“Văn” means elegant; “minh” means bright. Civilization is the elegance, the bright and clear style, the way of life of humankind when it has progressed from the barbaric period and has been enlightened to a state of clarity. But the word “civilization” here refers to those who imitate the new lifestyle of the West, valuing money and status above all else, forgetting the beautiful morals of their nation. The Master said: “In this materialistic civilization, we abandon the old ways, The legacy of our ancestors is squandered by descendants. Learning new habits, we indulge in reckless desires.” (A Message to the Kitchen God)
The term “storm” here also refers to the influx of Western culture into our country, causing the beautiful moral and ethical foundations of our nation to be disrupted.
Also known as rejecting the old and welcoming the new. It means criticizing the old and embracing the new. It refers to people’s eagerness to imitate the new lifestyles and cultural practices of the West, hastily rejecting and abandoning the customs and traditions of their own country. The Master once lamented: “Alas! the world rejects the old and welcomes the new, Rushingly erasing Buddha, Gods, Saints, and Immortals.”
« Back to Glossary Index