“Going with the flow” is not the answer to everything
Today, many people abuse the phrase “going with the flow” to avoid responsibility or fail to make clear decisions.
- Are you going to the temple tomorrow? – Going with the flow.
- Are you going to eat vegetarian on the first day of Tết? – Going with the flow.
While this sounds easygoing and carefree, in reality, this is not the correct application of “going with the flow” in Buddhism.
You must create the conditions before “going with the flow”
Without conditions, how can you go with the flow?
“You must create the conditions – sow the conditions – initiate the conditions – build the conditions, then you can go with the flow.”
A very clear example:
- Today, if you go to listen to a Dharma talk, you have created the conditions.
- If you stay at home and say: “Going with the flow, whatever happens will happen,” how can it happen?
“Going with the flow” only makes sense when you have actively done your part.
- You went, searched, tried, but the results are not as expected – then you go with the flow.
- And because you did your best, regardless of the outcome, you are content.
Going with the flow is not about giving up
Pháp Hòa gives a very clear example:
A child comes home and says:
“Mom, I feel so bad, I don’t want to go to school anymore.”
If the mother says: “Going with the flow, dear.” – Would you dare say that?
Certainly not.
The mother would actively inquire about the cause, and if things are truly not right, would look for another school for the child.
This is called actively creating new conditions – not giving up with “going with the flow.”
Conclusion: Going with the flow is wisdom, not laziness
- Going with the flow is not about living aimlessly or without purpose.
- It is about living wholeheartedly, doing your best, and when things are beyond your control, your mind remains at peace, with no regret – that is going with the flow.
Going with the flow is after creating the conditions, not to replace action.
Those who understand “going with the flow” correctly live flexibly yet firmly, lightly but not passively.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hoà
The Original Dharma Talk
Go with the flow, let things be in buddhism – Venerable Thich Phap Hoa
Below is his original lesson:
Đừng lạm dụng tuỳ duyên – Thầy Thích Pháp Hoà
