In Buddhism, a teacher who holds the position of abbot at a temple carries a great responsibility in maintaining and developing the activities of that temple. However, to understand the true meaning of abbotship, we need to distinguish between the concept of abiding in a specific place, like a temple, and abiding in the true Dharma of the Buddha.
Abbotship in the Temple
An abbot is the teacher responsible for preserving and maintaining the temple, as well as guiding followers in rituals and the practice of the Buddhist teachings. Abiding means “to stay,” and preserving means “to safeguard.” When we say a teacher is the abbot of the temple, it means that the teacher “resides” in the temple and “preserves” the temple, both physically and spiritually.
However, the abbot is not the only one in the temple, and a temple does not only have one abbot. Each person can “abide” in a temple, but the role of the abbot truly carries meaning when they preserve the temple and transmit the teachings of Buddhism to others. Being in the temple is a condition, but it is not everything. We must realize that the most important aspect is abiding in the true Dharma.
Abiding in the True Dharma
The concept of abiding in the true Dharma has a much deeper meaning than simply “staying” in a temple. Abiding in the true Dharma means living with and maintaining the principles and values of the Buddha’s teachings in our minds and daily lives. It is about abiding in the truth, in the teachings of the Buddha, and in the practice that leads to true liberation from suffering.
This means that, even though we may reside in a temple, if we do not truly preserve the Dharma or live according to the Buddha’s teachings, then that temple is merely a temporary refuge. A temple can change or even disappear, but abiding in the true Dharma is the true sustenance of a practitioner.
Temporary Residence and the Truth about Dwelling
We must also understand that abiding in a house or a temple is merely a temporary residence. A temple, like any physical house, can change or disappear, and if we are attached only to the material aspect of the temple and not to the Dharma, we risk losing the peace and liberation that Buddhism offers.
Just like when we live in a house, no matter how long we stay, the house can still be lost, and we cannot keep it forever. Therefore, when we talk about abbotship, we must recognize that abiding in the true Dharma is the most important factor in sustaining one’s life.
Conclusion
Abbotship is not just about residing in a temple, but about abiding in the true Dharma, safeguarding the Buddha’s teachings in daily life. When we abide in the true Dharma, we not only preserve peace for ourselves but can also help others in their practice and enlightenment. A temple or a house is merely a temporary residence, but the true Dharma is where we truly live, and that is what we should abide in throughout our lives.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hòa
