Master Phất Ấn and Tô Đông Pha: The Oath That Spans Lifetimes to Guide to Enlightenment

**Summary:** Zen Master Phất Ấn made a vow to follow Tô Đông Pha across many lifetimes to guide him to enlightenment, ultimately achieving a high spiritual fruition.

The golden sunset light shone through the window gaps of the meditation hall. Master Phất Ấn – a young Zen master whose aura brightened the entire room – sat in meditation, the fragrance of incense perfuming the air. He had just been reborn in a child’s body, but his consciousness had already attained enlightenment in his past life. Outside, the rustling leaves seemed to whisper of an ancient vow.

In their previous life, he and Tô Đông Pha were both Zen masters. Master Phất Ấn had attained a higher level of realization, while his friend – who would later become Tô Đông Pha – had reached a lower level. As he was about to leave his physical body, the master made a vow as deep as the ocean:

“No matter where this brother is reborn, I will follow him until I guide him to enlightenment.”

In the next life, Tô Đông Pha was born as an official, with seven wives, struggling through the hardships of court life. Master Phất Ấn, however, did not ascend to a heavenly realm to enjoy pleasures. He chose to return as a young monk, achieved enlightenment early, and then sought ways to follow his old friend.

“Master Tô, you’ve struggled enough. Come to the temple for some tea.”

He invited, his tone jesting yet full of compassion. Tô Đông Pha frowned, having just been demoted:

“You keep urging me, but the court is in chaos. How can I know what’s what to practice?”

The master smiled and poured the tea:

“Drink it, be at ease, and the way will come naturally. I am determined to guide you in this lifetime.”

And so, he persistently followed him, sometimes writing letters of advice, other times inviting him to stay at the temple. Though Tô Đông Pha was a scholar and an official, he gradually opened his heart. Many times he grew angry and left, but the master would find him again.

“Brother, you must attain the Anāgāmi stage. I will not let go.”

His laughter echoed through the bamboo grove as Tô Đông Pha shook his head but smiled. The turning point came when Tô Đông Pha officially realized the Anāgāmi stage of mind – a very high attainment. At that moment, Master Phất Annunci stood silent, tears streaming down his face, unable to speak. He simply patted his friend’s shoulder: the oath that spanned lifetimes was fulfilled.

From then on, Tô Đông Pha wrote poetry of the Way, his heart light and free. Master Phất Annunci continued to stay in the world to guide other beings. Their story became a mirror of ultimate helping: not giving up across many lifetimes.

Later, whenever Buddhists listened to a dharma talk, teachers would always mention Master Phất Annunci to teach: helping others at the third and final level is guiding them to enlightenment, requiring a great aspiration to follow and guide them across lifetimes. Everyone can make such a vow, even if they cannot fulfill it immediately.

**Meaning of the Story**

There are three levels of helping others: kindness, devoted support, and ultimate guidance. The third level is helping someone on their spiritual path to attain enlightenment, requiring the vow to follow and guide them across lifetimes like Master Phất Annunci. This creates boundless merit, helping both cross beyond samsara, the cycle of rebirth.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang