There is a thought-provoking story about a king who wanted to reward a servant for his many years of loyal service. The king gave him a special opportunity, saying, “Run as far as you wish. As long as you make a full circle and return here before sunset, all the land you encircle will be yours.”
Overjoyed, the servant began running forward without stopping, almost like a wild beast driven into a frenzy.
He ran and ran with all his might. Finally, just before the sun went down, he completed a vast circle and returned to where he had started. However, exhausted beyond endurance, he collapsed and died.
With great sorrow, the king buried him. In the end, the only land the servant truly obtained was the small plot of ground needed for his grave.
This story reveals a profound truth: People always hope to gain more, yet in the process of pursuing more, they often lose themselves and may even pay for it with their lives. In modern society, we too are often driven by our desires, constantly pursuing greater achievements, greater wealth, and more possessions. Yet amid this endless pursuit, are we not sometimes like that servant, overlooking the true value and meaning of life?
Namo Shakyamuni Buddha said in the Sutra of the Buddha’s Bequeathed Teachings:
“You should know that those with many desires, because they seek much gain, also suffer much distress. Those with few desires, having little seeking and craving, are free from such troubles.”
Excessive desires often bring endless exhaustion and anxiety, causing us to lose ourselves in the flood of material pursuits. Rather than constantly seeking more external possessions, we should stop and reflect: What is truly important? What is the genuine treasure that we should cherish?
“The most valuable thing in the world is the great Buddha Dharma that can enable you to attain liberation from birth and death! If you can grasp the Buddha Dharma and cultivate yourself in accordance with the Dharma, you will be able to live when you wish to live and die when you wish to die. That is what is truly most valuable.”
Therefore, as long as we have enough food to sustain ourselves and our lives are manageable, we should quickly seize the opportunity to learn the Buddha Dharma well, take worldly matters lightly, cultivate ourselves earnestly, have few desires and be content, never err in matters of cause and effect, and strive to attain liberation from birth and death with certainty in this very lifetime. This is what makes a life truly worthwhile.
“A city does not need all the food a province produces, but that much food is far from enough to feed the whole country; it needs all the food the country can produce. The strength of an individual is nothing compared with collective strength.”
The meaning of this principle is that the size, corresponding energy, and function of all things in the world are relative and can be understood through comparison. Without comparison, we cannot discern what is large or small, nor can we understand the principles governing their appropriate application.
For example, if the farmland of an entire province were used to support only one city, it would seem vast and abundant. However, if an entire country had to depend on the farmland of just that one province, it would be insufficient to meet the needs of its people. Thus, the people of a nation require the land and resources of a nation to sustain them.
This illustrates an important principle: No matter how powerful an individual may be, and no matter how great that person’s abilities or talents are, the power of one person is ultimately limited. Only when the strength of many people is brought together can truly great power arise.
How can we better understand this principle? Let us consider several examples from everyday life.
One Person Carrying Water Cannot Compare with Many People Building a Canal
Long ago, there was a mountain village that suffered from drought year after year. A remarkably strong man in the village could carry fifty loads of water each day, enough to support his own household and several neighboring families. The villagers praised him for his extraordinary strength.
But when a severe drought struck and hundreds of villagers desperately needed water, even his great strength was of little help. He broke his carrying pole and wore his shoulders raw, yet he still could not provide enough water for everyone.
Eventually, all the villagers—men and women, young and old—joined together to dig a canal, divert water, and build stone embankments. Three months later, clear water flowed into the village, and barren hillsides were transformed into fertile farmland.
The strong man sighed with realization:
“The strength of one person is like water in a cup; the strength of many is like a mighty river.”
Working Alone Cannot Compare with Advancing as a Team
At a technology company, there was a brilliant developer who independently created a piece of software with industry-leading performance. However, customers soon requested more than a hundred customized requirements. Despite working day and night, he was able to complete only a fraction of them.
The company later assembled a team. Some members specialized in interface design, others optimized algorithms, while still others communicated directly with customers. Within only three months, the team released multiple improved versions, and the company’s market share tripled.
The talented developer became thoroughly convinced of the power of teamwork:
“No matter how fast one person can run, he cannot outrun the wheels of a team moving together.”
One Pair of Hands Is Not Enough; United Effort Is Far Stronger
“I am only one matchstick. I can illuminate only a small corner.”
This was the realization of a doctor who collapsed from exhaustion during an epidemic. He had worked continuously for 72 hours, treating dozens of patients, and people called him an “iron man.”
But when the number of infections surged into the thousands, his strength finally gave out, and he collapsed beside a hospital bed.
Soon afterward, medical workers, volunteers, logistics personnel, and community workers arrived from across the country in great numbers. Together, they built temporary medical facilities, delivered essential supplies, conducted screenings, and eventually brought the outbreak under control.
Reflecting on this, the doctor said:
“Only when countless matchsticks burn together can they illuminate an entire city.”
No matter how strong one person may be, that individual cannot surpass the strength created when many hearts unite. A single drop of water may seem insignificant, but countless drops come together to form an ocean. A handful of earth may seem inconsequential, but countless handfuls can rise into a mountain.
The principle expressed by the Buddha in the words, “A city does not need all the food a province produces, but that much food is far from enough to feed the whole country,” teaches us precisely this: the strength of an individual will eventually reach its limit, but when the strength of many is united, tremendous power can arise.
Yet if we wish to investigate more deeply and seek greater truths, we should seek them within the True Buddha Dharma expounded by Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Alone, one may travel quickly; together, many can travel far. The strength of one is limited; the strength of many is great.
May we cherish the light that each individual can offer while also understanding the importance of bringing together the flames of many. With our actions and with our hearts, may we put into practice the path of benefiting others.
“In a dispute about right and wrong, there is nothing worse than to stick to one’s position and continue arguing, thus compounding one’s wrong and finally getting into trouble. For this reason, one should not let oneself be overwhelmed by disputes.”
The meaning is that matters of right and wrong are not something we should become attached to. Attachment to them can only bring harm, misfortune, and even calamity. Therefore, when we encounter disputes over right and wrong, we must not become attached to them.
When such disputes arise, let others debate among themselves. Let them say whatever they wish to say. Otherwise, once we become entangled in disputes over right and wrong, arguments will inevitably follow. People will try to determine who is telling the truth and who is not, who is right and who is wrong, and this can lead to verbal conflict.
Moreover, neither side is usually willing to concede. Each side believes that it is right. In the end, after a great deal of time and energy has been wasted, the question of who is right and who is wrong may still remain unresolved. Instead, the situation may continue to escalate, relationships may deteriorate, and conflicts between people may become increasingly complicated. Eventually, this can lead to serious trouble and, in extreme cases, even violence, loss of life, and other calamities.
Therefore, once we understand that we should not become attached to matters of right and wrong, we should not keep such matters in our hearts when we encounter them. As time passes, the disputes will naturally and gradually fade away, because their very nature is impermanent. Thus, when confronted with matters of right and wrong, not holding them in our hearts benefits both ourselves and others.
The Story of Two Tigers and a Cunning Fox
There is a story about two fierce tigers named Shanya and Shanbo who lived deep in the mountains long ago. The two tigers were good friends and lived together in harmony.
There was also a cunning fox that was lazy, greedy, and deceitful. It survived by scavenging the remains of the prey left behind by the two tigers and followed them around every day.
Although the fox depended on the two tigers for survival, it was also extremely afraid of them. It worried that one day, if the tigers failed to catch any prey, they might turn against it, and its very life could be in danger. The fox therefore devised a scheme to sow discord between the two tigers.
Because of the fox’s instigation, the next time the two tigers met, Shanya attacked Shanbo first.
Shanbo did not immediately fight back. Instead, he chose to retreat.
As Shanya continued attacking, he angrily rebuked Shanbo:
“Why did you tell the other animals that you are better than me in every way?”
Upon hearing this, Shanbo realized that something was wrong. He urged Shanya to calm down and explained:
“The truth is that the fox told me that you had been telling the other animals that I was inferior to you in every way.”
When Shanya heard this, he too realized that something was amiss. He immediately stopped fighting.
The two tigers resolved their misunderstanding and reconciled. From that time onward, they once again lived together peacefully, and tranquility returned to the forest.
The Lesson of the Story
This story teaches us not to readily believe rumors, become attached to disputes over right and wrong, or act impulsively without first understanding the situation. Had Shanbo immediately fought back instead of remaining calm, the fox’s deception could have led to serious consequences.
In our own lives, becoming entangled in arguments over who is right and who is wrong can consume our time and energy, damage relationships, and cause conflicts to escalate. Sometimes, the more we try to prove ourselves right, the more deeply we become entangled in the dispute.
Once we understand that matters of right and wrong are impermanent, we can learn not to let them occupy our hearts. When we refuse to be drawn into unnecessary disputes, they may gradually fade away. In this way, letting go of attachment to right and wrong benefits both ourselves and others.
Once You Possess This Essential Soft Skill in Life, Never Let It Go
“If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. But do good anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. But do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. But succeed anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. But keep building anyway.
People with the greatest minds and the most generous hearts may be struck down by people with the smallest minds. But think big anyway.
People really need help, but they may attack you if you do help them. But help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and you may get kicked in the teeth. But give the world the best you have anyway.”
The above words are often attributed to Mother Teresa. They reflect a Catholic perspective on good deeds and benevolent intentions.
I once came across another thought-provoking passage:
“Just because you cannot bear to see others doing well does not mean they are doing poorly. But it certainly means that something is lacking within you, because your heart is devoid of goodness. When you sincerely wish others well, they may not necessarily prosper. But you are certainly a good person, because your heart is filled with kindness.”
I find these words particularly meaningful. The way you treat others often influences how they treat you in return. Therefore, when you strive to be a kindhearted person, you become more capable of recognizing and appreciating the kindness of others.
A person’s kindness is one of the most important soft skills for surviving, striving, and succeeding in society—and indeed, throughout life. Once you possess this invaluable quality, never let it go. Instead, hold on to it and persevere to the very end.
An ancient saying expresses this principle simply and clearly: “Those who give love receive love in return; those who bring blessings to others receive blessings in return.” In essence, goodness given will be returned with goodness, and kindness extended will be reciprocated with kindness.
Every act of kindness we extend to others may eventually return to us in another form, at a particular time and place. This is what we call gratitude and the repayment of kindness.
Sometimes, performing good deeds is like calling out into an empty valley. The echo may not return immediately. Instead, the sound travels farther, reaching other places and allowing more people to hear and carry it forward. By the time that kindness eventually finds its way back to you, it may have taken on a different form, but it will have gathered even more goodwill along the way.
Kind thoughts and good deeds are also like dandelion seeds. Carried by the wind, they scatter far and wide, take root, sprout, grow, and blossom, eventually spreading goodness across the land.
Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha residing in this world, also teaches us in Philosophical Sayings About Worldly Matters:
“What makes the sun the greatest thing man has ever known? It is admired for providing light and warmth for all the beings under it. A truly great person is one who is willing to sacrifice his own benefit for the well-being of others.”
Why is the nature of the sun considered so great? It is because the sun burns itself to bring light, warmth, and energy to the world. It enables plants to grow and allows humans and animals to survive. In other words, the sun provides the essential conditions that sustain life on Earth and bestows countless benefits upon all living things. That is why everyone praises its greatness.
The same principle applies to us as human beings. If we can act without selfishness or self-interest, dedicate ourselves quietly to serving others, and even be willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of the public, bringing happiness, welfare, and tangible benefits to others, then people will naturally respect us and praise our contributions. In doing so, we ourselves become truly great.
Therefore, we should always remember to treat others with kindness, sincerity, and a generous, forgiving heart.
As long as we maintain kind intentions, accumulate virtuous merit, and perform good deeds, we need not concern ourselves with whether others notice or acknowledge our efforts. We should simply continue doing good, without regret, resentment, or complaint.
Kindness is a choice. It is one of the gentlest yet most powerful qualities inherent in human nature, and one of the most important soft skills we can possess in life.
No matter how difficult the circumstances may be, we should remain steadfast in our kindness. For when a person practices goodness, even if blessings have not yet arrived, misfortune has already begun to move away.
What Can We Reflect Upon After Reading the Story of Zen Master Hakuin?
In today’s rapidly developing age of big data, the pace of life continues to accelerate, while competition and pressure increase along with it. Driven by ever-growing greed and desires, many people resort to deception, fabrication, slander, and defamation.
So when disputes, lies, and deception actually confront us, how should we respond to them properly?
The Story of Zen Master Hakuin
There is a well-known Zen story:
Zen Master Hakuin was an eminent monk renowned for his strict observance of the precepts and was deeply respected by the people around him.
Near the temple where Zen Master Hakuin lived was a family with an unmarried daughter who became pregnant. When her parents discovered her pregnancy, they were furious and repeatedly demanded to know who the father of the child was. Under intense pressure from her parents, the daughter finally uttered the name, “Hakuin.”
Shocked and enraged, her parents gathered a group of people and stormed into the temple. In front of everyone, they humiliated Zen Master Hakuin and even beat him.
Yet Zen Master Hakuin offered no explanation or defense. He simply responded softly:
“Is that so?”
After the baby was born, the girl’s parents carried the child to the temple, left the baby with Zen Master Hakuin, and departed while angrily cursing him.
As news of the scandal spread, public outrage erupted. People accused Zen Master Hakuin of being a hypocrite. Some spat at him, insulted him, and even threw stones at him. As the saying goes, “Good news travels slowly, but bad news travels fast.” Before long, Zen Master Hakuin’s reputation was ruined.
Yet no matter how severely he was insulted, he silently endured everything without defending himself or arguing. Every day, he carried the infant with him and went from place to place seeking milk and other necessities for the child.
Eventually, the young woman could no longer bear the guilt and condemnation weighing upon her conscience. She finally confessed the truth to her parents: the actual father of the child was a young man who sold fish.
After learning the truth, the parents and their daughter went to the temple filled with profound shame and respect. They apologized to Zen Master Hakuin, expressed their remorse, and asked to take the child back.
Zen Master Hakuin remained just as composed as he had been at the beginning, as though nothing had ever happened. As he handed the child back to them, he simply said softly:
“Is that so?”
Zen Master Hakuin was indeed an eminent monk of genuine virtue. When he was falsely accused, personally humiliated, condemned as though he had committed an unforgivable offense, and stripped of his reputation, he neither defended himself nor argued or tried to justify himself. Instead, he continued to place the well-being of living beings before himself.
Amid insults, humiliation, and condemnation, he continued to care attentively for the child. Throughout the entire ordeal, he maintained compassion and patiently endured the tremendous humiliation and hardship placed upon him.
What Can We Learn From This Story?
Now that the story has been told, what can we deeply reflect upon?
In a dispute about right and wrong, there is nothing worse than to stick to one’s position and continue arguing, thus compounding one’s wrong and finally getting into trouble. For this reason, one should not let oneself be overwhelmed by disputes.
The general meaning of this teaching is that when we encounter slander or ridicule, we should not hold it in our hearts. As time passes, such disputes will naturally and gradually fade away because their very nature is impermanent. Therefore, when confronted with disputes over right and wrong, not holding them in our hearts benefits both ourselves and others.
In real life, when we actually encounter disputes, lies, slander, defamation, or other malicious tactics, if we respond with hatred, anger, insults, or emotional outbursts, ultimately we are the ones who suffer. Our anger, hatred, and verbal outbursts may not harm the other person in the slightest; the other person may even secretly take pleasure in seeing us become upset. If instead we choose retaliation, what we receive in return may simply be even stronger retaliation.
Therefore, in learning Buddhism and cultivating ourselves, we must conscientiously practice in accordance with the teachings of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. We should understand that all matters and phenomena are inseparable from cause and effect. We should learn to put ourselves in others’ shoes, be tolerant toward others, maintain compassion, patiently endure adversity and humiliation, and refrain from holding disputes over right and wrong in our hearts.
If we can do so, not only will we avoid being overwhelmed by pressure, conflict, and disputes, but we will also be able to temper and strengthen ourselves through difficulties and challenges.
Zen Master Hakuin provides a powerful example. Amid disputes, humiliation, and false accusations, he patiently endured and continued his cultivation. Rather than being swayed by external circumstances, his conduct revealed even more clearly the virtue and dignity of a truly eminent monk.
The path of life must be walked by each of us, one step at a time. Which path we choose to follow is ultimately our own choice.
When we can truly understand cause and effect and awaken to the truth of impermanence, we can gain deeper insight into life. In doing so, we can better make use of this precious lifetime and ultimately walk toward a life filled with happiness, brightness, and hope.
