The Monk Who Boasted of His Powers

Mountain winds blew fiercely through the crack in the stone chamber’s window. Incense smoke curled gently within the stillness of the space. Master Zhiyi entered with graceful ease, his posture composed and his eyes bright yet calm as a windless lake. As he paused, a nearby monk who had been meditating opened his eyes slightly.

That monk remained seated, not bothering to rise. The corner of his mouth lifted faintly, and his gaze carried a hint of self-satisfaction. This cold demeanor clearly signaled: I too have attained some realization; there is no need for me to observe formalities with others.

"May I speak with you, Great Master," the monk said, his voice filled with pride and arrogance. "I have just entered meditative concentration and observed deep within the distant mountains, another practitioner sitting in meditation, focusing intently on impermanence (anicca). You can clearly see how they practice far away in the wilds."

Master Zhiyi listened calmly. He slowly sat down on the mat, looking at the monk with gentle eyes. His voice was warm but incredibly firm.

"That is merely a superficial state of meditative concentration, very shallow indeed. But because your mind boasted and showed off, it has already vanished."

The monk was startled and shocked. His heart pounded wildly. The wondrous state of meditative concentration he had just experienced suddenly dissolved. Everything became empty and desolate. He hastily stood up, eyes wide open, trying to feel that state again, but it had completely disappeared without a trace.

His body felt weak, and cold sweat broke out across his skin. The monk fully understood: he had lost something precious simply due to a moment of arrogant boasting.

This seemingly brief story serves as a profound warning for many practitioners. Master Zhiyi had attained high enlightenment, which allowed him to see the shallowness of such outward psychic powers. In contrast, most sentient beings, upon experiencing a strange state in their body or mind, believe they have achieved something great and sacred.

When the mind believes it has attained high spiritual realization, blessings from merit are immediately diminished. Such individuals must struggle through many lifetimes in samsara (cycle of rebirth), starting their cultivation anew. However, true masters who have genuinely attained the Way possess clear vision to see that such states are still low and shallow. One must remain humble and strive even harder.

This is an eternal lesson. It is a pity that few read this story and understand its deeper meaning. Many practitioners, having gained only slight progress, imagine they are nearing the end of the path, only to wipe away all their merit and begin again from scratch. This loss stems from lacking a genuine, high teacher to guide them.

The spiritual path, the journey toward enlightenment, is truly long and difficult. Without a teacher to lead us, we may take only a few steps yet believe we are almost home. In reality, we have not even begun.