Why Is Adversity Necessary on the Path of Practice? Lessons from Elder Potila

Imagine that you are a wonderful preacher with many disciples who have attained realization, yet you yourself have never attained enlightenment. That is the story of Elder Potila, a monk whom the Buddha called "Empty Potila" for a long time. What kept such a talented person stuck? And why did adversity become a miraculous medicine on the path of practice? Today, through the dharma talk of Venerable Thích Chân Quang, let us explore this together.

A gifted preacher who had not yet attained realization

Elder Potila had a special gift: he preached beautifully and accurately, helping many young monks attain realization. And yet, he himself had not attained realization. The Buddha, who never joked idly, called him "Empty Potila" whenever he addressed him by name. This embarrassed him deeply, but it was also the medicine that awakened the hidden self-grasping within him: he regarded his preaching as his life's work, a kind of proof of his talent. The Buddha called that work "empty" to help him see that speaking well is not the same as enlightenment.

"Whenever his name was called, the word 'empty' was added... The Buddha used the word empty to destroy all the pride in his mind."

In life, we are the same. Sometimes we become complacent about our abilities: professional skills, eloquence, even our knowledge of the teachings. But if these remain only at the level of knowledge and reputation, they can become a curtain that blocks our inner path.

Skillful means and harsh means: the two instruments of the noble ones

In Buddhism, a bodhisattva may use gentle means or harsh means to guide others. Gentle means are soft, compassionate teachings that offer help. Harsh means involve sternness, rebuke, even provoking frustration in order to awaken someone. Venerable Thích Chân Quang taught:

"For those who lack spiritual vigor, use gentle means; for those who have sufficient vigor, begin to use harsh means."

For example, suppose we want to go to the temple to hear the teachings, and our car breaks down along the way, yet we still manage to arrive. That is precisely when our merit and spiritual vigor grow by leaps and bounds. And if we have no car at all, the celestial beings will arrange for someone to come and pick us up. Everything depends on conditions (dependent origination) and on each person's level of spiritual maturity.

Why is adversity necessary for practice?

Everyone likes comfort, but comfort often leads to laziness and complacency. When we are pushed into difficult situations, rebuked, or even humiliated, that is when the ego is broken and the door to the spiritual life opens. The Venerable emphasized:

"If beings live in wealth and comfort, they cannot progress... It is sternness that helps one rise above, whereas constant indulgence and praise will never allow one to advance."

This is also true in raising children. Parents who love their children but spoil them excessively are actually harming them. A child whose every demand is met becomes selfish and weak. In contrast, timely strictness teaches a child to overcome difficulties, to be obedient, and to grow into maturity.

The lesson from Elder Potila: letting go of the ego

After being reminded by the Buddha, Elder Potila asked permission to leave the crowds and devote himself to practice. He went to see thirty Arahants, but they told him to learn from someone of lower standing, one after another, until finally he was directed to a young novice. In the end, the novice told him to jump into a pond, and he did so without a moment's hesitation. He had completely let go of his ego, leaving only obedience and a longing for enlightenment.

The novice taught him: "A house has six doors, through which wind and rain come and go. Close five doors and leave only one open." This is precisely dwelling contemplating the whole body, clearly knowing the whole body. As his meditative concentration developed, wisdom arose, and at the moment he entered deep concentration, the Buddha appeared and spoke this verse:

"Meditation gives rise to wisdom; without meditation, wisdom withers. Know that there are two paths, one leading to downfall and one to liberation. Therefore, strive to make wisdom grow."

Immediately, Elder Potila attained the state of an Arahant. From a man complacent about his eloquence, he became a noble one through letting go and diligent practice.

Adversity is a companion on the path

Could it be that adversity is a silent teacher? Through the story of Elder Potila, we see that it was precisely the rebukes, the difficulties, and the trials that helped him reach the supreme goal. In daily life, when we encounter adversity, let us not rush to complain or blame. It may be an opportunity to temper the mind, strengthen faith, and open the heart.

When we meet a strict teacher, let us remember that it is because the teacher sees sufficient conditions (dependent origination) and sufficient spiritual vigor in us. When misfortune strikes, let us ask ourselves: Is this a test the celestial beings want me to overcome? Each time we overcome ourselves is a time when wisdom grows and the path of liberation opens wide.

Let us be grateful for adversity. As the Buddha taught: "Strive to make wisdom grow." Let us strive, unafraid of hardship, so that wisdom may grow and our spirit may be liberated.