Practicing the wrong Dharma causes suffering to oneself and society

The story is about Monk Thich Minh Niem practicing the right dharma, opening his wisdom, and achieving practical benefits at Chon Nhu monastery, Tay Ninh, Vietnam.

The dangers of incorrect spiritual practice, which can lead to personal suffering and negative societal impact. Monk Thich Minh Niem shares his experiences with blind faith and how a character-building curriculum transformed his life.

Introduction to the Video and Main Content

The video addresses the perils of misguided spiritual practice, which can inflict suffering upon oneself and negatively affect society. Monk Thich Minh Niem will share his insights on blind faith and how a specific character development curriculum transformed his life.

Introduction to Monk Thich Minh Niem

Monk Thich Minh Niem, whose birth name is Nguyen Hong Hoang and who hails from Quang Nam, Viet Nam, received his Dharma name from Master Thich Mat Hanh. He discovered the Buddha's Right Dharma in 2016 and began his practice at the monastery in mid-February 2017.

Life Before Knowing the Buddha's Right Dharma

Before encountering the Right Dharma, the Monk Master's life was filled with hardship and upheaval in his studies, work, and relationships. He suffered from a mind clouded by delusion, constantly fearing ghosts, spirits, and places like temples, shrines, cemeteries, and deep forests. His emotional state was perpetually restless, anxious, and fearful.

Benefits of Encountering the Right Dharma

Upon encountering the Right Dharma, the Monk Master understood that there is no supernatural world or spirits, and everything arises from interdependent origination. From then on, he became more confident, no longer feared passing by cemeteries or shrines, and stopped having nightmares.

Current Work and Life at the Monastery

Currently, the Monk Master works in the kitchen department in the evenings, studies ethics in the mornings, and participates in the electrical and electronics repair section for the daily life department in the afternoons.

Initial Difficulties Working in the Daily Life Department

When he first joined the daily life department, the Monk Master felt uneasy, experienced conflicts with others, and was tired and frustrated due to his unfamiliarity with the work.

Transformation Through Learning Ethics and Filial Piety,  respect for life.

Through studying ethics, especially the virtue of filial piety, respect for life and developing compassion, the Monk Master gained a deeper understanding of serving fellow practitioners, letting go of selfishness, and spreading love. As a result, his work became lighter, more joyful, and less stressful.

Daily Schedule

The Monk Master maintains the same practice schedule as in the 200-day intensive retreat. He wakes up at 2 AM to practice until 3:20 AM, then goes to the kitchen to assist with cooking until about 7-7:30 AM. He begins studying ethics at 8 AM until 10 AM. After that, he collects rice containers and distributes meals to everyone. He rests until 2 PM, then goes back to the kitchen to wash dishes, clean up, and prepare food for the next day until 6-7 PM. Following that, he prepares his lessons, studies, and goes to bed at 10 PM, only to wake up again at 2 AM.

Source of Strength from Abbot Thich Mat Hanh

Monk Thich Minh Niem feels inspired by the strong aura of Abbot Thich Mat Hanh. Despite physical fatigue after long Dharma-spreading trips, the Abbot's spirit remains very strong. The Abbot often talks until 11-12 AM but still wakes up early to work, which positively influences the resident practitioners.

Importance of the Character-Building Curriculum

Monk Thich Minh Niem deeply cherishes the Monk Master's teaching that no matter where one goes or what one studies, one must ultimately return to learn the character-building curriculum to let go of selfishness. He notes that he has personally corrected unethical actions, thoughts, and words by studying ethics and learning from collective practice.

Call to Action and Final Message

The Monk Master hopes everyone understands clearly to abandon false views and blind faith, as these will create a distorted collective energy that negatively impacts future generations. Everyone needs to understand clearly and strive to learn the character curriculum, including the virtues of filial piety, generosity, family harmony, honesty, and clear-mindedness, to achieve liberation for themselves, their families, and society.