“Applied Dharma Propagation” Class - Dharma Talk: “Overcoming Falsehood with Truth” by Junor Thich Tam Cung

Day 3 of the Practice Series: “Purity and Harmony” May 2, 2025: In the morning, Buddhists gathered once again in the Dharma Hall to listen to a Dharma talk by Venerable Thich Tam Cung, a monk of Hoang Phap Pagoda, on the topic: “Overcoming Falsehood with Truth.”

The talk began with a verse from the Dhammapada (Verse 223, Chapter on Anger):

"Overcome anger by non-anger,
Overcome evil by good,
Overcome greed by generosity,
Overcome falsehood by truth."

 

This powerful verse reflects the Buddha’s profound teaching: that the path to liberation is not through conflict, but through cultivating the opposite of unwholesome qualities. However, not all seemingly good actions yield genuine value. Words spoken with charm but rooted in self-interest, or charitable acts done for recognition or reward, lack true value. All virtuous actions, if not rooted in right view and selflessness, are mere empty shells. A true practitioner, deeply grounded in the spirit of Buddhism, does not need to proclaim their virtue. Compassion and wisdom naturally manifest through their actions, even in silence. Such a person does not argue about truth—they simply embody it, living mindfully and truthfully in every moment.

 

This mindful way of living becomes a quiet inner strength, offering serenity in the midst of life’s chaos. Not driven by fame or profit, the sincere practitioner walks the path solely to alleviate suffering for oneself and others, with the ultimate aim of reaching Nirvana, the state of perfect peace. To live by truth—not just in speech, but through mindfulness and integrity—is to overcome the falsehood of appearances. This is the heart of the Buddha’s teaching. In the afternoon, the assembly continued to study and practice under the guidance of the monks.

 

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