Not Praising Oneself: Why True Practitioners Do Not Claim Attainment

Have you ever wondered why a genuine practitioner never praises themselves? Even when they achieve wonderful results, they remain humble as if nothing has happened. Let the teachings of the Diamond Sutra explain this miracle.

## The Essence of the Diamond Sutra: Doing Countless Good Deeds Without Attachment to Merit

The Diamond Sutra teaches us a profoundly important lesson: do many good deeds for the world, but never let the ego intrude to boast about your merit. Master Thich Chan Quang emphasizes that the essence of the Diamond Sutra is doing countless good deeds without clinging to credit. We must forget our own achievements.

This means we should diligently help others, viewing service to society as our own responsibility. For example, if a family in our village has children who passed university entrance exams but are poor, we should personally investigate and support them so they can continue their studies. We do this with all our heart, without seeking fame or personal gain. When we live this way, the mind becomes joyful, and life becomes peaceful.

## What Does Buddha's Teachings Mean? Three Layers of Understanding

We often hear the term "Buddha's teachings" (Dharma), yet few truly understand its full meaning. Master Chan Quang explains that it has at least three meanings. First, it is a way to live well in the world: knowing how to love and treat everyone kindly. Second, it is a way to transcend the world: practicing liberation from suffering (dukkha). Third, the Dharma is a source of benefit for all people, not a place to gather wealth or status.

He clarifies that what we call Buddha's teachings are merely names. The Sangha is also just a name. The true purpose is to live beautifully in this world and practice to transcend it. These first two meanings may seem contradictory, but they are deeply connected. Only when the mind is free from entanglements can we treat the world well. Conversely, living well in the world is the foundation for liberation.

## The Most Unique Religion in the World: Not Clinging Even to One's Own Path

The most special aspect of Buddhism is that it does not cling even to its own path. Master Chan Quang states that even what is called Buddha's teachings are not ultimately Buddha's teachings. This is an unimaginable paradox. While many other religions strive to expand their influence, sometimes causing division, the Dharma teaches non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence.

For instance, young couples who love each other but follow different faiths are often prevented from marrying, causing pain. Buddhism does not create such divisions. Therefore, wise and ethical people around the world bow in admiration before this noble teaching.

## The Stage of Stream-Entry: Attaining Without Seeing Oneself as Attained

When practitioners reach the stage of Stream-Entry (Sotapanna), they do not think they have attained anything. Master Chan Quang explains that if mindfulness is present, one feels like they are losing something rather than gaining. A Stream-Entrer loses three things: selfishness, doubt, and rigidity.

They lose selfishness by no longer thinking only of themselves, always yielding and sharing with others first. They lose doubt by having firm confidence in the path of practice, unshaken by any other benefits. They lose rigidity by no longer clinging to trivial matters, living freely and with greater tolerance.

Master Chan Quang humorously notes that practicing Buddhism means losing more as you go deeper. But what is lost is ignorance and afflictions (kleshas), allowing us to move forward lightly.

## Guarding Against Pride in Practice

Even with progress, we must always be vigilant against pride. The teacher says that until one attains Arhatship, there is no fear of arrogance. However, before reaching that stage, pride always exists. Therefore, when we feel some purity or luck in our lives, we must not consider ourselves superior to others. Remember that full attainment is still far away, and many people around us are still confused and suffering. The mind of a saint always aims to help everyone progress together.

Live according to the spirit of the Diamond Sutra: do many beneficial things for the world, but do not get caught up in the idea of "I" or "mine." Let go of all attachments to find freedom and peace. Practice this starting today, in every action, word, and thought, so that life becomes lighter and happier.