TITILE: Every Step Is a Lotus Flower: Living in the World Without Stepping into Mud

Have you ever wondered how to walk lightly through this busy life, as if stepping upon lotus flowers? In his dharma talk during the Vu Lan season at Phat Quang Pagoda, Venerable Thich Chan Quang offered a simple yet profound answer: "Every step we take is a blooming lotus." Yet, keeping these lotuses in perpetual bloom is not an easy task.

The Path of Life and the Path of Dharma: Parallel or Opposing?

We often assume that practitioners must leave the world behind. However, Venerable Chan Quang points out that in the beginning stages, the path of life and the path of Dharma run parallel. Laypeople live within their families while simultaneously practicing the teachings. Life does not oppose the Dharma; rather, the Dharma serves as the guiding light.

"The Dharma is the light that illuminates our journey through life. It guides us along the road of existence."

Eventually, however, there comes a decisive turning point where the path of Dharma diverges, inviting us to fully embrace monastic life. Before that moment arrives, we walk both paths, but we must do so without getting stained by the mud.

Every Step a Lotus, Every Action a Bloom

The image of a lotus growing from muddy water is truly beautiful. The teacher uses this metaphor: life is a swamp, while the wisdom of the Buddha's teachings acts as the lotus supporting our feet. If we live without the Dharma, our days are filled with greed, competition, and jealousy—steps taken directly into the mud. With the Buddha's teachings, we learn to love and open our hearts to practice, so every step becomes a blooming lotus.

"Wherever a foot lands on a lotus, ultimately, when we leave this body, we depart for the realm of the Buddhas."

But lotuses do not bloom forever on their own. They can vanish if we cease practicing or practice incorrectly.

Correct First Step, Incorrect Second Step

The teacher offers many examples where the first step is right, but the second goes astray. This is a trap into which many people fall.

Not being greedy for money is correct, but throwing it away irrationally when it comes to hand is wrong. The right action is to use wealth for generosity, making offerings, and benefiting both the world and the Dharma.

Remaining free of hatred when insulted is correct, but allowing others to continue insulting us without trying to help them is wrong. We must find ways to transform them and guide them toward the Buddha's teachings.

Feeling weary of the noisy world and seeking retreat is correct, but severing all good connections with sentient beings is wrong. Close relationships are precious assets for bringing others to liberation.

Strictly observing the precepts of monastic life is correct, but becoming difficult or critical of others because of those precepts is wrong. Humility is required; we must not let discipline turn into rigid attachment.

Each example reminds us that correctness cannot stop at one step; it must continue into the next.

Keeping the Lotus from Withering

The only way to maintain the lotus is through constant mindfulness and humility. The teacher emphasizes: do not let merit give rise to pride. Bringing others to the temple is a great lotus, but if you boast about being a "great disciple," the lotus instantly disappears. Always remember:

"Do not let the lotus fade. Keep your heart humble so that lotuses may continue to bloom with every step you take."

Consider the temple your home. Return there to practice when you have time, know how to make offerings, and above all, bring the Buddha's teachings to everyone. This is how we walk among blooming lotuses in the midst of life.

Every Step an Opportunity to Become a Lotus

Life is inherently muddy, but it is precisely within this mud that the lotus reveals its beauty. You do not need to leave the world to practice. Simply ensure that every action is right, every word is filled with compassion, and every thought is pure. Step by step, you will walk upon lotus flowers, and when you leave this body, you will return to the realm where lotuses bloom eternally.