Aspirations and Realization

In the cool air of early spring, the faint scent of incense mingled with the vibrant peach blossoms in the temple courtyard, while the lingering bell sounds seemed to awaken the human heart. Amidst this serene scene, the Master began his dharma talk titled "Aspirations and Realization."

The Master looked around, his kind gaze sweeping over hundreds of attentive faces. He spoke slowly about human dreams, from childhood to adulthood. He shared his own story: as a child sitting on a rooftop gazing at the mountains, he wished to build an airplane to fly from one hill to the next, but that dream remained just a dream. Later, he aspired to become a scientist to glorify his country, but then told himself he was "too stupid at studies" and gave up. It was not until meeting his root teacher, the Venerable Master, that a single phrase changed his life: "You will never be able to extinguish human greed." Those words poured like cold water over his young mind, making him realize that the dream of bringing happiness to everyone is an illusion without understanding the true nature of happiness. True happiness lies in morality, and the only way to bring morality to people is through the path of practice.

He continued recounting the wonders of entering the Buddhist path. The vows found in the sutras filled him with both reverence and astonishment. He emphasized the line: "May all sentient and non-sentient beings throughout the dharma realm together achieve the Buddha path." He explained that "sentient beings" are those with consciousness, like humans and animals, while "non-sentient beings" refer to grass, trees, rocks, and earth. This aspiration transcends all limits of ordinary thought. He spoke of the elephant king and the monkey king who served the Buddha during the three-month rains retreat in the forest. When the Buddha departed, He told the elephant: "I love you very much, but in this life, you cannot attain meditative concentration." Even though the elephant possessed a spiritual awareness surpassing humans, being reborn in an animal body made enlightenment impossible. Yet the aforementioned vow encompasses even non-sentient beings, leaving the listeners in profound awe.

However, amidst these grand aspirations, the Master paused, his voice lowering: "A scholar, after studying various religions, once said: 'Buddhism talks the most, and Buddhism also does nothing the most.'" The entire assembly fell silent. He recalled visiting a temple that was solemn and pure, yet the abbot lamented: "The people living closest to the temple are the temple's enemies." The neighbors constantly quarreled, children caused mischief, and once he even had to grab a stick to defend himself. The story made many laugh, but behind it lay a bitter truth: Buddhism holds aspirations so vast they encompass the entire universe, yet it cannot save the neighbor next door. The Master stressed that this is Buddhism's weakness—talking much but doing little.

He reminded everyone of a painful chapter in history: when Western missionaries came to spread their faith, they quickly gained many followers, to the point where some regions nearly completely converted to the new religion. Why? Because in the past, monks often stayed secluded within their temples, content with their own practice, and did not venture out to teach. Those who knew came; those who didn't, did not. Consequently, when someone arrived with a few words, people immediately followed. The Master stated: "That responsibility lies with Buddhism. It talks much but does nothing at all."

He also humorously reflected on himself: "I am someone who talks incessantly, talk too much frighteningly, but I do a little something." He shared stories of his disciples who often complained: "Following you is so tough!" He would just smile and reply: "Hang in there, it will be even tougher later!" But then he explained: following him meant "Buddhizing" one's family, "Buddhizing" one's neighborhood, making merit, sitting in meditation, paying respects to the Buddha—a whole range of activities. It was arduous, but after many years, they began to realize their lives had meaning. The meaning came not from what they understood or said, but from what they had managed to accomplish for the world.

He concluded with a heartfelt message: "Turn your aspirations into action. Do not just sit there and dream, but stand up and do." The dharma talk ended to resounding applause, yet the Master's words lingered in each person's mind, serving as a reminder of the necessity to fulfill the promises and vows we have made.

The Meaning of the Story

The profound lesson the Master wished to convey is that no matter how grand, an aspiration remains merely an aspiration if it is not translated into concrete action. Buddhism possesses magnificent vows, but if it only stops at talking and reciting sutras without doing anything to help the world and its people, it brings no real benefit. Begin with the smallest and nearest deeds, such as loving your neighbors and helping those around you, so that aspirations become not just words, but realized truth.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang