The Trap of Comfort

Amidst a crowded meditation retreat, a unique atmosphere pervades the space. Some practitioners sit with straight backs and half-closed eyes, their faces tense as they endure the numb pain in their legs. Yet, other figures slip by, seeking ways to bypass the rules and avoid sitting in meditation.

In a corner of the temple grounds, two young monks converse in hushed tones. One is named Minh, his face still tinged with shyness, looking toward Duc, who has just finished cleaning the restrooms—a task many people typically shy away from.

"Brother Duc," Minh whispers, "why do you not go to sit in meditation early? That time is golden for entering meditative concentration. I see you constantly busy with the broom and the bucket."

Duc pauses, wipes the sweat from his forehead, and offers a gentle smile that hides a firm resolve.

"Minh, sitting in meditation is very difficult. The legs ache, the back tires, and the mind becomes chaotic. Many fear this difficulty and find every possible way to escape it. They say, 'Let me go do merit work,' or 'Let me help adjust someone’s posture.' It sounds noble, but in reality, they are running away from facing themselves."

Minh furrows his brow, not yet grasping the profound meaning. He recalls times when he too had used busyness as an excuse to skip the afternoon meditation session.

"But if we do not sit in meditation, where does wisdom come from?" Minh asks challengingly.

Duc sets down the broom, looks directly into Minh’s eyes, and speaks with seriousness.

"The Buddha taught: 'With meditation, wisdom arises; without meditation, wisdom ceases.' If we choose the path of comfort and ease, even after countless lifetimes, we will not attain the holy fruits. Practicing lazily—coming only when free, stopping when busy; calculating offerings, performing rituals carelessly—that is not practice. That is playing games with the Buddha's teachings (Dharma)."

He recounts the story of a wealthy person who, after making offerings to build a temple, demanded respect and looked down on everyone else. Such actions erased all blessings from merit and moral integrity. In contrast, those who truly practice, whether poor or rich, leave their selfish ego at the temple gate. They are ready to serve others humbly, even the most destitute.

"Coming to the temple is to learn how to humble oneself," Duc emphasizes. "A meditator cannot carry a mind of arrogance and selfishness. Three factors must support us: Qigong for the health to sit long, morality for a pure and wholesome heart, and merit for unconditional service. Lacking any one of these three, meditative concentration will not be sustainable."

Minh falls silent. He realizes that the "comfort" he once craved was actually a sweet trap leading to the decay of wisdom and morality. Looking at his fellow practitioners struggling with leg pain in the meditation hall, he no longer feels pity, but deep respect. They are choosing the hard path, the only path from ordinary beings to becoming enlightened ones.

The next day, Minh no longer seeks to escape meditation. He proactively practices Qigong daily, helping his body become flexible and reducing pain. He also actively participates in community service, learning the art of letting go of the ego. Although the hours of sitting remain difficult and the mind still wanders, he does not lose heart. He understands that only those who are "crazy" or "beloved children of the Buddha"—those with deep roots of goodness—dare to step onto this thorny path to seek true wisdom.

The Meaning of the Story

This narrative critiques the lazy approach to practice, where people seek to evade the austerity of meditation through superficial excuses. The lesson is clear: Wisdom only arises when there is meditative concentration, and such concentration requires diligence, overcoming physical pain and mental agitation. A practitioner must combine three elements: Qigong (health), morality (selfless heart), and merit (service) to walk correctly on the path to enlightenment, avoiding the traps of selfishness and pretense.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang