The Merit of the Noble Ones: Are You on the Right Path?

Have you ever wondered why some people are wealthy while others live in poverty? Why do some hold high positions of power, while others toil as laborers? Above all, why do noble ones possess peaceful minds and transcendent wisdom, while we remain trapped in worry and sorrow? Is it all mere luck, or is there a fair law governing our lives?

Wealth, Power, and Wisdom: Not by Chance

According to Venerable Thich Chan Quang, everything follows clear cause and effect (karmic law). Wealthy people have practiced generosity and making offerings over many lifetimes. Those with authority have accumulated merit by caring for others. Intellectuals achieved their status through diligent teaching in past lives. As the teacher says, justice resides in cause and effect (karmic law); one must be willing to cut out one’s own intestines to give. Money is tied to the gut, yet true generosity requires letting go of that attachment.

There is no such thing as praying for wealth or promotion without effort. That is superstition.

Superstition or True Faith? A Clear Distinction

The teacher clarifies: Superstition is when one desires great harvests with minimal effort. For example, offering a small bunch of bananas hoping to win the lottery, or seeking university admission without studying. Conversely, true faith understands that every achievement demands proportional effort. If someone promises you lucky charms for business success for just a few hundred thousand dong, be wary; it is likely fraud.

The Story of the Monk Who Meditated for Twenty Thousand Years

The teacher shares an impressive story: A monk, filled with despair, attempted suicide. As he placed the knife against his neck, he suddenly attained Arhatship. His disciples were astonished. The Buddha explained that enlightenment can come after seven lifetimes, seven years, seven months, seven days, or even simply by putting down one’s foot. This monk had meditated for twenty thousand years; his merit was complete, so touching the knife to his neck triggered enlightenment.

This shows that becoming a noble one requires accumulating merit over countless eons.

How Do Noble Ones Differ from Ordinary People?

First, they are filled with happiness. Ordinary people must sweat, cry, or even commit sins to find joy. Noble ones remain at peace whether walking, standing, lying down, or sitting. Second, they possess transcendent wisdom; they instantly understand the nature of others’ minds. Third, their virtue subdues spirits and demons. The teacher cites Master Thanh Nghia: merely resting at a shrine caused the resident deity to flee in fear. In contrast, we tremble at the mention of ghosts.

The Secret to Becoming Noble: No Enjoyment, Only Contribution

The teacher emphasizes: When blessings arrive, do not enjoy them personally; always choose a simple life. Ordinary people use blessings for consumption—spending wealth or commanding others with power. Noble ones use their blessings to continue helping the world, never for selfish gain. Thus, merit accumulates in the spiritual realm, opening up wisdom. Two elements must run parallel: living well in the world and practicing meditative concentration. Lacking either prevents one from becoming noble.

Today, as you hear about the merit of the noble ones, look within yourself. Where are you on this path? Do you dare to let go of personal enjoyment to dedicate your blessings to spiritual growth? Start with small acts: practice generosity, care for others, teach diligently, and sit in meditation daily. Do not stand still, for standing still means moving backward. Believe that each of us can become a Buddha, just as the Buddha said: “I am already an enlightened one; you will also become enlightened.”