The Presidential Decree of a Future Leader

In the gentle spring sunlight filtering through lush green leaves, Venerable Thich Chan Quang posed a challenging question to the assembly during an early-year dharma talk: "If you dreamed of becoming President, what decree would you sign?" This inquiry was not meant to stir ambitions for power, but to explore the depth of each person's mind/heart and vision. While many might dream of constructing skyscrapers or achieving rapid economic growth, there exists another kind of aspiration—more subtle and grander—born from boundless compassion.

Imagine an ordinary person who has never engaged in politics nor studied state leadership. Yet, their mind/heart is constantly troubled by concern for future generations. They see children growing up without moral foundations, easily falling into violence, deceit, and selfishness. From this arises a powerful wish: "I hope I have the authority to sign a decree requiring all schools nationwide to teach the law of cause and effect (karmic law)."

This person does not desire power to satisfy the ego, but to protect the purity of young souls. From the perspective of cause and effect (karmic law), this wish is an immense seed. Even if in this life they remain a minor civil servant, an ordinary teacher, or never approach the threshold of power, the seeds of altruism and wisdom have been sown. The teacher explained that karmic law is not measured by the brief years of one human life, but by countless lifetimes. It may take ten, fifty, or even more lives, but surely, karma will eventually guide them to be reborn into a noble family or empower them to rise and assume national leadership.

When seated in that hot chair, amidst myriad political pressures, a special decree will be signed. Though they may forget past details, the flow of cause and effect (karmic law) will compel this action. The decree states: "All students must learn about cause and effect." What is the result? Children understand that boasting leads to poverty, killing leads to downfall, and loving kindness leads to happiness. They become careful in speech, humble in action, and filled with love. In such a society, would war, crime, and environmental destruction still exist?

This story contrasts sharply with other trivial dreams. For instance, upon reading news of a criminal, many hastily comment, "Shoot him dead!" Unaware that hatred and the desire for destruction are also causes, they risk being reborn in professions involving punishment, standing before execution grounds to shoot death row inmates, enduring lifelong horror and obsession. That is the price of misguided wishes. Conversely, dreams that bring awakening and morality to the community, however small they seem, lead to high status and the reverence of the people.

The Meaning of the Story

Dreams reflect the spiritual rank of a person. Selfish and hateful dreams lead to painful and lowly retribution. Altruistic dreams, aimed at common benefit and enlightenment, accumulate vast blessings from merit, guiding us to noble positions where we can realize goodness. Buddhism encourages us never to stop dreaming, but wisely choose noble aspirations that transcend the boundaries of death and the narrowness of current existence.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang