In temples and monasteries, we often see the devout bowing deeply before statues of the Buddha, burning incense and reciting sutras. But what if a person who worships daily still acts immorally, while another who never visits a temple quietly dedicates their life to kindness and good deeds? Concerning divine blessings, does outward devotion matter more than inward virtue? This age-old question was once answered by the Buddha himself, through a story with lasting wisdom.
The tale of two men: Devotion in form vs. virtue in action
When the Buddha lived in the world, two men were in the kingdom of Śrāvastī. One was named Shan Sheng (Good Life), and the other was E Sheng (Evil Life).
Shan Sheng prayed every day without fail, offering incense and flowers with unwavering devotion. But beneath this pious exterior was a man consumed by greed. He cheated others for profit and believed his rituals would earn the Buddha’s protection regardless of his wrongdoings. In his mind, daily devotion excused any moral failing.
E Sheng, by contrast, never chanted sutras or visited temples. Yet he lived with compassion and integrity, always helping others without expecting anything in return. To him, every day of honest living was spiritual practice. One day, the two men saw someone fall into a raging river. Shan Sheng, eager to get to the temple, walked past. E Sheng didn’t hesitate — he jumped in to help, only to be swept away by the current.
The public reaction was mixed. Some said E Sheng was punished for never worshipping. Others insisted he was a hero. Hearing this debate, the disciple Ananda brought the question to the Buddha: “Master, who would you bless more? The devout wrongdoer or the non-believer who does good?”
The Buddha’s wisdom: Faith without action is like a doctor’s name without medicine
Instead of answering directly, the Buddha posed a question: “If one man chants a doctor’s name every day, but never follows his prescriptions, while another silently follows the treatment plan, who is more likely to heal?” Ananda replied: “Of course, the one who follows the treatment.” The Buddha nodded, saying: “So it is with Dharma. Outward rituals mean nothing if not paired with inner transformation.”
Buddhism is not about performance. It’s about compassion, wisdom, and virtuous action. You may bow a thousand times a day, but if your heart remains filled with greed, anger, and ignorance — the “three poisons” — your worship is hollow. Meanwhile, someone who never chants the Buddha’s name but lives with kindness and integrity is already walking the Buddha’s path.
Six kinds of misguided practitioners
The Buddha continued with a powerful teaching, describing six types of people who misunderstand the essence of spiritual practice:
- Those who recite the Buddha’s name with a heart full of evil: Like stirring muddy water while hoping for a clear reflection — they say the right words, but their actions betray selfish intent.
- Those who treat prayer like a transaction: Worshipping only to gain wealth, safety, or power, these people see Buddhism as a tool for worldly gain, not a path to liberation.
- Those obsessed with form over meaning: Focused solely on posture, offerings, and repetitions, they overlook the essence of Buddhism — enlightenment and compassion.
- Those who exploit the Dharma for personal gain: By using religious authority to scam others or boost their reputation, they distort the teachings and sow the seeds of suffering.
- Those who know the Dharma but never live it: Like chefs who memorize recipes but never cook, they can recite sutras beautifully — but explode at the slightest criticism.
- Those arrogant in their knowledge: Convinced of their superiority, they worship without ever opening their hearts. Their pride builds walls where the Dharma cannot grow.
Who, then, does the Buddha bless?
After listing these, the Buddha finally answered the original question: “The ones who receive the Buddha’s protection are those with sincere hearts, who believe in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), understand karma, and live with compassion and effort, regardless of whether they formally worship or not.” Rituals are a tool, not the goal. The actual path lies in how we treat others, how we face adversity, and how sincerely we try to grow.
Redemption and realization
As the story unfolded, news arrived that E Sheng had survived, rescued downstream by a fisherman. Hearing this, the disciples asked the Buddha if it was his blessing that saved E Sheng. The Buddha replied: “The outer form is like a blade of grass. The heart is the seed. No matter how lush the grass appears, without a good seed, it will wither.” A pure heart, not ritual, is what draws the Buddha’s light.
Inspired by this teaching, Shan Sheng felt a deep sense of shame. He renounced his past behavior and began practicing genuine virtue, no longer cheating, but serving others sincerely. Over time, he found a new kind of peace — not from wealth or prayer, but from within. E Sheng, too, began formally studying Buddhism after his experience, aligning his actions with deeper spiritual understanding.
Final teaching: The Buddha lives where compassion is practiced
The Buddha’s final words in this story were simple, but profound: “True cultivation lies in the heart. The closest path to the Buddha is one paved with real, daily kindness.” So whether you bow before a statue or not, whether you chant a mantra or sit silently, your actions, intentions, and compassion are the true offerings.
The Buddha sees not the incense, but the sincerity behind it. Not the ritual, but the kindness expressed in life.
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