Revering the Buddha with Wisdom: The First Step on the Path to Enlightenment

**Summary:** Revering the Buddha is not done through emotion alone, but through wisdom – listening to and absorbing the teachings to open our spiritual hearts and protect the Dharma.

Have you ever wondered: Why does even the United Nations designate the Buddha's birthday as a World Day of Culture and Religion? What is it about His character and wisdom that has moved millions of people across so many centuries? During this Vesak season, let us listen to the dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang to understand more deeply the profound meaning of revering the Buddha with wisdom.

**Vesak – A Shared Joy for Humanity**

Venerable Thích Chân Quang began the dharma talk with the joy of the Vesak season. He reminded us that Buddhism has three most sacred days of the year: Vesak, the Ullambana Festival, and the Celebration of the Buddha's Enlightenment. Especially, the Enlightenment Celebration is unique to Buddhism, as no other religion has a founder who attained enlightenment. It is precisely because the Buddha's teachings and character are so sublime that the United Nations chose His birthday as a World Day of Culture and Religion.

Clearly, the teachings, doctrines, and scriptures left by the Buddha provide a foundation for building a world with the finest culture, incomparable to any other school of thought.

Therefore, how fortunate we are to be His disciples. During the Vesak week, let us celebrate with solemnity and heartfelt gratitude.

**Revering the Buddha – The Foundation of Merit**

The Venerable emphasized that revering the Buddha is the first foundation of the merit gained through practice. If we do not yet revere the Buddha, our spiritual heart remains closed, and we cannot progress in practice or gain blessings. But when our hearts swell with sincere reverence, our spiritual heart begins to open, and life suddenly changes – we become luckier, face fewer misfortunes, and our minds become more peaceful and joyful.

Only when we, each time we bow to the Buddha or think of Him, are filled with such heartfelt emotion and reverence has our spiritual heart truly begun to open.

Thus, this reverence for the Buddha is the key that opens the door to spiritual enlightenment. One who does not have this reverence cannot advance in practice, nor will life be fortunate. This is a profound reminder for us to start with the simplest things: each day, bow to the Buddha with a whole heart full of love and respect.

**Reverence Protects the Dharma**

Not only is it a source of personal merit, this reverence for the Buddha is also essential for building and protecting the Dharma. The Venerable warned that if followers lack a heartfelt reverence for their founder, their religion will decline. Evil forces seeking to destroy the Dharma often try to defame the Buddha and eminent monks.

If a follower does not have deep, heartfelt reverence for their founder, that religion will decline.

We must hold firm to our principles, not letting gossip or criticism shake our faith. When faced with misfortune, we understand it is karma to be repaid, and through the Buddha's teachings, we remain calm and persevere. At the same time, we must guard against destructive plots from outside, especially slander against genuine monastics. Everyone should protect the reverence for the Three Jewels in their hearts, for that is also protecting the Dharma itself.

**The Main Gateway to the Path: Hearing and Understanding the Dharma**

Among the reasons to revere the Buddha, the most important is that we have heard His teachings, which are so profound and wonderful. The Venerable cited how during the Buddha's time, many people traveled far and wide seeking knowledge. Upon meeting the Buddha and hearing His teachings, they recognized the truth and bowed to take refuge.

People came to the Buddha and revered Him precisely because they heard the Dharma. This is the most important factor in our reverence for the Buddha. For while the Buddha's noble appearance was perfect and His character flawless, these things can sometimes be imitated. But the teachings themselves cannot be falsified.

Therefore, hearing the Dharma and understanding it is the most authentic path to building reverence for the Buddha. When we hear about cause and effect, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path, we find them satisfying and reasonable, and our hearts open. This is the main gateway to entering the Path.

**Understanding Cause and Effect to Have Right View**

The Venerable also reminded us about understanding cause and effect correctly. Many believe that merely chanting sutras creates merit, but in truth, merit comes from actions, from helping society and people. He used the image of ancient bridges built with public funds to illustrate the fruit of generosity.

Merit comes from action, from spending effort, resources, and time to help people and benefit the world. Only then does merit arise.

If we do not understand cause and effect thoroughly, we may fall into wrong view. For example, ordaining without sufficient merit will actually diminish merit rather than accumulate it. To be able to ordain in the future, one must first revere monastics and live at home practicing like a monastic. Correct understanding of cause and effect is the foundation of right view, ensuring our practice does not go astray.

According to the Venerable, revering the Buddha with wisdom is not only a spiritual act but also a way we contribute to beautifying the world. In this Vesak season, let us dedicate time to listening to the Dharma, practicing, and bringing the joy of Vesak to those who do not yet know it. Simply by helping one person learn of the Buddha's teachings, you plant a seed of immense merit. Start today, with wisdom and heartfelt reverence.