Beasts, Humans, and Saints: Where Are You on the Spiritual Journey?

Have you ever wondered whether you are living like a beast, a human being, or a saint? It may sound strange, but in truth, all three parts exist within each of us. And depending on how we live, we lean toward one or the other. The dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang will help you look deeply at yourself.

Instinct: The Pre-installed Program of Beasts

Beasts live by instinct, like a program that has been pre-installed. They have no choice; they simply follow what has been wired into their brains. For example, a salmon is born in a river, then travels to the sea, but one day, a mysterious call urges it to swim back upstream to the very place of its birth to lay its eggs and die. No one can explain why. That is instinct.

"The instinct of beasts is like a program pre-installed in the brain, and the beast simply lives according to it. We cannot explain it."

We also carry instincts from the past, but fortunately, human beings have free will to rise above them.

Humans: Between Instinct and Education

Human beings are shaped by two factors: what we are born with and our environment of education. When we are born, we carry good and bad tendencies from previous lives. But thanks to our environment, we can change. A mischievous child born into a gentle family will gradually lose that mischievousness. Conversely, a good person placed in a bad environment can easily be influenced by it.

"The environment has an enormous influence. It is precisely because of this second factor that so many educators and so many wise sages have appeared in this world, hoping to transform it into one of goodness and holiness."

That is why we need to create a good environment for our children and grandchildren, so they can grow up with virtue.

Saints: Wisdom Governing the Mind/Heart

A saint is no longer controlled by instinct. They have wisdom that governs their mind/heart, clearly knowing right from wrong and always turning toward the good. Even a saint of the first fruit, the Stream-enterer, though not yet possessing supernatural powers, will never abandon goodness no matter the circumstances.

"When someone is called a saint, it means that person has wisdom that fully governs their own mind/heart, and is no longer driven by natural instinct."

Unlike ordinary people, saints do not indulge in pleasure. They live in pure goodness.

Indulgence: A Measure of Where You Are Heading

There is a clear standard for distinguishing the three types: if someone indulges in pleasure without limit, that person is heading toward the beast. If someone weighs things carefully and acts responsibly, that person is still human. If someone gives up indulgence in order to practice, that person is moving toward sainthood.

"Just look at how a person indulges, and you will know. That is where beasts, humans, and saints differ."

Try looking at yourself: when you invite someone out for fun, how do they respond? Do they jump right in, weigh it carefully, or decline in order to visit the temple?

Goodness and Wickedness: From Instinct to Pure Goodness

Beasts are gentle or fierce by instinct. Humans can change, but it is easy to go from good to bad, and very hard to go from bad to good. Saints, however, are purely good, having completely abandoned all evil.

"In human beings, wickedness changes easily. It is easy to change from good to bad, but to change from bad to good is very difficult."

So do not be complacent. Always stay vigilant and keep practicing to protect the goodness in your mind/heart.

The Law: When Morality Declines

When people lack morality, the law must intervene. But if everyone had morality, the law would become unnecessary. Live with self-awareness, without needing anyone to remind you.

"When people have no morality, laws must be created. But when people have morality, they no longer need laws."

Let each of us be an example of morality, creating a good environment for the community.

Life is a journey. Each day, we can choose to move toward the beast, the human, or the saint. Be awake, know how to weigh your choices, give up excessive indulgence, and always turn toward the good. Do not let instinct pull you along. Begin today, with something small: restrain one desire, do one good deed, or simply sit quietly and listen to your own mind/heart. You will find that true happiness lies not in indulgence, but in peace and wisdom.