The Teachings of the Teacher

On Mount Calika, the evening breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of wild flowers. The Buddha sat in a stone cave, with the monk Meghiya meditating beside him. Suddenly, Meghiya opened his eyes, and they shone brightly. He felt his mind was unusually pure and light, drifting like clouds. He thought to himself that if he went to a truly secluded place to practice diligently, he would surely attain enlightenment as an Arhat in a short time.

He stood up, bowed respectfully to the Buddha, and said, "World-Honored One, please allow me to go to a quiet forest to devote myself to practice. I believe that in a short time, I will attain liberation."

The Buddha looked at him with affection and said, "Meghiya, it is not yet the right time. Please stay here and do not leave me alone. The other monks have gone for alms; you should remain to attend to your teacher."

But Meghiya insisted, saying, "World-Honored One, my mind feels very clear now. This is a good opportunity for me to advance in practice. Please grant me permission to go."

The Buddha remained silent. Meghiya understood that the Buddha was not pleased, but he still took his bowl, stepped out of the cave, and walked toward the forest he had chosen.

That forest had a crystal-clear stream, lush green trees, and was near a small village where he could collect alms. Meghiya sat under a tree and began his meditation. But strangely, his mind became increasingly agitated. All kinds of thoughts rushed in like bees from a disturbed hive. He tried to gather his focus, but the more he tried, the more his mind wandered. A month passed, and he did not achieve any state of meditative concentration. Finally, ashamed, he packed his things and returned.

When he met the Buddha again, Meghiya knelt down in repentance. He said, "World-Honored One, I did not listen to your advice. I left and achieved nothing. My mind was chaotic, like a fish thrown onto dry land."

The Buddha taught him gently, "Meghiya, a disciple must know how to obey their teacher. When the other monks were away, I asked you to stay, and you should not have left me alone in the mountains. By following your own desires and failing to create merit by serving your teacher, your mind could not be tamed. Remember: without merit, one cannot gather the mind."

Then the Buddha recited this verse:

"The mind is restless and scattered, Hard to guard and tame, Like a fish thrashing about When thrown upon the shore. Just as a skilled craftsman Straightens the arrow’s shaft, So too does the wise person Keep the mind calm and steady."

Many who heard this verse were moved, and some attained enlightenment. Meghiya deeply internalized the lesson. From then on, he wholeheartedly obeyed the Buddha, practiced diligently, and no longer acted according to his own whims.

This story reminds us of the importance of respecting our teachers, parents, and elders who possess experience and virtue. When we follow only our own ideas and ignore the sincere guidance of those who care for us, we may lose blessings from merit. This causes the mind to become agitated and makes spiritual practice difficult.

The Meaning of the Story

Obeying one's teacher and parents is a virtuous deed for a practitioner. Without merit, the mind cannot be gathered. We should cherish those who love and guide us, and not let our ego cause us to dismiss sincere advice.

Compiled from the dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang