Two Monks and the Noble Steed

Night fell upon a quiet forest in India, where bone-chilling cold seeped through every leaf. In a small thatched hut, flickering firelight cast shadows on the earthen walls as two young monks sat by the hearth. One wore a thin robe, sitting with a straight back, eyes closed, breathing steadily. The other huddled close, warming his hands over the flames, muttering to himself.

"How can one meditate in such cold? Let us burn more wood and invite other brothers to talk, just to warm our bellies," he complained.

The meditating monk did not reply, only smiling gently. These were two brothers who had ordained together, seeking teachings from the Buddha before finding this secluded forest for dedicated practice. Yet life here was difficult: nights were freezing, mosquitoes were countless, and food required walking far into villages for alms.

The elder brother, diligent in his practice, spent all time outside of necessary duties like collecting alms or reciting precepts in deep meditative concentration. The younger brother, however, was lazy. He lingered over meals, engaged in idle chatter, and used the cold as an excuse to burn wood and gather others for conversation. What began as dharma discussions quickly drifted into worldly matters. While the elder rose early to sit in meditation amidst the frost, the younger lit fires and woke others to continue talking, leaving little time for true practice.

Seeing his companion grow increasingly diligent, entering deeper states of absorption, the younger monk became jealous. He often made sarcastic remarks: "Are you turning into a frog by sitting so much? You are quite the hypocrite! Do you think sitting like that will make you enlightened?"

The elder remained silent, continuing his practice quietly. Over months and years, the difference between them became stark. One was serene and still, with a clear face; the other was restless, irritable, and mentally scattered.

One day, the Buddha passed through the area and visited the two monks. After they paid their respects, he asked, "How is your practice going here?"

Before the elder could answer, the younger spoke up hastily: "Venerable Sir, I am very diligent! By day I collect alms, and at night I discuss the Dharma, sleeping very little. But this one is lazy, sitting silently like a log all day!"

The Buddha’s expression grew serious, looking directly at the lazy monk. "You have been lazy, wasting precious time, and failed to respect your diligent companion. This one is truly my child. Like a noble steed surpassing others on a long journey, leaving behind the weak horse, this one is worthy of carrying on my lineage."

Then, the Buddha recited a verse: "Diligent among the heedless, awake among the deluded. The wise are like noble steeds, leaving behind the weak horse."

The lazy monk bowed his head, blushing with shame. The elder sat there, silent but resolute. From then on, the younger brother no longer looked down on his companion but began to follow his example of diligence. Gradually, he too found peace in meditative concentration.

The Meaning of the Story

The lesson the Buddha wished to convey is this: A person of wisdom is not one who speaks well or is quick-tongued, but one who knows how to be diligent, practicing earnestly and remaining mindful amidst worldly temptations. Among many who are heedless and lazy, maintaining diligence; among many who err, staying awake on the right path—this is the wise person, worthy of being called a child of the Buddha.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang