BUDDHISM TRUE DHARMA

Standing Before Affection

Have you ever stood in a group and felt the affection, trust, or admiration people have for you? It could be during a meeting, a gathering with friends, or simply in the embrace of your family. That feeling is warm, but it comes with an invisible yet very important responsibility.

That responsibility is to appreciate each person, each heart, that is directed toward you.Their presence—at an event, a party, or just in your life—is never something to take for granted.In this busy life, time and attention are among the...

WHAT HELPS YOU BREAK A BAD HABIT

Someone asked me once: "Why do I keep doing the thing I know is wrong?" I know that feeling. You promise yourself—this is the last time. Last cigarette. Last drink. And then three days later, you're back. Here's what I've noticed. Knowing something is wrong doesn't give you the power to stop it.I once knew someone who tried to quit smoking for years. Nothing worked.Then one day, he told me: "I stopped trying to fight it. I just started building something else."

Every morning, he we...

THE MERIT TO KEEP GOING

This guy showed up at the temple. Wore the same grey jacket every time. Three visits... then gone. "Too busy."Another one—meditation retreat. She sat in the back corner, near the window. Two mornings, then her cushion stayed empty.But there's this woman. Six months now. Every Saturday, 6 AM, she's there before the doors open.I asked her once, "Is it working?" She laughed. "My mind's still a mess. ... I still wake up tired. ... Nothing's fixed.""Then why keep coming?" She looked at me like I'd missed something obvious. "I just... ca...

THE QUIET DANGER OF PRAISE

Praise is sweet. Most of us want it. It brings warmth, like sunlight on a cold morning. A kind word lands. We feel seen. We feel noticed. It is a gift that costs nothing. But sweetness can be tricky. Think of medicine. A simple painkiller. When you are hurting, the right amount brings relief. The body eases. The breath slows. But when the dose quietly grows, something changes. What once helped no longer heals. Encouragement can work the same way. In small moments, it connects us. A few honest words. A nod...

Is "No Contact" really Self-Love? Or is it the Suicide of the Soul?

Society tells us: "If it doesn't make you happy, leave it." But can you truly be whole if you sever your own roots?
This episode challenges the modern narrative that encourages us to discard difficult relationships. We discuss why Family is NOT optional and why true strength is found in forgiveness, not in walking away.
We tackle the hard truths:
Why your parents' "control" might actually be clumsy love.
The dangerous illusion of being "better off alone."
Why the...

Is "No Contact" really Self-Love? Or is it the Suicide of the Soul?Society tells us: "If it doesn't make you happy, leave it." But can you truly be whole if you sever your own roots?This episode challenges the modern narrative that encourages us to discard difficult relationships. We discuss why Family is NOT optional and why true strength is found in forgiveness, not in walking away.We tackle the hard truths:Why your parents' "control" might actually be clumsy love.The dangerous illusion of being "better off alone."Why the strong one should be the kind one...

A Vaccine for the SoulIn a world full of temptations and easy comforts, we try to protect our children. We give them everything, hoping they'll grow up good. But maybe the best way to build a strong soul isn't through comfort—it's through humble work and helping others.When we guide a child to pave a path with their own hands, carry water for an elderly neighbor, or sit with someone who's lonely, we're doing more than teaching kindness. We're giving them something priceless.Because when a child sees real work and witnesses struggle, something wakes up inside. Love an...

GUIDING THE SPIRITS HOME

Sometimes at night, I whisper my grandmother’s name. And in that quiet, I feel her listening, as if our hearts are still touching across the veil. Across cultures and time, people have always sensed that the end of breath is not the end of existence. There is an intermediate state between leaving and arriving. Christianity calls it Purgatory. Buddhism understands it as a realm of transition. Different names for the same truth: That our loved ones are traveling, and the love we hold can be their light. So when we speak to th...

The Light and The Map

The greatest GIFT is not MONEY. It is a VISION. When you offer CLARITY, you become a LIGHTHOUSE in the fog. You give COURAGE. You give PEACE. And people RISE. But be CAREFUL. A WRONG map carries a HEAVY PRICE. Imagine a traveler who TRUSTS your voice. They RUN with ALL their heart… yet EVERY step PULLS them DEEPER into the maze. When direction is WRONG, effort becomes SUFFERING. And the one who spreads the FOG is the FIRST to lose their OWN way. Here is the LAW: You CANNOT guide another wh...

WALK THE TALK

We have all met people who can speak beautifully about goodness. They talk about kindness, about compassion, and about noble philosophies. We listen, we admire them. And perhaps, sometimes, we are the ones saying those beautiful words ourselves.But there is a delicate yet deep gap between "knowing" what is right and actually "becoming" a good person.Knowledge of kindness is like a cooking recipe. You can memorize every ingredient, every step. But until you step into the kitchen and cook with your own hands, you do not have a real meal. Goodness works...

THE QUIET PROMISE

We all carry invisible backpacks. Inside, we hold heavy burdens. The sharp stones of anger. The cold weight of selfishness. The deep aches of old pain. Sometimes, the weight feels like too much to bear. We long for a place to set them down. So tonight — or whenever your heart feels heavy — find a quiet moment. With a sincere heart, make this vow before the Buddha: “May I always stay close to the path of wisdom. May I gradually let go of the greed that makes me want more than I truly need. May I grad...

Question 48: HOW CAN ONE PRACTICE TO ACHIEVE INNER PEACE?

Answer: The human brain is inherently programmed to think continuously, making thinking a deeply ingrained instinct. However, this unceasing stream of thoughts creates an environment for various emotions, feelings, and mental disturbances to thrive. Even if one wishes to stop thinking, it is not easy because the brain’s instinct to think is extremely powerful. Achieving mental stillness in meditation is exceptionally challenging, and one must recognize this upfront to avoid the illusion that progress will come easily and quickly.To achieve high concentration and inner peace in me...

A Vaccine for the Soul

In a world full of temptations and easy comforts, we try to protect our children. We give them everything, hoping they'll grow up good. But maybe the best way to build a strong soul isn't through comfort—it's through humble work and helping others.When we guide a child to pave a path with their own hands, carry water for an elderly neighbor, or sit with someone who's lonely, we're doing more than teaching kindness. We're giving them something priceless.Because when a child sees real work and witnesses struggle, something wakes up...

Question 55: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH OR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN RELIGIONS?

Answer: Every religion has a governing body, often called a Church or similar institution, to manage its clergy, followers, and missionary activities. These institutions serve as an environment supporting the spiritual practices of monastics and lay followers, ensuring that activities align with religious teachings. However, this structure has a dual nature: it helps maintain stability and can also restrain innovation and breakthroughs.The role and nature of the Church vary depending on the characteristics of each religion:- Some religionsadvocate for their Church to...

Question 54: MAJOR ESTABLISHED RELIGIONS ARE CONSIDERED THE OFFICIAL RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, BUT THEY STILL EXPERIENCE INTERNAL DIVISIONS AND THE OCCASIONAL EMERGENCE OF NEW SECTS THAT RESEMBLE THE ORIGINAL RELIGIONS. WHAT DOES THIS PHENOMENON MEAN?

Answer: The division into sects within a religion is a common occurrence. When a highly respected religious figure gains significant influence and a large following, it often feels like a separate sect has formed, even if theirteachings do not significantly differ from the original doctrine. If this figure introduces interpretations or practices that deviate more from the core teachings, the formation of...

Question 53: IN ANCIENT SCRIPTURES, DEITIES SEEMED TO HAVE FREQUENTLY APPEARED AND INTERACTED CLOSELY WITH HUMANS. WHY DOES THIS NO LONGER HAPPEN?

Answer: This is a common question raised by atheists: why did Deities appear frequently and communicate directly to humans in ancient times, as described in scriptures, but now seem absent? Many skeptics conclude that the accounts of Gods and Divine Beings in scriptures are either fabricated or should be understood as fables or fairy tales meant for entertainment and moral education rather than as truths to be absolutely believed.Some suggest that humans in ancient times...

Question 52: THERE ARE DIFFERENCES IN HOW THE EAST AND THE WEST UNDERSTAND GOD. HOW CAN THESE BE RECONCILED?

Answer: In Western conceptions, God is often personified as a being with a soul and emotions, capable of anger at times, yet also praised for boundless love and absolute power.In contrast, the Eastern concept of God is more abstract and impersonal. God is perceived as an invisible and infinite essence, representing the natural laws of the universe that govern the emergence and transformation of all things. Choosing which perspective to adopt is a personal decision. However, one day...

Question 51: WHAT DID THE TWO FAMOUS ANCIENT CHINESE PHILOSOPHERS, LAOZI AND CONFUCIUS, SAY ABOUT GOD?

Answer: In Chapter 25 of the Tao Te Ching (the Sutra of Morality), Laozi wrote:"There was a formless, undifferentiated entity that existed before heaven and earth. Silent (without sound) and void (without form), it stands alone and remains unchanged (eternal, immutable). It pervades everywhere in the universe and can be regarded as the mother of everything. No one knows its name; I can tentatively call it Tao (the Way). If forced to give it a name, I call it Great (infinite)."Laozi...

Question 50: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF GOD IN THE PROCESS OF REBIRTH?

Answer: We should not assume that God directly intervenes in every case of rebirth among the countless trillions of beings being reborn every moment. The process of rebirth is governed by the automatic Law of Cause and Effect (the Law of Karma). Every sentient being creates their own good or bad karma throughout their life, and the Law of Karma functions impartially to direct them to the next realm of existence corresponding to their karma.If we were to ask about God's role in rebirth...

Question 49: BUDDHISM OFTEN MENTIONS REBIRTH AND REINCARNATION. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS FURTHER?

Answer: Evidence of reincarnation has been found in various parts of the world. Many individuals can recall their past lives and recount their detailed experiences, which have been investigated and confirmed as authentic. Just as Isaac Newton revolutionized physics and astronomy after observing a single falling apple, the countless verified cases of reincarnation worldwide suggest a profound phenomenon worthy of scientific exploration. However, no prominent scientist has yet publiclyacknowledged reincarnation as a fact to initiate a new chapter for human civilization. Rebirth and reincarnation are...

LIVING TO BRING JOY TO OTHERS
A revered Teacher once taught us:
"Make sure that the people around you never feel sad. Take this as a motto for your life, letting it dwell deep within your heart. Never let anyone feel sad because of you—not even for a moment, for any reason.”
The Teacher said, when you see someone feeling sad, don’t turn away. Go closer, listen with empathy, and find a way to comfort and uplift them so their heart feels lighter and their sorrow eases. And if you can bring someone a small...

THE QUIET PROMISE

We all carry invisible backpacks. Inside, we hold heavy burdens. The sharp stones of anger. The cold weight of selfishness. The deep aches of old pain. Sometimes, the weight feels like too much to bear. We long for a place to set them down. So tonight — or whenever your heart feels heavy — find a quiet moment. With a sincere heart, make this vow before the Buddha: “May I always stay close to the path of wisdom. May I gradually let go of the greed that makes me want more than I truly need. May I grad...

The most fundamental Practice

​On the path of spiritual practice, before learning high and profound methods or experiencing special states of peace, there is a foundation that each person must look inside themselves. It is not a difficult technique, nor is it mysterious. It is simply a quiet training inside the heart: ABSOLUTE REVERENCE FOR THE BUDDHA.This reverence is like light that nourishes the soul. It is the sacred power that helps us rise when we are weak, and it is the greatest blessing that keeps us on the path to enlightenment. When reverence fills the he...

The 2 Keys to True Happiness

True happiness stands on two solid foundations.The first is Virtue. Build it through daily acts of kindness. Help others. Serve life. Honor those who guide you. Every good deed builds invisible strength within you.The second is Mindset. Philosophy has talked about this for ages, but one rule stands out: You are not the center of the universe. In other words, happiness comes when you see beyond yourself. This is not putting yourself down. It simply means reducing the ego.Most of our worries come from thinking too much about the "...

THE REASON WE ARE HERE

Sometimes, in the quiet of the night, we ask ourselves a question. Why are we here? What is the true reason for this breath we take? We search for a noble purpose. We look for a compass to guide us through this life and whatever comes after. So… what do we really live for? At first, the answer seems simple. We live for the beauty that surrounds us. We live for the wildflowers blooming on a green meadow. We live to watch the clouds drifting slowly across an open sky. We live fo...

THE ARCHITECTURE OF A CLEAR MIND
We all share a QUIET FEAR. The fear that one day, we will look in the mirror... And NOT RECOGNIZE who we are.
We fear the moment age begins to BLUR OUR CLARITY.
But a CLEAR MIND is NOT LUCK. It is a STRUCTURE we must build... Starting TODAY.
Why does the mind grow heavy? Think of your inner energy like a BATTERY.
Regret DRAINS IT. Anger BURNS IT OUT.
When all your power is spent FIGHTING THE PAST... Nothing remains for the PRESENT.
To keep...

THE ANCIENT PASSWORD

Every meditator knows the wall.It is the moment when numb pain becomes fire. You want to quit.But then you whisper the ancient words: “This body is impermanent.”Suddenly, the fire cools down.Is it magic? No. Is it a painkiller? No.It is something stronger. It is a password.A mantra is not just words. It is an energy field.Imagine thousands of masters and millions of seekers chanting those same words for centuries.They created a massive river of peace.When you say the mantra, you are not alone anymore. You step...

The Ultimate Kindness is often very quiet.When we treat others with genuine kindness,something subtle begins to unfold. Hearts begin to open.Trust slowly grows.We are not trying to gain anything.We are simply being ourselves.And within that trust,a gentle doorway appears. A space where the heart softens,and truth can be shared. We do not preach.We do not push.We only offerwhat has helped us. We share how karmaquietly shapes our lives. We share the cycles of samsarawe keep repeating. We share the peace we have foundon the Noble Path. And sometimes, we...

THE INVISIBLE JOYIn life, there is a quiet paradox that not everyone recognizes: true happiness often comes not from idleness, but from taking responsibility. We often mistakenly believe that running away from responsibility is finding freedom, or choosing a path of shallow joy. But in reality, the soul of a person who drifts through life without purpose slowly sinks into a nameless sorrow. That so-called “light burden” turns out to be an invisible weight, quietly draining their vitality and pulling them into pessimism and despair. Conversely, the person who dares to commit and take responsibility discovers a subtle joy. This...

Resolving Insecurity
Seeing the young man slumped on the porch, his face full of sadness, "His mind was far from the present, drifting back to that night. He remembered vividly the moment she ended things; the decisive way she turned her back left him reeling amidst the wreckage of their shattered relationship."
the uncle slowly walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"What is it, son?
Still sad about the old relationship?"
The young man just gave a slight nod, his eyes staring into empty space.
The uncle smiled—a smile fu...

The Diamond Sūtra begins with a single question — quiet, but LIFE-CHANGING:

“How do we reach true liberation?”

Venerable Subhūti asks.

The Buddha answers.

And the answer

is not what we expect:

To find our own LIBERATION,

we must first devote ourselves

to the LIBERATION OF OTHERS.

It sounds impossible.

How can someone who is still searching…

help anyone else?

But the teaching is clear:

Make the GREAT VOW.

A vow to hel...

The Karma Behind Winning the Lottery

Have you ever truly wondered about those strokes of unexpected luck in life? For example, the moment someone wins the lottery.

When someone suddenly comes into great luck, we often call it "luck" or "fate." But is it completely random?

There is another, deeper and more practical law behind it: the Law of Karma, or Cause and Effect.

This law is not a gift from some higher power. It is simple and fair, just like nature: every result we receive comes from a cause we...

THE TRUE STRENGTH OF A NATIONMany think a nation’s power comes from its economy or military. But real strength lies deeper—it comes from what people call "Blessings.""Blessings" is not mere luck. It is enduring prosperity built on the shared values of its citizens, expressed through the care and support people  give each other. When someone gives care, they not only help others but also build trust and strong bonds with those around them. Their lives become safer, more meaningful, and  happier. This is how the individual's "Blessings" are created. Millions of people like this make a nation...

THE QUIET STRENGTH

Everyone wants to be good. But here is a truth we all eventually have to face: being kind often means choosing the harder way.It is easy to snap. Easy to let irritation speak for us. Losing your temper? That is just a natural reflex. But pausing, taking a deep breath, and choosing a gentle response—that takes real effort. That is the real cost.Real kindness doesn’t live in big, dramatic gestures. It lives in small, daily choices. Giving a few minutes to truly listen. Letting a hurried person go ahead. Smiling inst...

THE DEBT THAT CANNOT BE SETTLED

In life, we are often taught about fairness and settling accounts:"If someone gives you something, you pay it back exactly as it was."That is a fair way to live,but there is a philosophy of life that is much deeper and more beautiful.That is the philosophy of boundless gratitude.This philosophy teaches that when a person gives you a gift of kindness, don't just think about returning one.Seek a way to repay it ten, even a hundred times over.It may sound impractical, but it stems from...

MERIT AND BLESSINGS

Have you ever wondered why in life, even when people start from the same place and receive the same education, some achieve remarkable success, others only reach a moderate level, while still others struggle tremendously?Many attribute this to luck. But in reality, behind that "luck" lies a deeper cause—a kind of invisible "capital" that each of us possesses. People often call this merit or accumulated blessings.So, what is merit, and where does it come from?Imagine this: Every act of kindness, every benevolent thought you offer, is like a coin deposited in...

Live for Others, Happiness for Yourself

What are we born for ?I once asked myself this question. The first answer that came to me was simple: we live to seek happiness.But then, another question followed: Should I seek happiness for myself, or for everyone?And in that moment, I realized — true happiness is found when we live to bring joy to others.For three years, I searched for the true meaning of happiness. I explored different paths, studied many fields, and tried to understand what makes life truly fulfilling.Until one day, I encountered the teachings of...

Live with Purpose and Service
This is what I want to say to the younger generation — to all of you:
Life is neither too long nor too short. What truly matters is that we cherish every second, living meaningfully with dedication and service to others, so that each hour and every day brings something good to those around us.
Whenever you feel tired or lose motivation, remember those who came before us — the ones who endured hardship and pain so that we could live in peace today.
Picture a humble climber making their way up a st...

Live with Purpose and Service
This is what I want to say to the younger generation — to all of you:
Life is neither too long nor too short. What truly matters is that we cherish every second, living meaningfully with dedication and service to others, so that each hour and every day brings something good to those around us.
Whenever you feel tired or lose motivation, remember those who came before us — the ones who endured hardship and pain so that we could live in peace today.
Picture a humble climber making their way up a st...

BOASTING AND HUMILITYIn life, we often meet two kinds of people: those who show off, and those who are discreet.This difference hides a profound rule about stability and endurance.Think of a tree.A tree has two parts.The part we see is the branches, the leaves, and the flowers.The part we don’t see is the roots, buried deep in the earth.Everyone knows that the tree’s true strength lies in its roots.Ancient philosophy calls the visible part Yang, and the hidden part Yin.Nature’s law is simple: to stand strong, the Yin part—t...

Each person is the source of inspiration

Let us make a vow to one another—that each of us will strive with genuine effort to practice the Dharma.Each person is a wellspring of the Dharma for countless generations to come.Each of us is a warrior, a messenger, and a source of the Dharma.We must exert ourselves in our practice, striving for true awakening.From the depth of our spirit, we transmit that inspiration to everyone around us—passing the inspiration of awakening to all future generations—so that the Dharma will never fade simply becaus...

Water Conservation: A Commandment of Conscience

In this life, compassion and moral virtue are not grand things far away, but begin with the smallest and most silent actions.One of the simplest ethical practices each of us can undertake today is learning to cherish every single drop of water.Try this simple thing: When you get home, gently adjust all your faucets, from the bathroom to the kitchen, so that when they are opened, the stream of water flows just enough for your needs. Never let water flow wastefully.You will be surprised to realize that this...

Practice Thinking Kindly and Loving Each Other More

When we notice a fault in our loved ones or anyone else, our first reaction shouldn't be to feel pleased about 'catching their mistake' or to spread gossip about it. The right thing to do is to practice compassion and find a way to help them improve. When we give up the habit of pointing out others’ faults and judging them, our hearts will naturally feel lighter, and the world will feel much more spacious. Wherever we go, life will no longer feel cramped, because our mind is no lo...

The Power of Compassion

 Regardless of whether those who come to us are good or not, please remain kind and forgiving. Whether they come to take advantage, to ask for favors, or even harbor ill intentions, let us not take it to heart. Our part is simply to love, to treat them kindly, and to sincerely help them first. Because only love that arises from the heart and steadfast patience can truly transform others’ hearts. Gradually, the gentleness and kindness in our way of life will naturally spread, inspiring those around us to love one another and liv...

The Power of Compassion

 Regardless of whether those who come to us are good or not, please remain kind and forgiving. Whether they come to take advantage, to ask for favors, or even harbor ill intentions, let us not take it to heart. Our part is simply to love, to treat them kindly, and to sincerely help them first. Because only love that arises from the heart and steadfast patience can truly transform others’ hearts. Gradually, the gentleness and kindness in our way of life will naturally spread, inspiring those around us to love one another and liv...

Silent Goodness

In this life, let us quietly observe those around us and gently offer help without waiting to be asked. Whenever you see a chance to help someone, help them right away—don't wait for them to ask. Remember, this is the little secret we've shared today. Today, we're talking about one simple question: Where does good luck come from? After reflecting on all of this, we came to one conclusion: we should strive to live with integrity and always quietly observe those around us, ready to help whenever we can. Perhaps that's where true good lu...

THE INVISIBLE JOY
In life, there is a quiet paradox that not everyone recognizes: true happiness often comes not from idleness, but from taking responsibility.
We often mistakenly believe that running away from responsibility is finding freedom, or choosing a path of shallow joy. But in reality, the soul of a person who drifts through life without purpose slowly sinks into a nameless sorrow. That so-called “light burden” turns out to be an invisible weight, quietly draining their vitality and pulling them into pessimism and despair.
Conversely, the person who dares to commit and take responsibility disc...

Meditation: The Path to Inner Morality

A person who does NOT practice MEDITATION… cannot MASTER their own MIND… When one cannot MASTER their mind… they become CONTROLLED… by GREED… by SELFISHNESS… and by ANGER or HATRED… and will end up… doing WRONG… But a person who PRACTICES meditation… can MASTER their mind… and knows how to CHOOSE… what is RIGHT…

If the ENTIRE society… knew how to PRACTICE meditation… if EVERYONE raised their MORAL awareness… then society would NATURALLY… become LESS divided… Those who are POOR… but have CULTIVATED merit… will RISE above their circumstances… And those who are RICH… yet possess MORALI...