Enlightenment Through Meditation and Supernatural Powers: Why Suffering Remains

Have you ever heard the story of a monk who attained the fourth jhana and possessed supernatural powers, yet was overcome by greed for gold? He left the monastic life and became a robber. While this may seem absurd, the Buddha recounted this tale in the Dhammapada to teach us a profound lesson: attaining meditative concentration is not the same as attaining sainthood.

### The Story of the Monk Who Attained Jhana

In the Sangha, there was a disciple of Mahakasyapa who had practiced until he reached the fourth jhana and gained supernatural powers. However, he had not yet attained any stage of enlightenment. One day, while visiting his uncle, a goldsmith, he saw the display of gold and silver. Suddenly, greed arose within him. The craving for wealth, rooted in his impoverished childhood, surged forth. He requested to leave the order and work for his uncle. But accustomed only to alms-rounds and meditation, he became lazy and was eventually driven away. With no means of livelihood, he joined a band of robbers. Using his remaining supernatural abilities, he became their leader. Yet, committing evil deeds depleted his merit, and his powers faded. He was captured and sentenced to death.

As he was led to the execution ground, Mahakasyapa used his own powers to help the former monk regain his calm mind. Then, the Buddha appeared and recited a verse:

"Having gone out, one returns again into the forest of ignorance and delusion. One who has escaped bondage turns back to enter it once more."

Upon hearing this, the man immediately attained the first stage of enlightenment, known as Stream-Entry. Then, using his supernatural power, he flew up to pay homage to the Buddha and attained full Arhatship right there.

### The Vast Gap Between Meditation and Sainthood

Venerable Thich Chan Quang emphasizes that "attaining jhana is not attaining sainthood. A meditation master is not necessarily a holy sage." Meditation is the ability to stabilize the mind; it is merely a tool. Sainthood, however, is the result of eradicating the ego, ignorance, and the fetters that bind us. Possessing supernatural powers does not guarantee liberation. Mahakasyapa, a great Arhat, could help his disciple attain the fourth jhana, but he lacked the conditions to guide him to full enlightenment. Only the Buddha could accomplish this. Therefore, do not become complacent simply because you can enter deep states of concentration.

### Five Obstacles on the Path of Meditation

The path of meditative concentration is fraught with obstacles. The teacher identifies five layers of hindrance.

The first obstacle is the body. Sitting in the lotus position causes pain and numbness, making it difficult to maintain mental stability.

The second obstacle is discursive thought. The mind constantly chases after various thoughts and stories, preventing true focus.

The third obstacle is hallucination. When the mind becomes still, lights or sensations of flying may appear, easily leading practitioners astray through pleasure.

The fourth obstacle is supernatural power. Knowing others' thoughts, healing illnesses, or moving quickly—these abilities easily satisfy the ego and cause one to stop progressing.

The fifth obstacle is the ego itself. Only after surpassing the allure of supernatural powers does one face the deep-seated sense of self, which must be eradicated to attain sainthood.

The teacher warns: "If your supernatural powers exceed those of your teacher, you are spiritually dead." Many people stop at the level of psychic abilities, using them to boast or benefit themselves. In doing so, they create negative karma and ultimately lose everything.

### Application in Modern Life

Today, meditation is often promoted as a trendy skill. People visit meditation centers seeking peace, or even hoping to gain supernatural powers. Venerable Thich Chan Quang expresses concern: "If you have supernatural powers for three years and then lose them, have you attained sainthood? No, you haven't even truly mastered meditation!" Because of misunderstanding the purpose, many turn meditation into a tool for worldly achievements rather than using it to dissolve the ego.

The story of that ancient monk serves as a reminder. We must ask ourselves: Are we using meditative concentration to chase an illusory world, or to transform our inner selves? When special abilities arise, do not become arrogant. Instead, use them to observe the nature of the self and learn the art of letting go.

### Liberation from Suffering Is a Journey

Attaining jhana is beautiful, but it is not enough. True freedom from suffering requires transforming the root causes: letting go of greed, hatred, and delusion, and eradicating the ego. Begin today, starting with small actions—do not crave money, do not seek supernatural feats, and simply quiet the mind to observe reality. As the Buddha taught, those who use the power of concentration to destroy the ego will achieve genuine liberation. Live with compassion and wisdom, so that you never return to the forest of ignorance.