also points out that appropriate educational methods vary according to each person’s level. Some individuals need only gentle advice to correct themselves. Others require stern reminders, scolding, or even physical discipline. Some cases may need legal intervention, while others respond only to different forms of deterrence. Do not assume that a single educational method works effectively for everyone. Each of us is an educator, at least in guiding our children, relatives, or ourselves. Understanding this prevents rigidity in our behavior. We learn to adapt our approach based on the person and the moment.
Let us live fully through the Middle Way. Excess and deficiency are attitudes we easily fall into, whether in eating, working, behaving, or practicing. Yet, with wisdom, we perceive the right measure in every circumstance. As the teacher says, discussing excess and deficiency is essentially discussing the Middle Way. Practice moderation in every gesture, word, and thought. Do not go too far, and do not stop too soon. Living peacefully is not about seeking any extreme, but about maintaining harmony within the Middle Way. This is truly the path of wisdom and bliss.
AI-assisted translation from the Vietnamese original.
Read in Vietnamese →