Do Not Be a Hired Cowherd: Is It Worthy to Study Many Sutras Yet Neglect Practice?

Imagine yourself as a hired cowherd. Every morning, you lead the herd to graze, counting each animal and knowing them well. Yet by day’s end, the cattle bring you nothing but exhaustion. Spiritual life is similar. Some people memorize countless sutras and speak fluently, yet their mind remains full of greed, hatred and delusion. The Buddha called such people "hired cowherds." The cows represent knowledge, but they derive no true nourishment from it.

Two Friends, Two Paths

In the time of the Buddha, there were two close friends. Both were wealthy and both left home to become monastics after hearing the Buddha's teachings. After five years of training in discipline, they approached the Buddha for deeper instruction. One asked to go into solitary retreat to practice meditative concentration. The other chose to stay at Jetavana Grove, studying the scriptures and memorizing verses by asking elders to recite them.

Years passed, and both became respected teachers with many disciples. However, the one who practiced attained the fruit of Arahantship, while the scholar only understood the doctrine theoretically. When they met again, the scholar wished to challenge his friend. Knowing this thought, the Buddha appeared and questioned them on the stages of meditative concentration and noble attainments. The scholar answered correctly, but merely recited from memory. The practitioner described his own state of enlightenment in detail. The Buddha praised the enlightened one, causing the scholar’s disciples to complain. The Buddha then said:

"Even if one speaks the sutras fluently but is lazy in practice, like a hired cowherd, one does not deserve the title of a contemplative. But one who may not speak much of the sutras yet practices diligently, abandoning greed, hatred and delusion, with a bright and liberated mind, truly deserves the title of a contemplative."

Study and Practice: Which Matters More?

The Buddha did not deny the value of learning. He taught that the path has two aspects: studying the Dharma and practicing the Dharma. Studying is understanding the map; practicing is walking the road. Learning without practicing is like counting another person’s cows. Practicing without learning can lead one astray. Ultimately, spiritual results depend on practice. If we stop at theory, we never touch liberation.

"When the mind is pure, evil finds no place to cling, leaving only goodness. Why? Because goodness aligns with a tranquil mind. Only a good heart can be still. An evil heart cannot find peace."

This is why the practitioner achieved real results: their mind was pure, and unwholesome states could not exist.

Why Do We Prefer Study Over Practice?

Venerable Thich Chan Quang pointed out: "Studying is always easier than sitting still." Indeed, reading books and listening to lectures are engaging activities. But sitting quietly, watching the breath, and facing oneself causes restlessness. He explained this through the needs of the five aggregates:

The form aggregate seeks air, tasty food, and comfort. The feeling aggregate craves emotional changes, alternating joy and sadness. The perception aggregate needs new knowledge and entertainment news.

When we sit in meditation, we cut off all sources of stimulation. The body hurts, feelings turn to boredom, and perceptions lack novelty. So we immediately look for excuses to escape. Studying always feels more pleasant. But pleasure is not the path to liberation.

Look Within: What Is Your Tendency?

Most of us have tendencies toward both study and practice. Ask yourself: When invited to a meditation session, do you feel eager or secretly look for reasons to miss it? When invited to a chanting retreat, do you think of peace or leg pain? If you always find meditation inconvenient, easily making excuses like "it is raining" or "I am tired," yet love reading sutras and listening to talks for hours, you may be trapped in the cycle of "learning without doing."

He also noted deep roots from past lives: if we previously spent effort and money serving saints or doing good deeds, we naturally enjoy practice now. If we only praised the Three Jewels with words, without concrete action, we now prefer mere talk. Past empty praise brings fame in this life, but not the strength to cultivate.

Conclusion: Cross Your Legs and Sit

Hearing this, you might see yourself as the hired cowherd. Do not be discouraged. The Buddha’s words are a wake-up call: Why did you come to the path? To gain more knowledge or to find liberation? If it is the latter, dedicate time to practice. Do not just count cows; start milking them. Sit for fifteen or twenty minutes daily, observe the breath, and keep the mind calm. Gradually, spiritual blessings will unfold, and you will experience the true joy of a practitioner.

"When spiritual merit opens up, you will deeply enjoy sitting in meditation. Next time, whenever you have free moments, you will rush to sit."

Today is the time to begin. Do not remain forever a hired cowherd in the endless field of scriptures. Practice so you may know for yourself, letting your mind shine with liberation.