The Prophecy That Must Be Forgotten

Soft, wet mud clung tightly to bare feet. With every step, the Buddha Dipankara sank deep into the saturated earth after the rain. The village road was still wild and untouched, flanked by lush green rice fields. Occasionally, white egrets glided through the golden light of the late afternoon sky. Though dusk approached, the traveler’s heart remained serene and at peace.

Bodhisattva Sumedha stood quietly by the roadside, watching the figure of Buddha Dipankara advance slowly. He suddenly noticed a large, dark, slippery puddle of mud ahead. If the Buddha continued walking, his robes would surely become stained. In those ancient times, material life was simple, and finding clean water for washing was not easy. Without a moment of hesitation, Bodhisattva Sumedha lay down. He pressed his entire body onto the cold mud, forming a living bridge for the Buddha to cross.

The slimy mud soaked through his clothes, chilling him to the bone. Yet, within his mind, no thought of complaint arose. As Buddha Dipankara stepped upon his body, each footfall was gentle and warm. A profound joy surged through his mind and heart. In that very moment, Buddha Dipankara paused. Looking down at the bodhisattva lying in the mud, he spoke a prophecy:

"O Sumedha, in a future age, in this impure world of Saha, you will attain enlightenment as the Buddha Shakyamuni."

This prophecy rang out like a prediction, yet it was also a promise for a distant future. People often assume that receiving such a prophecy is a great honor, implying birth in a peaceful realm filled with blue mountains, clear waters, and precious gems. However, Bodhisattva Sumedha accepted a world full of suffering, war, and hatred. This sign appeared the instant he threw himself into the dirty mud. One who dares to enter places of evil without fear will indeed become a Buddha in an imperfect world.

But the story does not end there. Many lifetimes later, when the Buddha Shakyamuni had attained enlightenment, he recounted this tale to Subhuti. Everyone knew it was true; everyone understood that cause and effect (karmic law) were settled. Yet, in the Diamond Sutra, the Buddha asked:

"Subhuti, what do you think? Did the Tathagata attain any dharma during the assembly of Buddha Dipankara?"

With clear wisdom, Subhuti replied immediately:

"World-Honored One, truly, he did not attain any dharma at all."

At first glance, this seems contrary to fact. But in reality, it is a profound truth. Why? Because if, back then, Bodhisattva Sumedha had rejoiced upon receiving the prophecy, holding it in his mind and constantly imagining his future Buddhahood, he would never have become a Buddha. The prophecy had to be received and then forgotten instantly. It had to be treated as if nothing happened. Only then could one maintain a pure mind and continue practicing.

It is said that a disciple named Vasubandhu studied under his teacher for many years. Despite numerous trials, his heart remained humble and compliant. One day, his teacher, the patriarch Leta, asked in surprise:

"How can you maintain such humility and compliance?"

Vasubandhu respectfully answered:

"Teacher, I remember a past life where my own teacher, Moon Pure, prophesied that I would soon attain the fruit of Once-Returner. But once, while visiting the Great Light Bodhisattva, I carelessly leaned my staff against a Buddha statue on the wall. Due to that slight lack of reverence, when I returned, my teacher told me that the merit from the prophecy was lost. It was gone forever."

Hearing this, everyone was startled. A prophecy of attainment vanished due to one small act of disrespect. But deeper still, perhaps because he had held the prophecy in his mind, allowing joy and pride to arise, he created conditions for losing blessings from merit. Cause and effect (karmic law) never errs, but the ethics of a practitioner require treating such things as non-existent.

In daily life, this lesson is very relevant. A Buddhist devotee comes to the temple to make offerings and help fellow practitioners. After a long time, the abbot praises them:

"You are a sincere and diligent Buddhist. In the future, you will receive great blessings from merit."

Is this praise wrong? No, because it reflects real cause and effect (karmic law). But a wise devotee bows in thanks and forgets it immediately, keeping it out of their mind. If they cling to it, imagining future wealth, comfort, or rebirth in heavenly realms, arrogance arises. Consequently, blessings from merit dissipate.

Ancient teachers often said that if one accepts a prophecy of future good results and holds onto it with imagination, joy, or pride, those results will vanish. It is like a child praised for becoming a doctor in the future. If the child forgets the praise, they may achieve it. But if they constantly remember it and boast wherever they go, their studies falter, and the opportunity drifts away. Good karmic results must be forgotten and treated as non-existent. Conversely, bad karmic results should always be feared and remembered so we can avoid them.

The Meaning of the Story

The lesson Venerable Thich Chan Quang wishes to convey is this: When you sow good seeds, even if someone predicts beautiful results, you must absolutely not hold onto them in your mind. You must treat them as non-existent to prevent arrogance from arising. Only by forgetting the praise and the predicted results can the mind remain pure. Only then will ethical conduct remain firm, and true blessings from merit arrive.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang