The Gains and Losses of Technological Advancement

The Illusion of Modern Connection

Namo Amituofo. Many people in this modern era find themselves caught in a cycle of relentless busyness and inner emptiness. Consequently, they allow mobile phones, the internet, and computers to replace the authentic relationships that once existed between people, and between humanity and the natural world. Is this progress a gain, or is it a loss? I humbly request that the Buddha offer us compassionate teachings on this matter.

Namo Amituofo offers these teachings: Venerable HaiZe, your observation is very accurate. The original nature of human beings is inherently good, simple, sincere, and natural. These beautiful virtues—which require no money or time to cultivate and which bring such grace to our lives—are rarely seen today. If one happens to encounter them, they should be cherished as a rare treasure.

While technology is capable of developing new products and satisfying our material and physical desires day by day, it is fundamentally incapable of developing or manufacturing these beautiful virtues. This is a critical area where the public in our current society must reflect deeply and strive for improvement.

The Roots of Social Unrest

Many of the problems we see in society today—such as violence, physical harm, and theft—arise because people have nowhere to release their inner dissatisfaction and resentment. These issues are born from a lack of healthy learning and meaningful interaction. For those who possess fame, wealth, and status, the methods they use to cope are often even more obscure and hidden from the common person.

These various phenomena require us to make changes and return to a state of balance. The fastest and most effective method is to return to nature, to return to the embrace of the Earth. We must learn to listen to the sounds and the calling of the natural world directly, rather than relying on digital recordings or media to hear them. Such recordings are often produced by creators with minds clouded by impurity and distraction. They are merely imitations of reality, and they can never compare to the profound, healing power of the true, natural world.

The Wisdom of the Ancients

If a Buddhist practitioner observes carefully, they will notice that throughout history, the patriarchs and venerable masters have displayed a keen sense of observation from a very young age. Much of this insight was developed naturally while listening to the flowing water, the chirping of insects, and the singing of birds in the wild.

For modern people, this connection to nature is incredibly precious and rare. In truth, the expansive heart and magnanimity of humanity are meant to be developed within the natural world. This is because these qualities are in sync with the Wisdom, virtues, and auspicious characteristics of our true self. This is the infinite treasure that lies within us. This is also the reason why, since ancient times, famous temples and monasteries have been built in the mountains or near the water. By distancing ourselves from the noise and clamour of the world, we create the opportunity for the Wisdom and virtues of our true self to manifest.

The Path to Ultimate Awakening

For those who practise Buddhism, once the true self is found, the original functions of the Six Roots are restored. When this happens, the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are purified. One naturally develops a deep compassion for the suffering of all beings, and the perspective of oneness arises spontaneously. Without needing any further instruction or reminders, one becomes one with the universe. Every action, word, and thought is then dedicated to the benefit of all beings, for one realises that they themselves are also one of these beings.

The fundamental Wisdom and the Wisdom of acquired knowledge will manifest naturally, without the need to seek them externally. One will reach a state where there is no obstruction in any matter, and no obstruction between principles and phenomena. Without relying on external forces, this state of being will naturally reveal itself.

These teachings were recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo