No Attainment, No Realization: What Do the Saints See?

Some say, "If practicing Buddhism leads to nothing to realize and nothing to attain, why bother with such hard work?" It sounds reasonable at first glance, but is this truly the Buddha's teaching? The Diamond Sutra indeed speaks of "no attainment and no realization," yet if misunderstood, we may fall into laziness or even indulgence. So, how do the saints perceive one another?

Do Not Abandon Practice Upon Hearing "No Attainment"

In the Diamond Sutra, Subhuti states there is "no attainment and no realization," but not everyone understands this correctly. Venerable Thich Chan Quang emphasizes that this teaching is reserved for those with deep contemplation, sufficient wisdom, and strong roots of goodness. He explains that only highly intelligent practitioners should hear that long-term cultivators see themselves as having attained nothing.

Why is this distinction important? A wise person hearing this will suddenly grasp a great truth and strive with even greater diligence. However, someone lacking good roots might abandon their practice entirely, becoming lax and thinking that drinking alcohol is like drinking water, or dancing is like exercising. They sink deeper into samsara (cycle of rebirth) without realizing it. Therefore, we must be careful with our understanding. Do not use the phrase "no attainment" as an excuse for a loose lifestyle.

The Exalted State: A Crossroads for Practitioners

As practice progresses, one encounters strange states: a pure mind, a spacious body, or feeling detached from the ground while sitting. Yet, these moments are the most dangerous. Venerable Chan Quang warns that focusing on these exalted experiences immediately triggers the ego. For instance, if you notice your body does not touch the bed during meditative concentration, paying attention to this high state invites the paper-thin self to arise.

At such times, remember that your mind still harbors afflictions (kleshas) and is not truly pure. Keep your heart humble, reducing attachment to practice and attainment. Only the goal of non-self (anatta) is worthy of pursuit. These exalted states are merely straw; the ego remains the most dangerous element.

Supernatural Powers: A Double-Edged Sword Nourishing the Ego

In Buddhism, the Buddha did not permit the careless use of supernatural powers. Why? Because using them requires intention, and intention is the ego. The teacher explains that when employing supernatural powers, subtle intention must exist. That desire is still rooted in the mind/heart and the self.

Consequently, there was a bhikkhu who could create clouds to shade a group of people. When laypeople persistently begged him to display more miracles, he burned his robe to prove his sincerity and quietly left. He avoided showing off, fearing it would nourish his ego. This lesson remains relevant today. Some so-called teachers claim to use mantras for business success, taking fifty percent of profits. Venerable Chan Quang advises staying stable within cause and effect (karmic law), non-self (anatta), and compassion. Intervening in karmic law through supernatural powers is desperate and dangerous because it feeds the ego.

Buddhist followers must remain alert. Do not trust promises of wealth from mantras or supernatural feats. These are traps set by greed, leading us into deception.

No Name for the Ultimate Goal

The Buddha named the state "Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi" (Unsurpassed Perfect Enlightenment) only to encourage sentient beings. But the ultimate place of realization has no name. Subhuti said there is no fixed saintly position called unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.

Why? Because when ignorance and ego cease, adding even one word is superfluous. In the Great Prajnaparamita, Subhuti taught that if any dharma were higher than unsurpassed bodhisattva-hood, he would call it illusion, magic, or dream. This is the final truth. Clinging to names or sects creates division and forgets peace. Saints are both profound and simple; they know their own faults and others' faults but do not boast or discriminate between schools. They see all as one flow, recognizing only correct or incorrect practice, not superiority.

The Buddha Preached No Dharma: Saints Dare to Let Go of All

Hearing that "the Buddha preached no dharma" seems strange, but it represents the ultimate letting go. Consider a rich man who loses twenty taels of gold without pain, but suffers greatly when falsely accused. Honor and spiritual value matter more than material goods. The Buddha, however, viewed even the spiritual legacy built over a lifetime as empty.

Only the Buddha, who sees spiritual achievements as nothing, demonstrates the transcendence of a true saint. The Buddha's teachings are medicine for mental illness. Once healed, the medicine becomes unnecessary. Thus, practitioners should not pride themselves on their specific method or consider themselves the best. Respect all other traditions. Buddhism is a religion of peace, never inciting division. Those who create discord are outside the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) and may be exploited by those wishing to destroy the path.

The Diamond Sutra teaches clearly: neither the realized dharma nor the practiced dharma has form or name. Live in humility, without clinging to fame or appearance, and love all beings. This is the solid and precious path.