Burden or Refuge

In the bustling atmosphere of Vu Lan, thousands of Buddhists filled the main hall. Sweat soaked their robes, yet every face glowed with joy. The sound of bells rang out, mingling with the scent of incense. Venerable Thich Chan Quang sat upon the dharma seat. His gentle gaze swept over the assembly before he paused and smiled warmly.

He asked if everyone had eaten enough, expressing concern for those who might have arrived late and missed a meal. He instructed his disciples to serve anyone still hungry. These warm words instantly dispelled the fatigue in the room. Then, the teacher slowly entered the main topic with a question that silenced the entire hall.

He asked how others perceive us when they see us. Some look away indifferently. Others frown and turn their faces aside. Some smile and nod in greeting. Yet others rush forward with joyful shouts. This reaction reveals the destiny of our lives.

The teacher paused, letting each word sink into the hearts of the listeners. His voice dropped as he continued. People feel happy seeing us for two reasons. Either we appear as a burden to others, or we become a refuge, a source of help and support for them.

He looked around, inviting everyone to reflect on themselves. In childhood, we are a burden to our parents. We lack autonomy and cannot do anything alone. Parents must nurse and carry us. In old age and illness, we again become a burden to our loved ones. The beginning and end of life are identical, experienced by all. However, human value lies in the middle period. If we possess health, wisdom, and knowledge but remain a burden, our existence is unfortunate.

The teacher raised his hand, emphasizing each word. Why do we become a burden? Because we lack something. Why do we become a refuge? Because we have abundance. What do we lack? What do we have in excess?

He told a story about a hunting party from long ago. Everyone carried bows, arrows, food, and water. Suddenly, one man tripped over a rock and fell onto a sharp stake that pierced his thigh. Deep in the forest, he could not walk. The whole group had to stop. They divided tasks to carry and care for him. One injured person required two or three others to tend to him. This was a lack of health turning someone into a burden.

Conversely, if we have health, we become a refuge. People ask for help: "Please climb up and pick a coconut." We do it immediately. "The roof beam is breaking." We climb up to fix it. "The road is damaged." We fill it with earth and stones so others can pass. With abundant health and a willing heart, we become a refuge.

He cited an example from a news report about a family. The father suffered from mental illness, the mother had cancer, and the child was paralyzed. Only the frail grandmother remained to care for them all. The burden crushed her shoulders until she could no longer bear it. The responsibility spread to the community, neighbors, and local authorities. Instead of being productive members contributing to society, they became a societal burden.

The teacher moved to the lack of knowledge. Without knowledge, we understand nothing and accomplish nothing. Buying a gas cylinder without knowing how to use it leads to leaks. Lighting a fire causes an explosion that destroys the house. Our ignorance becomes a burden. A welder repairing a fence failed to observe his surroundings. Sparks ignited flammable materials nearby, burning down a building and killing dozens. This tragedy stemmed solely from a lack of knowledge and caution.

In contrast, wise people are refuges. When a child has a high fever, turns blue, and convulses, a wise person recognizes meningitis immediately. They administer medicine and rush the child to the hospital, saving a life. An ignorant person might burn incense and pour ash into the mouth, leading to death. Lack of knowledge is a heavy burden.

He emphasized the third deficiency: morality. Without ethics, we become a burden. A father worries when his son asks to visit neighbors, fearing fights and insults that will bring trouble home. But if the son has good character, the father feels at ease. He knows his son will offer bananas or mangoes to the neighbor and speak pleasing words.

He shared a story about a moral father. His son was arrested for hitting a friend. Visiting the jail, the father learned his son defended a bullied peer and accidentally caused injury. The father did not blindly defend his son. He visited the victim’s family, apologized, and paid for medical expenses. This ethical father became a refuge for the village. People sought his judgment in disputes and land conflicts. His advice brought harmony, even among brothers dividing property.

The teacher concluded with four essential qualities: health, knowledge, morality, and merit. Lacking any one of these makes us a burden. Having abundance in all four makes us a refuge.

He discussed merit through the example of lacking money. Poverty indicates a lack of merit. We must borrow. There are three sources. First, friends who love us lend easily. Second, banks require collateral and creditworthiness. Third, predatory lenders advertise "no collateral needed." They deliver cash quickly with smiles. But later, we sell our homes and land, enslaving our families, yet still cannot repay. Failure to pay leads to brutal violence. Seeing such tempting signs, close your eyes and walk away.

He explained debt and repayment methods. Borrowing requires repayment. There are three ways to settle karmic debts. First, return as a wealthy person to repay past debts. Second, return as a poor person to endure hardship. Third, return as an animal to serve.

Love in this world is often just unpaid debt. Caring for someone means owing them. Spouses love each other because they are bound by deep karmic ties. Sometimes, a wife forces her husband to abandon the temple despite knowing the Dharma's value. This shows the weight of their mutual debt.

He told of an old man who rescued an abandoned baby. As the child grew, the old man became ill. The young person loved him deeply due to past-life debts. Poor and struggling, the youth sold lottery tickets and begged under bridges to care for the elder. Repaying debt in poverty is extremely painful.

Regarding repayment as animals, moderate debts lead to serving as oxen or dogs. Heavy debts require payment with flesh and bone. Owners slaughter animals for meat, unknowingly collecting ancient karmic dues. They eat naturally, believing they are reclaiming what is owed.

The teacher reiterated the need to cultivate four things fully. For health, practice exercise, eat moderately, and avoid alcohol or drugs. For knowledge, study continuously, read books, and update daily. A little knowledge can save a life. A child scratched by barbed wire might die from tetanus if treated with saliva. A knowledgeable person disinfects, bandages, and seeks vaccination. For morality, cultivate virtue lifelong. It is never enough. Returning to the temple replenishes spiritual energy. Being among crowds focused on the Buddha creates a powerful ripple effect.

His voice filled with compassion as he concluded. Do not let these four things be lacking. Lack creates burdens; burdens create debts; debts must be repaid. Strive for abundance in health, knowledge, morality, and merit. Become a true refuge for others and for this world.

The Meaning of the Story

The lesson conveyed is that every person faces two choices: becoming a burden or a refuge for others. We must fully develop health, knowledge, morality, and merit. Lacking any one causes suffering for our families and communities. Conversely, cultivating these qualities through learning, practice, and generosity transforms us into sources of joy and stability. Our lives then overflow with love and happiness.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang