The True Teacher

In a small temple at the foot of a mountain, there lived an old teacher who lived very simply. Each day, he only swept the courtyard, chanted sutras, and taught his disciples the basic teachings on cause and effect (karmic law). He never boasted, never claimed to have supernatural powers, and never promised to grant blessings to anyone.

And yet, everyone who came to him felt a sense of peace. One day, an elderly woman arrived at the temple, her face full of worry because her son's business had failed. The teacher simply smiled, poured her a cup of tea, and said, "Do not worry, child. Cause and effect (karmic law) never abandons anyone. Just live well, do good deeds, and everything will pass." Hearing this, the old woman suddenly felt lighter in her heart, as if something heavy had been untied within her.

One day, a man came to see the teacher and said, "Venerable teacher, I have heard that you are very holy. Please perform a ritual so that I may become rich and fortunate." The teacher shook his head gently and said, "I have no magical powers. If you wish to be wealthy, you must know how to create blessings from merit and live an ethical life. That is cause and effect (karmic law), not magic."

The man was somewhat disappointed and left. But a few months later, he returned, his face radiant. "Venerable teacher, I followed your advice. I worked honestly, helped the poor, and naturally my life became more prosperous. Thank you!" The teacher only smiled kindly and said, "That is because of your own practice, because of the merit you created. I deserve no credit at all."

The man was stunned, and he recognized the humility of a true practitioner. The teacher claimed no credit and no powers, yet it was precisely this virtue that inspired deep respect. Those who call themselves masters, who flaunt supernatural powers and promise to bestow blessings, are false teachers who lead people into superstition.

The story of the old teacher spread far and wide, teaching everyone how to distinguish a true teacher from a false one: a genuine teacher is always humble, lives in accordance with cause and effect (karmic law), and never claims to be holy, while a deceiver always boasts and makes unrealistic promises.

The Meaning of the Story

A true teacher never claims credit or merit, never flaunts supernatural powers, but simply teaches people to understand cause and effect (karmic law) and to live virtuously. In contrast, false teachers often use promises and magic to seduce people, leading them into delusion. Rely on ethics and wisdom to recognize a true practitioner, and do not be deceived by a flashy appearance.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang