Why We Must Never Look Down on Others? A Lesson from the Story of the Two Brothers, Panthaka

**Summary:** From the story of Cūḷapanthaka being expelled by his brother, Venerable Thích Chân Quang teaches about the counterintuitive practices of saints, the lesson of not looking down on others, and the power of helping the unfortunate.

Have you ever been hurt by someone you love? That feeling is perhaps akin to what the Venerable Cūḷapanthaka experienced when his own brother expelled him from the Sangha. But did you know that this very act was, in fact, his greatest gift?

**The Story of the Two Brothers, Panthaka**

The Venerable Mahāpanthaka and Cūḷapanthaka were two brothers who both left home to become monks. The elder brother was intelligent and realized the state of an Arhat. The younger brother, however, had a poor memory, forgetting what he learned, which troubled the monastic community. Eventually, the elder brother decided to expel his own brother from the monastery. In tears, Cūḷapanthaka stood outside the gate, weeping, believing he had lost his chance to practice. But the Buddha came to him, gave him a piece of cloth, and taught him to contemplate impermanence. Within a single morning, Cūḷapanthaka attained the realization of an Arhat.

**Counterintuitive Conduct: The Skillful Means of Saints**

Many people wonder when reading this story: Why did the elder brother expel him? Was it because he still harbored anger? The Buddha clarified that it was not. An Arhat cannot possess anger. That expulsion was an act of counterintuitive conduct—a skillful means to help his brother repay the final karmic debt.

"It was not out of anger, but because his brother needed a final sense of shame, a final humiliation to repay his past karma."

In life, sometimes people need gentle words, and other times they need firmness. Some children need a rod to grow into good people; some criminals need strict control to prevent harm. Similarly, Zen masters occasionally use counterintuitive methods, scolding or even striking, to awaken their disciples. This is like the story of Linji, who was struck three times by his master Huangbo and subsequently achieved great awakening.

**Do Not Look Down on Others, For You May Become Them**

The story of the Venerable Cūḷapanthaka also teaches us a profound lesson in cause and effect (karmic law). In a past life, he was highly learned but often belittled others. Therefore, in his final life, he had to repay this karmic debt through ignorance. Venerable Chân Quang emphasized:

"If you see yourself as beautiful and criticize others for being ugly, a time will come when you become ugly. If you see yourself as wealthy and look down on the poor, a time may come when you fall into that very state."

Do not despise the poor, for we may be reborn into that condition. Do not despise the uneducated, for we may become uneducated in a future life. Contempt only creates karmic force that causes us to fall into the very position we once disdained.

**Helping the Unfortunate: Not for Accumulating More Merit, but for Reducing Calamity**

Venerable Thích Chân Quang also shared an interesting perspective: When we help those with disabilities, orphans, or the elderly living alone, we need not think about accumulating blessings from merit. These unfortunate individuals represent the collective karma of society. Helping them is a way to reduce disasters for society as a whole.

"When we help an unfortunate person, we naturally reduce a calamity for our own life and for society as well."

Therefore, if you have the opportunity to help someone, do so with sincerity. It may not seem like a grand gesture, but it will make our own lives smoother and less prone to unexpected misfortunes.

**Daily Practice**

Every day, be mindful of your words and thoughts. Do not let the habit of contempt and criticism creep into your mind. Practice compassion, feeling empathy for those less fortunate. And do not become a burden to others—practice diligently, repent, and do good deeds so that your life may be light and peaceful.

"One who abandons greed, hatred, and delusion, free from arrogance and jealousy, even as small as a mustard seed on the tip of a needle, is called a true Brahmin."

Start today. Offer a smile to those around you. Do not look down on anyone, and help the unfortunate whenever you can. It is these small actions that will make our spirit noble and our life free from many calamities.