A Sudden Moment After Twenty Thousand Years of Practice: A Lesson in Infinite Diligence

The story tells of a monk who suffered from depression and wished only to end his life. Yet, at the very moment he placed a blade against his neck, he attained enlightenment. This event reveals the secret behind the depth of accumulated merit and an attitude of practice without limits.

There are sorrows that have no discernible cause. There are people who live in this world yet feel perpetually gloomy, weary, and ready to let go of everything. If you have ever fallen into such a state, you may deeply understand the story of the monk found in the Dhammapada, which we will contemplate together today.

Sorrow Without Cause

During the time when the Buddha was alive, there was a monk named Sapadasa. He practiced with great morality, observing the precepts strictly and living in accordance with the true Dharma. However, he suddenly developed a strange psychological condition: he was always sad and bored, with no clear reason. At times, he even wished to commit suicide. This mirrors many people today who experience deep melancholy without knowing its origin.

A Moment That Changed Everything

One day, a venomous snake crawled into the teaching hall. The monks caught it and placed it in a jar, and Sapadasa volunteered to carry it far away. In truth, he wanted to thrust his hand inside so the snake would bite him to death. But the snake kept avoiding him and did not strike. In his extreme suffering, he slipped into the forest, intending to cut his own throat.

Before placing the knife, he looked back over his entire life. He saw clearly that he had practiced sincerely and had nothing to regret. In that instant, his whole body entered meditative concentration. His awareness shone brightly, and he attained enlightenment right then and there. When he returned, everyone was astonished by his complete transformation. His face was radiant and calm, free from all sorrow.

"When I placed the blade against my neck, before deciding to die, I looked back on my life of practice... suddenly my whole body entered meditative concentration, the power of awareness shone forth, and I attained enlightenment immediately." – Venerable Thich Chan Quang

The Depth of Merit Across Many Lifetimes

The monks asked the Buddha: Why did he attain the path simply by placing a knife to his neck, without sitting in meditation or exerting effort? The Buddha explained that time is not the crucial factor. It was because Sapadasa had practiced meditation for twenty thousand years. Despite carrying a troubled mind, he was extremely diligent. Therefore, when the fruit of his practice was ripe, it took only one second to attain enlightenment.

"If we do not know, we must determine how long a person needs to practice. Some say you must practice for ten years, or ten lifetimes. The Buddha said this is not certain. It depends on your past merit." – Venerable Thich Chan Quang

This teaches us never to count our years of spiritual age. Someone may practice for one hundred years but achieve less than what another accomplishes in a single day due to their vast accumulation of merit. Yet, we should not become impatient because of this. Every moment of diligence is added up across countless lifetimes.

Repetitive Psychology – The Law of Cause and Effect Cannot Be Ignored

Another important lesson from this story is that human psychology tends to repeat itself across many lifetimes. A generous person in one life is likely to be generous again in the next. Conversely, those who are selfish and narrow-minded, if they continue this pattern, will eventually fall into lower realms, becoming insects or animals.

"If we have negative psychological tendencies that repeat themselves over many lifetimes, they push our lives downward. Our karma sinks lower, and we cannot foresee how far down it will go." – Venerable Thich Chan Quang

Therefore, examine your mind every day. If you notice tendencies toward timidity, selfishness, or suicidal despair, kneel before the Buddha in repentance and vow to eradicate them. If you find yourself generous and compassionate, cherish and nurture that heart.

Do Not Plant Finite Causes Expecting Infinite Results

The Buddha taught that the time required for enlightenment is not the issue. Practitioners who rush, programming themselves to "attain enlightenment in this lifetime," may lose their willpower when that life ends. Instead, we should prepare ourselves for infinite diligence.

"We must prepare our spirit by asking the Buddha to grant us eternal, infinite diligence, even if it takes hundreds of thousands of years. As long as I will attain enlightenment, and as long as I never deviate from the true Dharma." – Venerable Thich Chan Quang

When we plant infinite causes, infinite results naturally follow. Each day, each hour, practicing the Dharma with all our heart, without calculating time or hoping for a quick end, is truly living a complete day within the Dharma.

Conclusion

The Buddha’s verse is simple yet profound: "Better than a hundred years lived lazily and without diligence is one day lived fully in the Dharma." Let go of notions about lifespan, number of rebirths, or time. We need only a sincere heart, tireless diligence, and infinite faith in the Three Jewels. Every morning we wake up is an opportunity to take one more step on the path back to our own infinite nature.