All Good and Wise Advisors: Today we have gathered together in this great hall to discuss the matter of education. Education is our roots. If we ignore this basic matter, then we are renouncing the roots to chase the branchtips, overlooking what is near to seek afar.

A Child's Character Develops under His Mother's Influence
Education includes all the visual and auditory influences we have received since the time of birth that molds our life and behavior patterns. It is said, "Those who draw near rouge turn red and those who draw near ink turn black. Those who are dyed green become green, and those who are dyed yellow become yellow." It can even be said that not only do we receive education after we are born; we are also being educated while in the womb. The mother can influence her baby when it is in the womb. If the mother is very learned, then she will influence her baby to be intelligent and knowledgeable. If the mother often loses her temper during the pregnancy, then she will give birth to a baby with a bad temper. If the mother is very stubborn and does not listen to others' advice, her baby will also be extremely obstinate, not listening to anyone's instructions. He will be willful and people will not be able to influence him. Therefore, prenatal education is extremely important.

Expectant Mothers Should Understand Prenatal Education
Women are the mothers of our citizens. All women should know how to teach children, and should also understand the potential for influencing children during the prenatal period. Thus, a pregnant woman should not contend, be greedy, seek, be selfish, pursue personal benefit, or tell lies. If pregnant women tell lies, contend, are greedy, seek outside, are selfish, or pursue personal benefit then they will influence their babies to have that kind of mental state and such children will not grow up to be a good citizen in society. Therefore, parents should pay special attention to educating their unborn children.

The Top Priority of Parents Is to Educate Their Children
After a child is born, parents should act as role models. Do not contend or quarrel. Do not be selfish, pursue personal gain, be greedy, seek or tell lies. Otherwise, children will see and learn to behave the same way. Children are influenced by what they see and hear. For example, children gradually learn how to talk by imitating grownups. Therefore, parents should not only give birth to their children – they must also educate them. By giving birth to a child, you have given the country one more citizen. However, if you do not educate that child, then you have not shown any concern for the well-being of the country and society. Without the proper education and guidance, he may become a problem child who opposes and harms the society and country. In this case, the parents must take the responsibility. With this in mind, parents’ top priority should be to educate their children, rather than pursue fame and profit. They should see teaching their children as their most important job. If you teach your children well, then you have done something more worthwhile than making any amount of money, because your children will know how to be good people and how to cherish their bodies and lives. Thus, before children begin attending school, the responsibility for their education lies with the parents.

Teachers Should Teach Students to Be Trustworthy and Virtuous
Once children begin school, teachers must set a good example and teach them how to be trustworthy and virtuous, filial to their parents, and respectful to their elders. Start by teaching them the way of filial piety. The elementary school at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas encourages the younger students to be filial to their parents by working for their parents at home and obeying their parents' wishes. When the students go home, their parents are all are pleased with them.

The mission of teachers is to "Provide education that enhances student’s talents so they can benefit the world." They should be good role models. Teachers should not smoke, drink or take drugs, or behave improperly with those of the opposite sex.

Learn it and Put it into Practice
The Great Learning of Confucius discusses the Three Principles and Eight Articles of education. The Three Principles are to "illustrate the bright virtue, renew the people, and rest in the highest goodness." The Eight Articles are to "get rid of desires, extend knowledge, make thoughts proper, rectify the mind, cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world." This is a complete set of guidelines for being a person, managing a family, and ruling a country. If we can educate the next generation of the world by teaching all students to learn the Three Principles and Eight Articles and put them into practice, then they will not forget what is important. They will not chase after unimportant things.

Typical education today only teaches students how to procure a high-paying position after they graduate, to become famous, and to strive to be number one in the world. Instead of being taught the basic requirements for being a person, they are taught how to contend for fame and profit. This is known as ‘letting go of the root to grasp at the branches’ and is a trend that ‘goes against the Way’. To do things against the Way is a great mistake. Therefore, teachers should serve as good role models, and pay attention to students' integrity and wisdom. Open up the source of wisdom for them, and help them uncover their inherent wisdom. Be patient while educating them, for this is an extremely important responsibility. If you can teach every student to cherish his body and life, his family, and his country, then even if you are not seeking world peace, the world will become peaceful. Why? People will not make trouble for themselves or for others. They will not do irrational things at home, and they will be good law-abiding citizens in the community. In the society, they will influence people to honor and cherish one another and not cheat or lie to one another.

I believe that education in the home and in the school is extremely crucial. However, most people have ignored this fundamental issue, and run off to pursue superficial matters. Running here and there, they get farther and farther away from the basic human obligations. These are my humble words to explain a very simple principle. You may say it is as tasteless as cabbage boiled in plain water but, although there may not be much flavor, if you eat the cabbage and drink the soup, it can neutralize a lot of toxic energy.