Burning Away Fear to Walk on Glowing Coals

In the dark courtyard of the temple, a long bed of glowing coals stretched for fifteen or twenty feet, radiating heat that made the skin tingle. Several disciples stood far away, sweating profusely, watching their teacher’s feet step upon the fire as lightly as if walking on a soft carpet.

“Teacher can do it, so why cannot you?” the master asked, turning back to them.

They were ordinary people with unsteady minds, having grown up fearing fire. The teacher knew that willpower creates strength, so he instructed them: “Each of you, write down your fear on paper.”

“I am afraid my feet will burn, I am afraid of the pain,” one disciple wrote.

The teacher gathered the pile of papers, chanted softly, and then set them ablaze. “I have burned all your fears. Now you are no longer afraid; please walk forward.”

“Is this truly so, Teacher?” the disciple asked in astonishment.

“With firm faith, the fire does not touch you,” the teacher replied.

The crucial moment arrived when the disciples listened to his words. Their minds became steady through suggestion, and they stepped onto the coals. Their feet did not burn, and they crossed easily. The teacher smiled, revealing that it was faith itself that dispelled fear.

Afterward, the disciples practiced daily, and their hearts grew stronger. This story illustrates how a powerful mind transforms danger into peace.

The Meaning of the Story

Courage is born from a steady mind that does not waver. When we recognize our fears and practice letting go, faith helps us overcome challenges and master dangerous circumstances.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang