The most important thing in cultivation is patience. If you can be patient, then you will also be able to practice the other five perfections (giving, holding precepts, vigor, concentration, wisdom). If you cannot be patient, then you will not have any response no matter how you cultivate. Those of you who are laypeople should not lose your tempers at home, not even toward children. Those who are married and have families should not lose their tempers; they should have patience. Patience goes both ways. It isn't the case that the husband should be patient while the wife can lose her temper, or that the husband can lose his temper while the wife has to forbear. Spouses should be very principled and patient toward one another. As it is said, "The husband sings a tune and the wife follows along." Whatever tune the husband sings, the wife should sing along in harmony with him.

Spouses should get along well and not quarrel with each other. Before two people get married, it is important that they do not quarrel. They should not give each other trouble all the time, thinking it is a lot of fun. That is wrong. They should respect one another. They should not get into a quarrel or lose their tempers over some small matter or something that was said. Two people should not lose their tempers before they are married, and they should be even more careful not to get angry after they are married. If there is harmony within families, then the country will prosper. If all the countries prosper, then the world will do well. If there is disharmony within families, then the country will not do well. When countries are not doing well, then wars will break out in the world. There will be small wars in the families, medium wars in the countries, and great wars in the world. We must first quell the small wars, and then the medium wars will disappear and the great wars will naturally vanish as well.

You should know that as soon as a man and woman start to quarrel, it's as if there is a violent storm between heaven and earth. When people lose their tempers, it is like a violent storm. It is alright for there to be rain, but there should not be a violent storm. Violent storms blow down trees, devastate houses, and kill people, causing tremendous damage. A light, gentle rain does not do that. Therefore, if you get into an argument, keep it small. Don't let it become a major blow-up. Small arguments are all right, but don't let your teacher get wind of it. If your teacher hears of it, he will also get afflicted. When you argue at home, you're not allowed to argue too loudly, or else I will hear you! I have a radar, and it picks up your telegrams right away. Therefore, no one should bicker or lose his temper. Whoever loses his temper will be made to kneel for three days before the Buddhas. No matter who you are, that will be the penalty. If you don't go along, then your offenses will only be increased. I hope every one of you will be a good disciple and not give your teacher a lot of trouble. Be good children; don't be naughty and mischievous. Okay, I've made you all mad today, and I have nothing more to say.