Upon hearing the word “cultivation,” some may feel apprehensive, believing it to be an arduous and ascetic practice, attainable only by a select few with a special calling. This misconception has prevented many from pursuing self-improvement, and even those who have committed numerous wrongdoings fail to seek redemption. If they understood the broader meaning of cultivation – to eliminate negative traits, refine one’s character, and cultivate virtue, without necessarily enduring hardship – many more would dare to embark on this path. Even those with a tainted past, if they retain a shred of conscience, would eventually turn towards goodness and return to the righteous path.
Cultivation does not require shaving one’s head, donning robes, residing in a temple, chanting scriptures, or striking a wooden fish to count one’s merits. The true essence lies within the heart. As the proverb says: “First cultivate the market, then cultivate the mountain.” Cultivating at home while fulfilling one’s responsibilities can be even more meritorious than cultivating in the mountains. To maintain a steadfast heart amidst worldly distractions, untainted by impurities, is akin to a lotus flower blossoming pure and pristine from the mud. By cultivating at home, one can attend to both worldly and spiritual duties, engaging in work and livelihood like everyone else. However, unlike others who indulge in frivolous pursuits, gambling, or excessive drinking, leading to wasted resources and ill health, those who cultivate dedicate their free time to refining their virtues. They reflect on their daily actions, discerning right from wrong, and repenting for any transgressions to avoid repeating them. In moments of leisure, they cultivate tranquility, nourish their spirit, and contemplate Heaven and Buddha. With sincere contemplation, Heaven and Buddha will naturally guide them, for they reside within the heart, not in some distant realm.
While there are higher levels of cultivation that demand greater effort, those are for advanced practitioners. Cultivating at home and fulfilling one’s duties as a layperson and believer is attainable for anyone with a sincere heart.
A. THE IMMEDIATE BENEFITS OF CULTIVATION
Based on the ethical teachings of European philosophers, we can infer that they have explored morality with a clarity and thoroughness comparable to our own sages. Thus, even though Western civilization often leans towards materialism, it also values the spirit. However, when adopting Western civilization, many have only grasped its external forms (material aspects) without delving into its spiritual depths. Since the Vietnamese people embraced modernization and absorbed some aspects of Western material culture, the nation’s moral foundation seems to have tilted. Consequently, in their pursuit of happiness, many have become preoccupied with material comforts, neglecting their spiritual well-being. Some even focus solely on material pursuits, dismissing Heaven and Hell as fantasies and the soul as a fabrication. Therefore, upon hearing about practices like “gathering Qi and consolidating the spirit” or “laying the foundation and refining the body,” they scoff and label them as superstitious delusions. While respecting their freedom of thought, we can only lament their perspective.
Given this situation, we must clearly demonstrate the immediate and tangible benefits of cultivation, in a way that even those inclined towards materialism cannot refute. Moreover, the Way mandates vegetarianism, abstaining from harmful actions, and adhering to virtuous conduct. By upholding these principles, one will undoubtedly reap immediate benefits. Vegetarianism is economical and promotes physical health (*1). Avoiding sexual misconduct conserves energy, prevents venereal diseases, and reduces conflicts within families and society. Refraining from greed and theft avoids imprisonment and legal troubles. Avoiding alcohol and meat prevents mental and physical exhaustion. Honesty fosters trust and respect. Avoiding gambling prevents financial losses and anxieties. Doing good brings peace of mind, while causing harm invites trouble, and so on. These are self-evident truths that need no further elaboration.
While ethicists and educators constantly emphasize moral principles, they cannot compare to religious practitioners. Ethicists primarily focus on theory, explaining what constitutes good and evil, right and wrong, to guide individuals towards virtuous living. They establish principles for educators to follow in shaping society. However, religious practitioners are the ones who embody these principles, serving as living examples for others to emulate. To illustrate this further, ethicists are like architects who design a house, educators are like contractors who guide the workers based on the blueprints, and religious practitioners are the workers who actually build the house. Ethics and pedagogy are theoretical, while religion is practical. In conclusion, regarding morality, religious practitioners have a far greater impact than ethicists and educators.
Having established that religious practitioners serve as living examples, let us examine how the current religion, The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty, exerts its profound influence on both family and social education.
1. INFLUENCE ON FAMILY EDUCATION
The family is where character formation begins. Children are like seeds, the family is the fertile ground where they are sown, and moral education is the fertilizer that allows them to sprout and flourish. Who then tends to these young sprouts? It is the parents within the family. However, many parents lack the qualities of good educators. While some may possess impeccable character and profound knowledge, they are often burdened by family responsibilities and the pursuit of livelihood in these challenging times. Few have the leisure to nurture their children’s character, leading to the “lamp of moral education” within the family dimming and nearing extinction.
Just as this lamp flickers before fading away, someone arrives to replenish its oil and trim its wick, restoring its brightness. Where does this oil come from? Who is this person tending to the lamp? The oil is The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty, and the person is the clergy who bear the responsibility of disseminating the Way.
When a husband and wife both follow the Way sincerely, their bond is strengthened by two intertwined threads: their love for each other and their shared faith. They become role models for each other on the spiritual path, the husband restraining any wayward impulses and the wife curbing any distractions. Thus, happiness within the family becomes enduring and profound.
Children naturally imitate their parents’ behavior. If parents possess virtue and cultivate their character, their children will undoubtedly be influenced by their example. Therefore, when parents adhere to the Way, they become “living examples” for their children to emulate. Moreover, during each religious ceremony, the recitation of sacred scriptures gradually instills goodness in the children, guiding them towards righteousness.
Furthermore, households that uphold the Way will not contain frivolous or immoral literature; only religious texts and scriptures will be found. This protects children from harmful influences and exposes them to virtuous teachings and exemplary stories. This is the essence of religion’s positive impact on family education.
2. INFLUENCE ON SOCIAL EDUCATION
Observe a classroom before lessons begin. Apart from a few diligent students reviewing their studies, most engage in playful activities: building makeshift forts, shooting projectiles, chasing each other, laughing and chatting, paying no heed to their studies. However, as soon as the school bell rings, all play ceases, and the students quietly assemble in their respective lines, ready to learn. How remarkable is this command of the bell! A few simple “thumps” are enough to remind all students of their duties.
Now consider the “school of society.” Besides a few virtuous individuals dedicated to self-cultivation, most are preoccupied with pursuing livelihoods, seeking wealth and fame, competing with each other, with little thought for their spiritual well-being or cultivation. If there were a resounding bell to awaken their conscience, surely many would turn towards goodness. This bell is the sound of The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty. In just four years since its resounding call, it has achieved remarkable results, inspiring nearly a million people to repent and embrace virtue. These million individuals (*2) serve as role models for each other and hold up a “living mirror” to society. Through this influence, Vietnamese society will gradually become steeped in morality.
B. THE PROFOUND IMPACT OF CULTIVATION ON THE HUMAN HEART
Consider an individual who has been selfishly pursuing personal gain, committing numerous wrongdoings: constantly chasing wealth, prioritizing self-interest above all else, seeking happiness only for their own family, and neglecting society. In moments of quiet contemplation, when the soul finds respite, if this person were to reflect on their past actions, examining each instance of exploiting others for profit, they might feel remorse. This is when conscience begins to reproach, leading to anxiety and unease, fearing divine retribution, shame before others, and inner turmoil. Without a way to soothe the troubled heart, all their accomplishments might become a source of distress. Where can one find this miraculous remedy? It lies in cultivation.
Embracing cultivation means transforming oneself (*3), shedding negativity, and though it may not completely absolve past sins, each day of virtuous conduct brings joy and peace of mind. The soul gradually finds stability. Cultivation aligns with the natural order and distances oneself from selfish desires, transforming malice into kindness. With a kind heart, the mind attains tranquility, freeing itself from the torment of a guilty conscience.
Consider another individual who has dedicated their talents and efforts to the nation’s destiny, serving their fellow citizens with unwavering commitment. However, faced with numerous challenges and setbacks, their aspirations thwarted, and witnessing the fickleness of human nature, this once passionate and dedicated person becomes disillusioned and world-weary.
Then there is another who has striven tirelessly in the pursuit of livelihood, pouring their heart and soul into building a successful life. Yet, due to misfortune, they encounter unexpected setbacks that lead to their downfall, transforming a once ambitious and hardworking individual into one filled with despair.
The disillusioned, the world-weary, the despairing! What joy can they find in life? Without a way to soothe their hearts in such dire circumstances, they might resort to desperate measures. Where can one find this precious remedy? It lies in cultivation. Religion possesses a profound power to transform the human heart. Through understanding the Way, individuals realize the impermanence of worldly pursuits and the fleeting nature of fame and fortune, neither rejoicing in gains nor lamenting losses. This allows them to overcome resentment and sorrow, detaching themselves from suffering, and naturally finding peace and tranquility.
In conclusion, religion is like a refreshing rain that nourishes all beings. For those who repent and seek redemption, for the disillusioned and despairing, for those facing hardships and setbacks, religion offers a powerful balm for the troubled heart.
(*1) In this concise essay, a thorough discussion of vegetarianism is beyond the scope. Please refer to the book “Vegetarianism” for a detailed explanation.
(*2) Excluding those who falsely use the name of the Way for personal gain. They are merely a few bad apples within the Way, and sooner or later, their true nature will be exposed. Therefore, do not judge the entire community based on the actions of a few.
(*3) To abandon past mistakes and reform oneself towards purity.
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