The Trap of the Deep Pit

Imagine a life-or-death situation. Three people fall together into a deep, dark pit. The walls are slippery, offering no direct escape. The air is stifling, and heavy breathing echoes in the darkness. This scene serves as a metaphor for our lives, filled with competition and hardship that we all must face.

In the first scenario, these three represent selfishness and a lack of trust. When one person tries to climb out, the other two feel threatened. They think, "If he escapes, he will leave us here to die." Or worse, they fear another’s success, asking, "Why is he better than me? He does not deserve to go first." As the climber reaches the edge, the others grab his legs and pull him down. This cycle of struggle, suspicion, and sabotage continues until all three are exhausted and despairing. Ultimately, they perish together in the cold pit. This is the tragedy of division and jealousy.

In the second scenario, the three embody unity and wisdom. They realize that while one cannot escape alone, cooperation opens the way. They quickly devise a plan. The two stronger individuals crouch down, joining shoulders to form a solid platform. The third stands on their backs, reaching up to grasp tree roots or the rim of the pit. Once the first person climbs out, he does not flee. Instead, he immediately finds rope or branches and lowers them to rescue his friends still trapped below.

This process requires temporary sacrifice, bearing the weight of others, and absolute trust that those who rise first will return to help. As a result, all three escape safely. This story reflects social reality. Those who focus only on climbing by stepping on others often fail or live in isolation. Conversely, those willing to serve as a foundation for others’ success eventually receive support in return, lifting the entire community forward.

Venerable Thich Chan Quang uses this imagery to warn young entrepreneurs. Do not seek success by creating enemies. Help your friends and potential rivals succeed first. When you build a network of kindness and gratitude, the law of cause and effect ensures you are never abandoned in the pits of life.

The core lesson is shifting from competition to service. To achieve success, help others succeed first. Unity and mutual support are not just moral virtues; they are the smartest strategies for overcoming adversity. Selfish individuals die together in the pit of loneliness, but those who know how to serve rise together toward the light.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang