How Great Is the Power of One Person?
Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III once expounded the Dharma:
“A city does not need all the food a province produces, but that much food is far from enough to feed the whole country; it needs all the food the country can produce. The strength of an individual is nothing compared with collective strength.”
The meaning of this principle is that the size, corresponding energy, and function of all things in the world are relative and can be understood through comparison. Without comparison, we cannot discern what is large or small, nor can we understand the principles governing their appropriate application.
For example, if the farmland of an entire province were used to support only one city, it would seem vast and abundant. However, if an entire country had to depend on the farmland of just that one province, it would be insufficient to meet the needs of its people. Thus, the people of a nation require the land and resources of a nation to sustain them.
This illustrates an important principle: No matter how powerful an individual may be, and no matter how great that person’s abilities or talents are, the power of one person is ultimately limited. Only when the strength of many people is brought together can truly great power arise.
How can we better understand this principle? Let us consider several examples from everyday life.
One Person Carrying Water Cannot Compare with Many People Building a Canal
Long ago, there was a mountain village that suffered from drought year after year. A remarkably strong man in the village could carry fifty loads of water each day, enough to support his own household and several neighboring families. The villagers praised him for his extraordinary strength.
But when a severe drought struck and hundreds of villagers desperately needed water, even his great strength was of little help. He broke his carrying pole and wore his shoulders raw, yet he still could not provide enough water for everyone.
Eventually, all the villagers—men and women, young and old—joined together to dig a canal, divert water, and build stone embankments. Three months later, clear water flowed into the village, and barren hillsides were transformed into fertile farmland.
The strong man sighed with realization:
“The strength of one person is like water in a cup; the strength of many is like a mighty river.”
Working Alone Cannot Compare with Advancing as a Team
At a technology company, there was a brilliant developer who independently created a piece of software with industry-leading performance. However, customers soon requested more than a hundred customized requirements. Despite working day and night, he was able to complete only a fraction of them.
The company later assembled a team. Some members specialized in interface design, others optimized algorithms, while still others communicated directly with customers. Within only three months, the team released multiple improved versions, and the company’s market share tripled.
The talented developer became thoroughly convinced of the power of teamwork:
“No matter how fast one person can run, he cannot outrun the wheels of a team moving together.”
One Pair of Hands Is Not Enough; United Effort Is Far Stronger
“I am only one matchstick. I can illuminate only a small corner.”
This was the realization of a doctor who collapsed from exhaustion during an epidemic. He had worked continuously for 72 hours, treating dozens of patients, and people called him an “iron man.”
But when the number of infections surged into the thousands, his strength finally gave out, and he collapsed beside a hospital bed.
Soon afterward, medical workers, volunteers, logistics personnel, and community workers arrived from across the country in great numbers. Together, they built temporary medical facilities, delivered essential supplies, conducted screenings, and eventually brought the outbreak under control.
Reflecting on this, the doctor said:
“Only when countless matchsticks burn together can they illuminate an entire city.”
No matter how strong one person may be, that individual cannot surpass the strength created when many hearts unite. A single drop of water may seem insignificant, but countless drops come together to form an ocean. A handful of earth may seem inconsequential, but countless handfuls can rise into a mountain.
The principle expressed by the Buddha in the words, “A city does not need all the food a province produces, but that much food is far from enough to feed the whole country,” teaches us precisely this: the strength of an individual will eventually reach its limit, but when the strength of many is united, tremendous power can arise.
Yet if we wish to investigate more deeply and seek greater truths, we should seek them within the True Buddha Dharma expounded by Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Alone, one may travel quickly; together, many can travel far.
The strength of one is limited; the strength of many is great.
May we cherish the light that each individual can offer while also understanding the importance of bringing together the flames of many. With our actions and with our hearts, may we put into practice the path of benefiting others.
By Yijie Xueren
Link: https://myhappylifestyle.net/2026/09/12/dorjechangbuddhaiii-how-great-is-the-power-of-one-person/
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