Two Paths to Stillness

In a dharma talk, Venerable Thich Chan Quang suddenly paused. His gaze drifted toward the audience, as if searching for something deeply familiar. His voice lowered, becoming slow and deliberate.

"There is a substance far more tempting than you might imagine... Yes, heroin."

A few murmurs rippled through the corner of the room. The teacher smiled gently, unsurprised by the reaction.

"Very few people know this. How did that young man recognize it so quickly?"

He continued, his tone steady yet carrying a profound warning. "There is a drug that, when injected or consumed, instantly drops the user into a state resembling meditative concentration. The mind becomes serene and quiet, and joy arises immediately, flooding the being with happiness. This happens because in meditation, when our mind is pure, the sensation of bliss emerges in exactly the same way."

The teacher described a stark contrast. "Therefore, those who sit in meditation and attain concentration become addicted to it. They wish to sit forever, and we praise their diligence. In truth, they enjoy it because they are hooked on the purity and the resulting bliss. Similarly, a drug addict seeks that same bliss while their mind settles into stillness. The behavior of someone under the influence resembles that of a calm, pure, and detached sage. Amidst war or chaos outside, they remain indifferent, lying down wherever they are. When others rush about in panic, they walk slowly, caring nothing for destinations. Their happiness is generated internally by their own brain chemistry."

A brief silence fell over the hall. Then, the teacher’s voice grew serious. "But there is a crucial difference. Once such drugs are used, the body gradually loses its resistance, becoming weak and frail, while moral integrity decays. Such a person may lie, cheat, or steal money, doing whatever it takes to fund their next fix for the sake of fleeting pleasure. Conversely, one who cultivates meditation through personal effort and struggle to achieve meditative concentration sees their morality grow stronger day by day, and their physical health improves. That is how the two paths differ."

He did not stop there. He spoke of other types of narcotics: stimulants that agitate the brain, forcing users to jump and scream uncontrollably, and hallucinogens that induce delirium, making people see gods or images according to their desires. "In general, all these substances destroy the brain. Only those who practice genuine meditation find their minds becoming increasingly alert, healthy, and wise. Using drugs is an attempt to manipulate the brain through material means, which ultimately leads to ruin."

The teacher looked around the room once more, his voice soft but firm. "We must understand that spirituality has two sides. Do not be foolish enough to use material substances to affect the mind. Only through your own inner battle and self-discipline can you find the most authentic and glorious path."

### The Meaning of the Story

This narrative highlights the fundamental difference between two paths leading to mental stillness. One is a shortcut via stimulants (drugs), offering temporary feelings of happiness and peace but resulting in health deterioration, loss of ethics, and brain damage. The other is the true path of meditative concentration, requiring effort and internal struggle, yet yielding lasting awareness, wisdom, health, and strong moral foundations. Only self-directed spiritual practice is the right and glorious way.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang