Chua Duoc Su

Flowers bloom and then wither, the moon waxes and wanes, events come and go, time flows like water, and clouds drift by, like a fleeting dream. But in that dream of life, those who practice spiritual cultivation see the eternal in the impermanent. They see the uncreated and undying within creation and destruction, thus remaining calm and at ease in the face of their own birth and death, as Zen Master Man Giac once said:

- Spring departs, a hundred flowers wither

Spring arrives, a hundred flowers bloom

The events before our eyes pass by

Old age approaches

Do not say that when spring ends, all flowers wither

Last night, a plum blossom bloomed in the courtyard.

The plum blossom blooms eternally in the boundless land of the heart, regardless of all the continuous transformations in the ceaseless flow of time. All things are impermanent; the world changes, the universe and humanity operate continuously in every moment according to a cycle of reincarnation without beginning or end. Spring comes, spring goes, and then spring returns again. There is no first spring, nor is there a last spring. In that continuous cycle of birth and death, there is something that is neither born nor dies, a seed of life that continues endlessly. This seed of life is latent in the vast Dharma realm; in this world, everything arises from causes and conditions, and what is formed by these conditions also dissolves according to these conditions. But at the root of these formations and dissolutions is a foundation that is indestructible, unchanging, firm and eternal, vast and encompassing all causes and conditions of birth and death. Nevertheless, from the perspective of conventional truth, spring symbolizes latent life full of energy. When a practitioner realizes the uncreated and undying within themselves, they see the true face of the Lord of Spring, and that is also the eternal spring of Maitreya Buddha, full of joy and hope for the future.

Indeed, in terms of birth and death, the arrival of spring symbolizes the renewal of nature after a long winter's sleep. The dry and withered plants become beautiful and vibrant, bursting with life in a multitude of colors. In this joyful spring atmosphere, people are also filled with enthusiasm and hope for a better new year. For centuries, visiting temples to pray for peace and blessings in the first days of the lunar new year has become an indispensable custom in Vietnamese culture. Buddhism has become deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people and in the cultural life of the nation, as reflected in the poem by the late Venerable Man Giac:

- The temple roof shelters the soul of the nation,

The way of life of our ancestors for generations.

All of you enjoy spring with blooming flowers and sprouting plants, and all creatures turn towards the warmth of heaven and earth. That is the spring of birth and death in the world. But for Buddhist practitioners, seeing spring is different from how ordinary people see it. Spring in the realm of spirituality, or as people often say, spring in the realm of Zen. Because when one finds a place of refuge for the soul, feeling peace in a moment, or eternally, that is the spring of spirituality. This kind of seeing, knowing, and awareness is considered the spring in the realm of spirituality, or the spring of awakening, of silence, without external activity, but radiating brightly in the spiritual world; this is the beauty of spring in the eyes of a Zen master. Next, leaving the material world and delving into Zen, that is, standing from the perspective of non-birth and non-death, or from the perspective of non-existence, and looking down at the shore of birth and death, you see all beings in birth and death and also see your own body of birth and death within it. When you see the operation of birth and death in this way, then the spring of the practitioner begins to unfold. Thus, the world of Spring unfolds under the condition that one who practices spiritual cultivation in a realm of non-birth and non-death looks down upon the world of birth and death. At that time, you see that the world of birth and death, with its myriad colors and forms, also possesses its own beauty, not just the bleakness you perceived when you were still trapped in the cycle of birth and death.

You are in a house of fire of your own making, surrounded by a web of ignorance formed by your own malice. Given this reality, humanity certainly cannot experience true peace and happiness, and naturally, you cannot feel the warmth of spring sunshine, the fragrance of the earth and sky to soothe your soul's pain, and true spring is not present in your every breath, even though you are walking in the vibrant spring of the world.

- A spring heart makes the universe spring-like,

A peaceful heart makes the world peaceful everywhere.

This is the timeless message of a peaceful and happy world that the Buddha solemnly conveyed to all of humanity over 2569 years ago. This has profound humanistic significance, forming a solid foundation for building and establishing a lasting and stable peace for humanity. To have a stable and peaceful society where people can live in peace and happiness, the fundamental solution remains the self-improvement of individuals. From the perspective of Buddhism, the world is manifested as a reflection of the human mind, such as:

- A person full of compassion and joy, who respects and loves others, will be respected and loved by others.

- A harmonious family, united and loving each other, is a happy family.

- A country where all citizens know how to unite, trust, and respect each other, working together to build and protect community life, that country will be prosperous, and its people will truly be well-off and happy.

- A world built on the spirit of dialogue, cooperation, understanding, sharing, respect, and mutual protection, that world will have no war or violence, no regional conflicts, and no power struggles where the strong prevail over the weak.

The Buddha Shakyamuni, a man of peace, laid the foundation for eternal peace in humanity through cooperation, reconciliation, love, and forgiveness. He deserves admiration and to be followed and learned from. Through this, his message has been transmitted to humanity:

- There are no classes when people share the same red blood, and their tears are equally salty...

Only love can extinguish hatred.

Or:

- Counter deceit with truthfulness.

Everyone fears swords and spears; everyone wants to survive.

And:

- Self-conquest is the greatest victory. Finally:

- It is not your parents, relatives, or anyone else who makes you noble, but your pure and virtuous heart that makes you nobler.

These timeless teachings originate from the soul of the Master, whose morality and wisdom are shining examples for humanity to follow. These noble thoughts are like fresh flowers, sweet with the fragrance of love, peace, and tranquility. They uphold the spirit of equality and respect for the peace and happiness of all people, as if it were our own peace and happiness.

Life has too much suffering, too much oppression, and disappointment. Each person needs to do many beneficial things to sow seeds of compassion and happiness in the soil of humanity. To adorn life with even more fragrance of human kindness and truth. So that you truly have an eternal spring, a spring of human kindness that sees and shares with each other in all circumstances. So that spring truly resides in people's hearts, so that humanity can forever be happy in an endless spring. Because there, a wonderfully joyful vitality arises when looking at the beautiful scenery of Spring; everyone's heart feels excited and joyful, welcoming a peaceful, happy, and auspicious spring.

The fragrance of spring makes people optimistic and love life; it is also a time when those who cultivate their minds and character can transform themselves, rise above past troubles, and look towards a promising future. Every Buddhist disciple wishes for immeasurable peace and happiness, auspiciousness in all things, successful Buddhist endeavors, perfect attainment of the Buddhist path, and an eternal spring, as expressed in the meaningful blessings given each spring. To achieve these meaningful blessings during the spring season, Buddhist followers should clearly understand the doctrine of cause and effect and practice the Dharma correctly, applying Buddhist teachings in daily life.

The profound importance of Buddhist teachings, manifested in the value of the noble and righteous way of life of practitioners, is the essence of spring in the beauty of those who practice, resulting in peace, auspiciousness, and fulfillment, which are always present even without seeking them.

Following in the footsteps of the Buddha to learn the beautiful virtues of compassion and wisdom, due to humanity's absolute admiration for the truth that leads to liberation from birth and death, His influence has been immeasurable throughout generations. Therefore, for those who practice, the path of spiritual practice is fraught with many difficulties and obstacles. At the same time, there are many temptations of material wealth and fame during the period of self-control. This is a test and a training ground for cultivating the mind and character. As each spring passes quickly, human life is truly short. The pure and serene lifestyle of those who practice involves restraining the six senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind.

- Eyes: Do not perceive material things as eternal or precious, and do not cling to them for oneself.

- Ears: Do not listen excessively, do not be attached to praise or criticism, and do not give rise to feelings of love, hatred, or discrimination.

- Nose: Do not let strange smells or tastes disturb the mind, and do not give rise to infatuation or a desire for enjoyment.

- Tongue: Do not let the sensations of deliciousness or unpleasantness, or preferences, control you, and do not create unwholesome karma.

- Body: Do not engage in competition, showing off beauty or ugliness, and do not give rise to arrogance or rivalry.

- Mind: Do not let the mind give rise to deluded thoughts, which will disturb the consciousness and lead to sin.

The proof of human liberation is living peacefully and serenely, with a calm mind and clear wisdom, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, far from the worldly pursuit of fame and fortune, and escaping the ocean of suffering and transmigration. That is when your mind is completely at peace.

The beauty of a person who practices spiritual cultivation is not in unusual external appearances, not in high hats, embroidered robes, or colorful garments. For a person who practices spiritual cultivation, spring is the pure beauty of the inner self, when the mind is pure, free from greed, hatred, and delusion, with a virtuous character, and a willingness to bring benefit to oneself and others. Thus, if spring is the most beautiful thing, then it must be the beauty of your soul. Being close to virtuous people, you will feel immeasurable peace and happiness, like enjoying the cool breeze and warm sunshine, full of the spiritual essence of beautiful spring flowers, and it is only beautiful when you know:

- Cultivating the mind and observing precepts is beautiful in body.

- Respecting superiors and being humble towards inferiors is beautiful in character.

- Being humble and gentle is beautiful in demeanor.

- Helping others in times of trouble is beautiful in heart.

- Being filial to parents and respecting virtuous sages is beautiful in the soul.

- Meeting those who are suffering and afraid, and offering words of comfort, that is beautiful language.

- Not harboring evil thoughts, always maintaining an upright heart, that is a beautiful intention.

- Knowing how to be magnanimous and forgiving – that is a beautiful virtue.

The mind and conduct of a person who knows how to practice are always hướng towards nobility, truthfulness, selflessness, and altruism, and will surely attain boundless peace and Nirvana. That is the spring in the beauty of a person who knows how to practice, and also the value of endless happiness for the practitioner in this world.

Buddhism does not require everyone to completely sever all affection for loved ones to be considered a true practitioner. The meaning of the word "practice" is to cultivate the mind and refine one's character. The Buddha taught:

- Conquering a million armies is not equal to conquering oneself.

Conquering one's own mind is the most glorious victory.

When all deluded thoughts, desires, and perceptions are eliminated, you will be able to control greed, hatred, and delusion. The practical result, and also the reward for the continuous efforts of the practitioner, is a series of happy, joyful, and peaceful days. A weak person who fears difficulties, has a selfish nature, likes to dream of fame and fortune, and demands many material pleasures for themselves, will find it difficult to practice at home. For example, parents who want to practice at home, while also responsible for providing for their family and children, and also supporting the Three Jewels, studying Buddhist teachings, chanting Buddha's name, meditating, reciting scriptures, and self-reflecting to purify their minds, not everyone can do this. If one can perfectly practice at home, the practitioner always sacrifices a great deal for themselves; such noble intentions are difficult to achieve and implement, but that is precisely the best environment for cultivating the mind and refining one's character.

Those who wish to practice Buddhism can do so in any circumstance, if they understand the way to practice according to the Buddha's teachings. This means applying the four immeasurable minds: loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, being tolerant and generous in their interactions, knowing how to restrain themselves from material pleasures, and bravely sacrificing personal interests. Those who practice at home can not only cultivate themselves but also guide their family members and serve as role models for their children and grandchildren. By living contentedly, not demanding much, and not being preoccupied with meaningless pleasures, those who practice Buddhism will have ample time for studying scriptures and cultivating wisdom and compassion.

The beauty of a person who practices Buddhism lies in their authentic and innocent life, a pure character, and a Bodhisattva mind free from attachment and discrimination. Even if you don't have the outward appearance of a monastic, you can still achieve spiritual accomplishment. A person who practices Buddhism can bring absolute peace of mind and immense comfort to themselves and those around them through their conduct in every gesture, word, action, and thought. This is the wonderful and subtle meaning of spring in the beauty of a person who practices Buddhism, starting from the simplest things in daily life. This lies in the Bodhisattva's virtuous conduct, a dignified character, and humble morality.

In this beautiful spring, with a peaceful and serene mind, let those who practice Buddhism return to their inner selves, light the torch of wisdom, cultivate compassion, and see their own unborn and undying Buddha-nature, to realize this subtle meaning of spring. Only then can you live a tranquil life, neither inferior nor superior, with a free and fearless perspective amidst all things that exist and cease to exist, right and wrong, gain and loss, honor and disgrace. In this world, all phenomena that arise and cease are impermanent.

Spring, in the beauty of a person who practices Buddhism, truly brings peace of mind and body, dignified blessings and wisdom, fulfillment of desires, and auspiciousness in all things. Because, as you all know, no one but yourself is ultimately responsible for your circumstances. The most practical value of Buddhism is the law of cause and effect. Cause and effect may sound simple, but their impact is immense. Cause and effect is a law of the universe; as the cause is, so will the effect be. Regardless of the individual, society, or organization, whether you believe it or not, the law of cause and effect silently operates according to its evolutionary process. Those who practice Buddhism understand this law better than anyone else. Buddhists understand that wealth and material possessions obtained through compassion and the Bodhisattva vow to benefit others are not only valuable for achieving material prosperity but also bring joy and happiness to those around them. Buddhists who practice the Dharma gather at the beginning of the year to exchange greetings for a prosperous new year. These greetings truly stem from applying the principle of attracting circumstances with the mind.

Relationships within the family and in society are no different. No one likes to be around you if you only think of yourself and your ego. No one likes to have a relationship with you if you are dishonest and insincere; no one likes to communicate with you if you are stubborn, always believing you are right without respecting or considering the opinions of others. Due to selfishness and stubbornness, your relationships gradually break down and fall apart. All interactions become superficial and forced. A suffering mind attracts suffering circumstances, spreading suffering to society and the community. Conversely, Buddhist teachings encourage you to practice generosity and cultivate an open heart.

Giving alms and making offerings with money is difficult, but giving with an open and loving heart is even more challenging. As a Buddhist practitioner, you should cultivate an open heart every day, every hour, sharing joy and sorrow with all beings. This requires practice; it's not something that can be achieved in a day or an hour. But after successful practice, the result will be peace, happiness, and contentment, without the frustration and discomfort of unsatisfactory circumstances. Naturally, relationships with family, friends, and the wider community will become cherished and sincere, exchanging affection and love in accordance with the Dharma of liberation.

The mind is the cause, and external appearances or circumstances are the effect. The process from cause to effect goes through conditions; conditions are what allow the effect to mature. Because you understand cause and effect, you can also change the process of cause and effect. As sentient beings, there will inevitably be times when we lack wisdom and create unwholesome karma. But the present and the future offer many opportunities to change the conditions, that is, to change the circumstances so that the cause does not develop into an effect. However, you and only you must seize these opportunities and strive to make changes. Because if you have sown the seed of karma and continue to create the conditions for it to ripen, and you don't make changes, then the consequences will manifest, and at that point, complaining or praying to overcome the karmic obstacles will be quite late.

Buddhists often apply the law of cause and effect, so regardless of the time of year, Spring, summer, autumn, winter, location, or circumstances, good or bad, you remain calm and quietly adapt to all situations to improve yourself. Once the current circumstances change favorably towards liberation, the future rewards will surely be happiness in the realm of liberation.

Those who practice Buddhism understand that worldly concepts are constantly changing and impermanent. Ideas about people or life that were once considered true and accepted in one context may no longer be valid in another. A typical example is springtime in Southeast Asia, which falls around January and February according to the lunar calendar, but during the same period in the Southern Hemisphere, it's the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. On one side of the ocean, trees are lush and green, flowers are blooming to welcome the new spring, while on the other side, yellow leaves cover the ground, preparing to fall, waiting for winter to pass before spring arrives. The true spring in Australia is around August and September according to the Gregorian calendar, not January and February as in Vietnam. Everyone knows that time changes according to different geographical circumstances, just as people's ingrained ways of thinking gradually change with each stage of social evolution. Attachment to auspicious or inauspicious times, and inhumane thoughts about gender, age, or social class, have changed considerably today from the perspective of true Buddhists.

Indeed, before understanding Buddhist teachings, before understanding that all sentient beings have Buddha-nature and the same potential for enlightenment, the world often clings to limited ways of thinking, binding itself to obstacles that lead to suffering and distress. In the past, all areas of religion, politics, and social management overlooked the position of women. But today, reality proves that gender differences do not hinder the ability to manage, develop science, or attain liberation through spiritual practice. Gender, age, and social class, these divides have gradually been bridged in a spirit of respect and mutual affection. From there, it becomes easy to connect through compassion and equality, in accordance with the principle:

- The power of the Dharma is inconceivable, compassion is without hindrance.

Those who know how to practice do not passively accept their fate but strive to change their circumstances. In Buddhism, this is called:

- Transforming the ordinary into the sacred.

Even during life, or even after death, one can relinquish the physical body to attain the Dharma body, meaning praying that after leaving this perishable physical body, one can attain the non-생멸 (non-birth and non-death) Dharma body along the path of liberation. Clearly, this process of change and transformation does not discriminate between class or gender. It goes even further, to the point that whether alive or dead, Buddhists are not hindered. While alive, there is the physical body for practice and change; after death, only consciousness remains without the physical body, yet there is still an opportunity for transformation and liberation. As long as sentient beings are willing to change for liberation.

Some say:

- Imprisoned in a physical prison, one still hopes for a day of escape, but once one has imprisoned oneself in a mental prison, it is difficult to escape for eternity.

This is how those who managed society in the past, who did not accept humanistic values, deliberately created inhumane concepts to manage society in their own selfish and narrow-minded way. Buddhists are different; they always firmly believe that all sentient beings have the same Buddha-nature and that practicing the Dharma requires continuous diligence. You should not limit yourself to feelings of inferiority, accepting your circumstances, and allowing them to control you without striving to improve.

Sincerely exchanging best wishes at the beginning of the year is a beautiful and precious tradition. The heart is important, but it cannot be expressed without the means of language. Social life, whether harmonious and peaceful or filled with quarrels and conflicts, is largely due to language. However, language must be spoken sincerely from the heart; otherwise, it becomes clichés, insincere, meaningless, and, most importantly, fails to touch the listener's heart. It would be truly regrettable if what is said is not received by the listener.

Those who practice Buddhism diligently cultivate sincerity and truthful speech every day. Sincere words always touch people's hearts. Close friends who have cherished each other for decades do so because of their sincere treatment of one another. Even amidst conflicts and misunderstandings, sincerity helps to mend relationships, and over time, that bond of friendship grows even stronger. Today's society is full of turmoil; modern communication seems to bring people closer, yet they remain far apart. Perhaps the obstacle of selfishness between people has not been overcome due to the lack of sincerity. The beginning of Spring is the most meaningful time for everyone to forget the disagreements of the past year, rebuild relationships, and cultivate compassion through sincere words, wishing each other a beautiful new year.

In short, at the beginning of the year, everyone goes to the temple to pray to Buddha for blessings, to witness the blooming of countless flowers, the elegant beauty of nature, and to receive blessings from everyone. There, everyone feels an incredibly joyful and miraculous vitality, because when you see the beautiful scenery of spring, everyone's heart feels uplifted and joyful, welcoming a peaceful, happy, and auspicious new year. The scent of spring makes people optimistic and full of life; it is also a time when those who cultivate their minds and character can transform themselves, rise above past troubles, and look towards a promising future, a simple promise, a simple wish:

- At the beginning of the year, Buddhists go to the temple

Meeting each other, wishing each other a lifetime of joy

At the beginning of the year, welcoming laughter

In the middle of the year, younger and healthier than in the past ten years

At the end of the year, the year ends without aging

In the following year, leisurely enjoyed the spring.