Why Do Those with Blessings Harness So Much Energy?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to glide through life effortlessly, while others struggle endlessly? Venerable Thich Chan Quang offers a surprising answer: everything is connected to energy and blessings from merit.

The first form of energy we possess is physical strength. Yet, this power does not arise spontaneously. It comes from food and air, which themselves depend on the earth, water, and sunlight. Therefore, there is never such a thing as independent energy. Each healthy person is essentially borrowing energy from heaven and earth. As the teacher explains, there must always be a correlation between human energy and the energy of nature.

As humanity evolved, we learned to harness external forces. In ancient times, people utilized flowing water for mills, wind for sails, wood for cooking, and the sun for drying crops. They also relied on the strength of animals like oxen and horses. Notably, the teacher highlights the energy of other people. Those with great blessings can hire others to work for them, while those with fewer blessings must labor for others to repay debts. This marks the beginning of disparity in human fortune.

The teacher affirms that the more blessings one has, the more energy one can utilize. Increased merit leads to greater wisdom, which drives technological invention. Through this process, humans have learned to exploit coal, oil, hydroelectricity, and solar power. Today, machines do not just replace our limbs; they even think for us. Mobile phones allow us to express what our hearts wish to say. All of this is possible thanks to energy, but ultimately, it is sustained by blessings from merit.

Energy itself is neither good nor bad; it is the mind that decides its impact. Consider the tragedy of September eleventh. The airplanes were filled with fuel, and that very energy destroyed two towers because it fell into the hands of evil-doers. Conversely, when energy is used by virtuous people, it spreads the Dharma and brings happiness. If malicious individuals wield power, that same energy will devastate lives without mercy. Thus, the moral quality of the outcome depends entirely on the intention behind the action.

During the recent Mid-Autumn Festival, we saw adults rejoicing with children, and many gathered at temples. Venerable Thich Chan Quang noted that when we share joy, it multiplies greatly. Similarly, our energy expands exponentially when we use it for good deeds, for the common benefit, and to cultivate merit for all beings. Let us begin today by using our health to perform kind acts, directing our resources toward the temple, and sharing wisdom through teachings. This is how we nurture blessings so that our energy becomes increasingly complete and fulfilling.