Why Did the Buddha Not Speak of Miraculous Things in Meditation? Understanding Mahayana Correctly

Venerable Thich Chan Quang explains the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, helping us avoid misunderstandings. The Buddha did not speak of certain things because they were unnecessary, and the most important goal remains the elimination of greed, hatred, and delusion.

Have you ever heard someone praise a Zen master for profound teachings, only to wonder why the Buddha did not say these things? When comparing Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, do you feel as if these two traditions are pulling apart on different paths?

In his dharma talk titled "Mahayana Bodhisattva – Concept (2)," Venerable Thich Chan Quang illuminates debates that have lasted over two thousand years. He offers a perspective that is both deep and practical, helping us resolve all our doubts.

Where Did Mahayana Originate?

About two hundred years after the Buddha passed into nirvana, a new wave of thought began to emerge. Texts such as the Diamond Sutra and the Avatamsaka Sutra appeared, along with treatises by Nagarjuna and Ashvaghosha. These ideas marked the formation of Mahayana Buddhism, a development that challenged those loyal to the original teachings. Conflicts arose, and at times, each side viewed the other as heretical. This is truly sad, for both groups are children of the Buddha.

Interestingly, in Vietnam, the state skillfully invited the various schools to sit together, setting aside disagreements to build a unified Sangha. This is a unique occurrence without precedent in the world. Venerable Thich Chan Quang noted that while people elsewhere might simply separate when unhappy, in Vietnam, leaders facilitated dialogue. The masters sat together, spoke, and let go of conflicts to build one common path of Dharma.

"The Buddha Did Not Speak Because He Saw No Need"

The key point emphasized by Venerable Thich Chan Quang is this: Why do some meditation states or miraculous insights described by Zen masters not appear in the Buddha's sutras? Examples include phrases like "an ant swallowing an elephant" or "a bottomless bucket." These words act as codes understood only by those who have realized the truth.

The Venerable explained clearly: "The Buddha did not speak because he saw no need to speak." An enlightened Zen master may see every movement as the wondrous function of the true mind, saying that carrying water and chopping wood are themselves supernatural powers. The Buddha taught the same essence but in simple terms: "When walking, know you are walking; when standing, know you are standing." So what is the difference?

Eliminating Greed, Hatred, and Delusion Is the Core

Venerable Thich Chan Quang pointed out that magical realms in meditative concentration are not necessarily the ultimate goal. The most important thing the Buddha aimed for was the destruction of greed, hatred, and delusion to achieve deep moral integrity. If one enjoys strange phenomena but still harbors pride and afflictions, they are not yet holy. As the Venerable stated, what the Buddha requires is that we eliminate greed, hatred, delusion, desire, doubt, pride, and attachment. Only these elements of morality create the deep virtue necessary for sainthood.

This is a warning: Do not assume Mahayana is superior to Theravada just because it presents new methods. The Buddha's core teaching existed from the beginning; we simply have not fully understood it.

The Story of Su Dongpo and Master Foyin

To illustrate this, the teacher told the story of Fifth Patriarch Hongren, a famous Zen master known for high insight, who still had traces of greed, hatred, and delusion. His friend, another Zen master, followed him to guide his practice. Later, Hongren was reborn as the poet Su Dongpo, while his friend was reborn as Master Foyin. They met again, became friends, and practiced together. Through this connection, Su Dongpo eventually attained enlightenment and escaped samsara.

This story shows that high insights without the eradication of afflictions can still be swept away by karma. Therefore, genuine practitioners do not stop at experiencing miraculous knowledge.

Lessons for Us Today

Never look down upon any tradition. There is no need to compare superiority, for misunderstanding the Buddha or the saints harms ourselves. Venerable Thich Chan Quang emphasized that the greatest fear is holding wrong views, which leads to spiritual deviation.

We must have absolute faith that no one surpasses the Buddha. Mahayana sutras and treatises that emerged later merely explore aspects the Buddha did not explicitly detail; they are not "better" than the Buddha. Understanding this prevents us from going astray.

In daily life, apply the teacher's advice: Practice to achieve a peaceful death, free from confusion or delusion. To do this, live according to the right Dharma and eliminate greed, hatred, and delusion in every moment. By doing so, we walk correctly on the path of the Buddha.