Tiếng Chuông Xả Thiền Và Sự Kiêu Mạn Ngầm

In an ancient temple nestled deep in the mountains, the sound of a bell resonates quietly through the still air. A young monk, known as Master Minh, is meditating beneath an old bodhi tree. The afternoon sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dancing specks of light on his golden robe. Master Minh has practiced for many years, attaining inner states of purity and wonder that few understand.

One day, his master, a venerable senior monk, approached. Without a word, he gently tapped the disciple on the shoulder. Master Minh opened his eyes and smiled confidently.

"Master, I am ready," he said. "I can answer any Zen question instantly. The state within my mind is present and clear. There is no more doubt."

The master looked at his disciple, his gaze sharp yet filled with compassion. He shook his head, his voice deep and firm.

"You are mistaken. Your ability to answer Zen questions and perceive purity is just a temporary 'treasure.' You have not truly let them go. Because you still cling to these experiences of awakening, to the idea of a 'self' that has practiced well, you are not truly liberated. You harbor hidden pride."

Master Minh was stunned. A violent wave rose within him. He recalled the times he had stood before assemblies, teaching the Dharma with a composed and self-satisfied air. He remembered the pleasure of feeling superior to newcomers. These 'treasures' – wisdom, experience, the respect of others – had become invisible bonds, lifting him up while also preparing to pull him down.

Following his master's wake-up call, Master Minh began a fierce inner struggle. Whenever a proud thought arose, he immediately contemplated it and bowed before the Buddha, seeking blessings. He realized that the blessings of the world, or even spiritual blessings, are a double-edged sword when not paired with ultimate humility.

Many years passed as Master Minh continued his practice. There were periods of great success, spreading fame, and abundant wealth. Yet instead of enjoyment, he became even more cautious. He understood that when blessings are great, human wisdom, being limited, struggles to contain the mind of pride. Like a mango tree that grows hundreds of fruits from one seed, without enough strength to bear the weight, its branches will break.

One afternoon, as the meditation session ended, the bell marking its conclusion rang out: bong... bong... bong... For those not yet steeped in the Way, it is a bell signaling the relief of aching limbs. But for Master Minh, it had become a bell of happiness. He did not wish to leave his seated posture, nor return to the noisy, frivolous world. He longed to remain in the state of 'letting go of all treasures,' where there is no self for pride to cling to, and no attainment to grasp.

This event illustrates the law of 'rising high and falling low' in spiritual practice. A practitioner may reach the pinnacle of wisdom and blessings, but if the root of pride is not eradicated, they can fall at any moment. Only when one achieves the state of 'non-returning' – never regressing, never becoming proud – can one be truly safe.

The Meaning of the Story

The story emphasizes the danger of pride, even within the domain of spiritual practice and religion. Venerable Thích Chân Quang points out that the greater one's blessings – whether material or spiritual – the higher the pressure to control pride. Human capacity for restraint is limited, while the power of pride is limitless. Therefore, the key to sustainable progress is not to accumulate more blessings, but to practice meditative concentration to attain the wisdom of non-self, cutting off pride at its root. At the very least, one must always remain humble and take refuge in the Three Jewels to restrain it each day.

*Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang.*