Serenity and Diligence: The Balance of the Practitioner

Every practitioner yearns for serenity, but have you ever asked yourself if a misunderstanding could turn that peace into laziness?

The Truth of Serenity

When we enter the path, we hear many teachings about letting go, impermanence (anicca), and emptiness. Venerable Thich Chan Quang shares a story of a Buddhist who lost money. The teacher comforted him by saying to view wealth as an illusion, like flowers appearing in empty space. A peaceful mind is what truly matters. This is genuine wisdom that helps us transcend suffering (dukkha).

Let go, see everything as impermanence (anicca), regard all things as illusions or sky-flowers, and pass through life with peace.

However, if we stop there, believing that doing nothing is high spirituality, we fall into a dangerous trap.

Misunderstanding Non-Action

Venerable Chan Quang warns that some people believe the highest sage is one who does not act, does not practice, and does not attain enlightenment. From this, they develop laziness without realizing it. They gradually become invisible within their families, in society, and even in the monastery, where no one remembers them.

If we misunderstand non-action, we become those who only eat and wait for others to serve us.

He gives an example of a monk who stayed at various temples for short periods, never chanting sutras nor performing duties. Eventually, everyone forgot him. No one blamed him, but no one remembered his existence either. When we do not contribute, our lives lose meaning.

Human Value Lies in Action

The teacher emphasizes that we only exist, only have value in this world when we do something for it. A husband who studies the Dharma but comes home to do nothing, merely waiting for meals, becomes invisible to his wife and children after a few years. In the temple, those who do nothing are eventually asked to leave by the protectors of the Dharma. This proves that diligence does not contradict serenity.

We only exist, we only have value in this life when we do something for this life.

Serenity in Mind, Diligence in Action

How can we be both serene and diligent? Venerable Chan Quang advises that when visiting a temple, do not calculate your seat or consider yourself important. Choose to serve others, clean, and help out. Work naturally, without forcing it or seeking praise. This is true serenity: the mind is not busy with the ego, yet the body remains enthusiastic in its work.

Just as a tree needs deep roots to stand firm against storms, humans need inner peace to withstand challenges, while still growing upward through concrete actions.

Practical Advice

Begin each day by chanting sutras, but do not treat it as a mere ritual. Cultivate the thought of non-self (anatta): "This body is not me; this mind is not me." As the ego shrinks, serving others feels effortless. At the same time, be diligent in planting trees, making offerings, and helping the world. This is the path of a true practitioner.

You will no longer worry about seating arrangements or feel anger when lacking necessities, because your heart is at ease. Yet, you will continue working tirelessly, for this is how you express compassion.

At the end of the day, ask yourself: What did I do for others today? If you have done something, you have achieved the balance of serenity and diligence just as the Buddha taught.