The Hired Cowherd

One afternoon at the Jetavana Monastery, the golden sunlight faded gently over the thatched roofs. A soft breeze carried the fragrance of sala flowers through the air. A serene monk walked slowly through the gate, accompanied by a group of disciples. He had returned after nearly ten years away. This was the friend who had chosen the path of practice, and he had now attained the fruit of an Arhat.

When the other monk heard of his friend’s return, a thought arose in his mind. This second monk had stayed at Jetavana for ten years studying the scriptures. He was famous for his vast knowledge and respected by many. Yet, in that moment, pride crept into his heart. He thought, "It has been so long since we met. I will ask him about the Dharma to see who is more learned."

The two monks met in the courtyard. Before they could greet each other, the Buddha appeared. He approached them with a smile and invited them to sit down. Both monks bowed in respect and took their seats. The Buddha looked at them and turned to the scholar.

He asked, "Monk, what does one gain upon attaining the first jhana?"

The scholar clasped his hands and answered fluently. He said, "World-Honored One, one who attains the first jhana has abandoned sensual desires and unwholesome states. There is still initial application and sustained application, and the whole body is filled with joy and pleasure."

The Buddha nodded and asked further about the second jhana. The scholar replied correctly, describing a state of complete unity of mind, free from initial and sustained application, filled with inner peace. The Buddha continued to ask about the third and fourth jhanas, and then about the stages of noble attainment. The scholar answered every question accurately according to the texts.

However, when the Buddha asked about the experience of one who has attained the first stage of stream-entry, the scholar hesitated. He recited the theory: "World-Honored One, one who attains the first fruit has cut off three fetters: self-view, doubt, and attachment to rites and rituals." But when pressed on the actual state of mind during this realization, he fell silent. Having never experienced it himself, he could not describe the reality.

The Buddha then turned to the practicing monk, the Arhat. He asked, "Monk, what is the first jhana?"

The Arhat smiled and replied, "World-Honored One, the first jhana is freedom from desire and unwholesome states. With initial and sustained application, the body is filled with joy and pleasure, like a sponge soaked in water or milk."

He explained the transformation of the mind in detail. He said, "Evil is agitation; it is like waves and wind. As long as the mind moves, evil finds a place to cling. When the mind is still, evil has no foothold, leaving only goodness. A good mind is peaceful; an evil mind is agitated."

As the Buddha asked questions, He praised the Arhat’s answers. His praise resonated throughout the three realms, causing the devas in the heavens to tremble with admiration. Monks and laypeople gathered to listen, all filled with reverence.

Seeing this, the students of the scholarly monk felt indignant. They whispered among themselves, "What is there to praise so much? Our teacher also answered correctly!"

Hearing this, the Buddha rebuked them sternly. He said, "Even if one can recite the sutras fluently but is lazy in practice, one is like a hired cowherd counting another’s cattle. Such a person is not worthy of being called a shramana."

Then He praised the practitioner: "Although one may not speak much of the sutras, if one diligently cultivates the path, abandoning greed, hatred and delusion, the mind shines with liberation. Not clinging to either existence or non-existence, such a person truly embodies the life of a shramana."

At that moment, the scholarly monk understood. He realized he possessed only theoretical knowledge, while his friend had achieved true enlightenment. He bowed his head in silence. From that day forward, he devoted himself more earnestly to practice.

The Meaning of the Story

The lesson the Buddha wished to teach is clear. Studying extensively without practicing is like being a hired cowherd; you count the cows but own none, and you are not worthy of the monastic title. Conversely, even if one has little book learning, diligent cultivation and the abandonment of greed, hatred and delusion make one truly worthy of being a shramana. Only through practice can one attain genuine liberation.

Compiled from the dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang