The Flame of the Lamp

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, a chill still lingered in the air at the monastery. The lecture hall was packed with people, and as the bell’s resonance faded, Venerable Thich Chan Quang smiled warmly at the assembly. He greeted them, noting how touching it was to welcome fellow practitioners on this auspicious day. The bond of Dharma felt especially warm and inviting.

He paused briefly before speaking slowly about the theme for the new year: "Kế vãng khai lai." This phrase means continuing what has passed and opening the way for what is to come. It is the duty of every disciple of the Buddha. We stand between the old year and the new, reflecting on past joys and sorrows while anticipating the future. Some seek omens through fortune sticks, but here we use greeting cards with verses. When the mind is focused, these words often reveal important truths about our lives, not through superstition, but through the subtle workings of the heart.

We are inheritors of thousands of years of Buddhist history. Countless patriarchs have preserved and expanded the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) until today. Now, we must receive this legacy and open paths for future generations. Monastics must protect and develop the teachings, while laypeople should share them within their families, communities, and workplaces. Our actions determine whether the Dharma flourishes or fades.

Consider two examples from past lives. One person was a monk who did not actively teach others; consequently, they lost merit and only encountered the Dharma late in life. Another person was born into a devout family, learning to make offerings and practice meditation early on. This difference arises because sharing the teachings creates strong karmic conditions for encountering the Dharma again. If we wish to meet the teachings sooner in future lives, we must sow the seeds of transmission now.

The Buddha taught the concept of "transmitting the lamp and continuing the flame." Each of us holds a small flame of faith, lit by the Buddha, the patriarchs, and our teachers. We must pass this light to those who do not yet know it. Use the fire in your own heart to ignite the hearts of others. However, be careful not to use harmful methods; true transmission requires wisdom and compassion, not force or manipulation.

When you learn something valuable about cause and effect (karmic law) or compassion, do not keep it hidden. Share it with others. For instance, if you learn that clinging to credit leads to negative outcomes, gently remind your neighbor. Do not fear losing authority by sharing knowledge. Withholding teachings diminishes one’s own wisdom, while generous teaching causes understanding to flow naturally. As you give freely, new insights arise spontaneously, proving that merit grows when shared.

"Opening the way" also means accepting new perspectives from younger generations. If a junior student offers additional insights, listen with humility rather than pride. Refusing to learn from those who follow us creates obstacles and hinders the growth of the Sangha. Encourage juniors to take on responsibilities, allowing them to develop skills and confidence. By stepping back and letting others lead, we ensure the continuity and vitality of the teachings.

To preserve Buddhism, we must apply its principles to daily life so that they remain relevant. If listening to a dharma talk brings peace to your home and improves relationships with family members, the Dharma thrives. If it remains abstract and unused, it becomes marginalized. We must build a practice that brings joy and stability to everyone, regardless of age or background.

Venerable Thich Chan Quang recited a poem expressing gratitude for all seasons of life. He thanked the cold winters that prepare us for spring, and the aging process that teaches us to cherish youth. Every experience, whether joyful or painful, is a gift. We honor the beauty preserved by ancestors and open doors for the light brought by descendants. Life should be lived with gratitude and responsibility, acknowledging the debt we owe to those who came before and those who will follow.

This responsibility extends beyond religion to our nation and environment. We inherit beautiful cultural traditions, forests, resources, and peace won through struggle. We must clear the path for our children by restoring nature and preserving harmony. Without forests, the earth suffers; without care for the next generation, society declines.

Ultimately, each person should be a lamp. Receive the flame from the past, illuminate the present, and transmit it to the future. This is the essence of continuing what has passed and opening the way for what is to come.

The lesson of this story highlights the responsibility to inherit and propagate the Buddha's teachings. Every practitioner must connect with the past while paving the way for the future. By teaching openly, supporting younger generations, and applying the Dharma in everyday life, we ensure that the teachings endure and flourish.