The title is: The True Winner Is the One Who Does Not Suffer

A man who had committed bad karma once asked a Zen master how to escape karmic retribution. The answer was unexpected: retribution still arrives, but a practitioner knows how to keep their mind serene and does not suffer when paying off karma. That, he said, is the greatest victory.

Golden afternoon sunlight filtered through the monastery window, casting a warm glow on the yellow robe of an elderly monk sitting in meditation on his cushion. The space was so quiet that one could hear the gentle breeze rustling through the bodhi trees outside. Suddenly, the hurried sound of slippers echoed from the corridor, and a middle-aged man with a face full of anxiety entered, falling to his knees before the Zen master.

The man’s name was Tuan. For ten years, he had caused countless hurts to others. In his work, he had falsely accused colleagues to secure higher positions. In life, he had insulted and humiliated the vulnerable because of his inflated ego. But as he began practicing meditative concentration, he realized these negative actions were weighing heavily on his soul. Fear of cause and effect grew stronger, causing him endless sleepless nights.

"Master," Tuan’s voice trembled, his hands clasped tightly together without rest. "In the past, I created bad causes. I made others suffer. I insulted, humiliated, and even plotted against them. Now that I practice meditative concentration, will this karma be erased?"

The monk slowly opened his eyes, looking at the disciple kneeling at his feet with eyes full of compassion. He did not answer immediately but sighed softly, as if weighing every word. After a moment, his deep, warm voice rang out, each word saturated with undeniable truth.

"In the past, you insulted, humiliated, and plotted against people, causing them suffering. Therefore, they must eventually find you to insult, humiliate, and plot against you in return. This cannot be avoided, for it is the law of cause and effect."

Hearing this, Tuan’s face turned pale. Cold sweat began to bead on his forehead. He thought of the enemies he had harmed, people he knew would never forget their grudges. His voice shook as he asked further, "Then... is my practice useless, Master?"

The monk smiled gently, a soft smile filled with meaning. He spoke slowly, "But there is one thing. Now you know how to practice. Before, when you caused harm, others suffered. Now, when they cause harm to you, you do not suffer. That is your gain. The profit lies in the fact that you do not suffer, though meeting them again is certain."

Tuan was stunned. He had not expected such an answer. He thought practice would help him avoid retribution, but instead, retribution still comes; only his attitude toward it has changed. He looked up at the monk, his eyes still wide with confusion. "But Master... if they come for revenge, I will still have to suffer, won't I?"

"No," the monk shook his head slightly. "Before, you made others suffer. Now, when they make you suffer, you do not feel pain. The interest gained lies right there. Do you understand? The suffering you caused in the past returns to you now, but you are no longer the old person. You have practiced, you have mindfulness, and you know how to keep your mind peaceful and free. So when karma arrives and touches you, it can no longer hurt you."

Tuan remained silent for a long time. He looked down at his trembling hands. Then he raised his head, a spark of understanding lighting up his eyes. He bowed deeply. "I understand, Master. I cannot avoid retribution, but I can choose how to receive it. If I maintain a peaceful mind, even if I am avenged, I will not suffer. That is the true victory."

The monk nodded, his kind eyes watching the disciple begin to awaken. He added, "Exactly. And you can do even more. While waiting for retribution, perform good deeds and help others. Perhaps those you once harmed will also receive your help unintentionally. Keep doing good, keep helping people, and the resentment will gradually fade until it completely dissolves."

From that day on, Tuan completely changed his way of living. He no longer feared retribution but devoted himself to virtuous acts. He repaired roads, released animals, and helped those in difficulty. Whenever he met those he had once harmed, he did not avoid or fear them but greeted them sincerely with a smile. Gradually, the hateful gazes softened and then disappeared. Tuan understood that the true winner is not the one who avoids retribution, but the one who does not let retribution cause them suffering.

The Meaning of the Story

Cause and effect is an unavoidable law, but practitioners can change their attitude toward receiving it. When we maintain a peaceful and free mind amidst all changes, even if we encounter retribution, we do not suffer. This is the greatest victory for those who study the path. At the same time, performing good deeds and helping society can gradually resolve past grievances, lightening the weight of karma before it matures into heavy consequences.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang