Religion and Truth: Why Do We Need to Stay Alert Among Countless Sects?

This dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang helps us understand the role of spirituality in modern life, remain vigilant against deviant sects, and appreciate the importance of Buddhist truth.

Long ago, when human beings still lived in small tribes, belief arose as a way to explain human life and the universe. From that, religion became a companion, offering hope and moral guidance to people. Today, even though science has advanced so far, why do we still feel that something is missing? Why does spirituality remain a deep longing of modern humanity?

At the beginning of his talk on religion in the series "Buddhism and Social Issues," Venerable Thích Chân Quang posed questions that seem simple yet are profoundly deep. Let us listen and reflect together.

Religion — The Explanation of Ancient People

Venerable Chân Quang emphasized that people in the past relied on belief to understand the universe when science did not yet exist. Belief was not merely a system of explanation; it was also a moral foundation for how people lived together.

"Belief is like an explanation of human life and the universe, and it provides people with a way to treat one another, to live together in this life."

As science developed, it gradually took over religion's role of explaining the universe. Yet what is remarkable is that people never stop searching for answers to the things science has not yet reached.

Why Do People Still Crave Spirituality?

The Venerable pointed out that the human mind always seeks to reach the very end of what is unknown. Science has not been enough to satisfy people, so they continue to wander among the explanations offered by religion.

"The things that science has discovered in this life are not yet enough to satisfy people, so they continue to search for explanations within religion."

Not only that, human beings are creatures of hope. Everyone seeks a better future. Religion promises many things: that after death one may ascend to heaven, or that through cause and effect (karmic law) and samsara (cycle of rebirth) one will find eternal happiness. It is precisely this promise that draws many people to religion. But the Venerable also offers a warning: sometimes these are only false promises, and we pay for them with real money.

"Here, religion is often criticized for this very thing: we come to the faith, we offer real money, real Buddha, right? But what do we receive in return? We receive a promise."

How Is Buddhism Different From Other Religions?

The most profound difference of Buddhism is that it does not force children to follow the religion from a young age. The Venerable explained that other religions require infants to undergo initiation ceremonies, whereas Buddhism allows children to grow up and come to their own understanding. Even so, he advised us to "Buddhize the family" — helping our children turn toward the Buddha from a young age — not to compete for followers, but because of the truth itself.

"I affirm that Buddhism is the truth. I cannot bear to enjoy this truth myself without letting my children enjoy it as well."

Furthermore, Buddhism encourages moderation and family planning; it does not push people to have many children in order to expand its following. This is why the number of Buddhists is not as large as in other religions, but that is a purity we should treasure.

The Danger of Extremist Religions and Deviant Sects

The Venerable mentioned Islam's history of expansion through violence and the destruction of other religions, and warned Buddhists to stay alert. But what is even more troubling are the sects, where a single leader — the "sect head" — begins by speaking about morality, and once he has gathered many followers, transforms into a political force.

"In the beginning, when he founded the sect, he spoke about morality. But when he had too many followers, suddenly his mind changed, and he turned onto another path, leading people into fame, profit, and politics. This is what is truly frightening."

The Venerable also observed that admiration from others is the greatest test for those on the spiritual path. When we are praised, the mind of pride easily arises and leads us down the road of fame and profit. Therefore, we must always pray for the Buddha's protection and keep our mind from being governed by subtle arrogance.

Truth Is One — We Cannot Close Our Eyes and Follow Many Religions

The Venerable gave an example: two plus two equals four; it can never equal six. Truth is the same — there cannot be many versions. Although religions share some common ground, there are also differences that cannot be reconciled, such as the existence of a Creator. Buddhism teaches that the universe is formed through conditions (dependent origination), created by the wholesome and unwholesome karma of sentient beings. Other religions believe in a God who created everything. One side must be right; both cannot be right at once.

The Venerable also told a story: a mother who followed a goddess religion asked, "Who created the Buddha?" The Venerable answered firmly:

"The Buddha became the Buddha through his own merit of practice over countless lifetimes. To claim that some creator made the Buddha is an insolent statement."

Buddhists should remember this so that we have enough confidence when facing mistaken views. We do not need to chase after many religions. The truth is already present in Buddhism; we need only to delve into it deeply, develop it, and put it into practice.

Finally, the Venerable reminded us all: we practice not to be admired by many people, but for liberation and enlightenment. Let us stay alert, use wisdom to choose the right path, and always return to the wondrous truth of the Buddha.