A Thousand Lifetimes of Practice: Why Do Some Practitioners Never Attain Enlightenment?

In this dharma talk, Venerable Thich Chan Quang reminds us not to harbor the illusion that practice automatically leads to attainment. We must prepare our minds for a journey spanning a thousand lifetimes and examine our steadfastness on the path to enlightenment.

Have you ever wondered why some people practice their entire lives without reaching enlightenment? Why do others, upon meeting a true teacher, suddenly find their hearts purified and their spiritual aspiration growing? During the memorial service for the late Most Venerable Thuong Dac Ha Phap, Venerable Thich Chan Quang shared a profound teaching centered on the theme of "A Thousand Lifetimes of Practice." This talk was not only an expression of gratitude to a great sage but also a gentle warning for all of us walking the spiritual path.

### The Breath of a Thousand Lifetimes

Venerable Chan Quang began with a moving observation: "Anyone who meets the Master will see their spiritual aspiration grow." Spiritual aspiration is something we struggle to maintain through chanting sutras, bowing, and sitting in meditation. Yet, it naturally blossoms in those fortunate enough to meet the Master. He said:

"Growing spiritual aspiration is harder than catching fireflies in the sky. Everything we do—our practice, our studies, our chanting, our prostrations, our meditation, even collecting scriptures—is done solely to nurture this aspiration. It is incredibly difficult; it is not easy at all."

This highlights the rarity of a being who has practiced over many lifetimes and accumulated immeasurable merit. But the teaching does not stop there. The Venerable guides us toward a deeper question: if one lifetime of practice does not guarantee enlightenment, how should we view ourselves?

### The Illusion of Attainment

Many people believe that "if I practice, I will attain." However, the Venerable warns against this assumption:

"Do not think that everyone who practices will reach the destination. Do not assume that because you are practicing, you must attain enlightenment. Do not believe that practice guarantees eventual awakening. That is not how it works. Many people start practicing and then retreat. Some fall into hell realms, while others are reborn as animals. Not everyone who practices attains liberation."

Why is this so? Because cause and effect (karmic law) is strict. When we create merit, good results follow, leading to births in wealth and power. Yet, such glory often breeds pride. We exhaust our blessings from merit and then create negative karma, falling back down. Thus, across many lifetimes, we cycle through "creating merit, enjoying blessings, creating merit, enjoying blessings," without making true progress. This phenomenon of advancing and retreating is what the Venerable calls the "irony and contradiction" of spiritual practice.

### Sotapanna: The Doorway to the Noble Stream

So, when can we be certain we will reach the end? The Venerable teaches that certainty comes only upon attaining the fruit of Sotapanna, or Stream-Enterer. This is the first of the four noble stages, corresponding to "seeing one's nature" or sudden enlightenment in Zen Buddhism. Once a person enters the stream, they will no longer be reborn in the three lower realms and are guaranteed to achieve liberation.

"The Buddha taught that anyone who attains Sotapanna will certainly reach liberation. Those who have not yet attained it may continue to practice, but they experience ups and downs, gains and losses, rises and falls. Therefore, realizing that 'I am practicing, but I am not certain I will reach the goal' is right view. It helps us remain humble and careful."

If we have not reached Sotapanna, we should not be complacent, assuming attainment is inevitable. We must avoid the arrogance of thinking, "I chant, I meditate, so I will surely succeed soon." Such thoughts are wrong views and illusions that easily deplete our merit.

### Extraordinary Steadfastness

The core quality distinguishing a Sotapanna from ordinary practitioners is extraordinary steadfastness. A noble one will never abandon their ideal of practice, regardless of threats, temptations, or promises. What about us?

"Not even a momentary temptation in the world can distract them from turning their mind toward practice for even a second. For us, however, steadfastness is not extraordinary. Our ideals can waver. Today, sitting here, we feel determined to practice. But once we leave the temple, what happens? The flow of life sweeps us away immediately. Concerns about food, clothing, and money arise. If threatened by a partner or warned by a boss about losing our job, we might abandon the temple instantly."

It is this lack of steadfastness that traps us in a cycle: planting good seeds, enjoying blessings, creating bad karma, and falling again. We cannot advance far. Therefore, look within yourself. If you face challenges without wavering, you may possess the qualities of a Sotapanna. If not, sincerely cultivate steadfastness. This is the foundation for a long journey.

### Conclusion: Prepare for a Thousand Lifetimes

Venerable Chan Quang advises us not to limit our commitment to one or ten lifetimes. Those who vow to attain enlightenment in just one life after encountering the Dharma actually have a narrow mindset, small as a grain of rice. Only those willing to embrace a thousand lifetimes, accepting the long road ahead, have the chance for great results.

"A person who, upon meeting the Dharma, prepares their heart by saying, 'My capacity is lowly; I accept walking this path for a thousand lifetimes,' possesses a vast spirit. Their mind reaches far into the future. Conversely, those who set short deadlines for themselves... may seem impressive, but in truth, their mindset is narrow and impatient."

The teaching "A Thousand Lifetimes of Practice" is a gentle yet penetrating reminder. Let go of illusions. Live humbly, mindful of every second and minute. Never let pride or temptation shake your ideal of practice. If we hold firm to our faith, no matter how many lifetimes pass, the lotus flower will eventually bloom. We simply must not stop walking, nor look back.