Two Roads in Life: Choosing Between Gain and Peace: The Story of Novice Monk Tissa (Dhammapada 75) Reflections by Bhante Dr. Chandima

1. Different Goals, Different Paths

The verse emphasizes: “One way leads to worldly gain, another to Nibbāna.”For laypeople, this means being clear about which goal you are prioritizing in a given moment. Seeking material success and spiritual growth are not the same, and trying to merge them without wisdom often leads to inner conflict.

A mindful layperson learns to pause and ask: What am I prioritizing right now? With awareness, we can pursue worldly responsibilities ethically, while also carving out space for solitude, meditation, and generosity. In doing so, the path we walk—whichever it is—becomes more conscious and balanced.

2. Know When to Step Back

For novice Tissa, the constant stream of relatives, friends, and gifts at the monastery became a burden, pulling his focus away from practice. His decision to move into the forest monastery provided him with the quiet space to concentrate and eventually achieve liberation. Our daily lives mirror this challenge. Endless social obligations, celebrations, and networking can drain our energy and scatter our attention. Choosing to step back doesn’t mean rejecting others—it means caring for our inner balance. Taking time for solitude, a quiet walk, or an evening of mindful reflection creates a personal “retreat.” In these pauses, we regain clarity, recharge our energy, and rediscover what truly matters.

3. Gratitude Without Craving/Cinging

When villagers offered gifts, Novice Tissa responded with a simple blessing—“May you be happy, may you be free from suffering”—and then quietly moved on. He accepted kindness without clinging to it. This attitude offers an important lesson for lay life. We, too, receive many forms of generosity: support from friends, opportunities at work, or unexpected help in difficult times. Gratitude is wholesome, but when it turns into dependency or entitlement, greed creeps in. True dignity arises when we can appreciate kindness without becoming bound by it. By practicing gratitude without craving/clinging, we honour both the giver and ourselves, keeping relationships pure and ensuring that generosity leads to mutual joy rather than subtle bondage.

4. The Power of Solitude

Tissa discovered the depth of meditation only after moving into the solitude of the forest. Away from visitors and distractions, his mind settled, allowing wisdom to unfold. For modern lay practitioners, the “forest” does not always mean an actual monastery or wilderness—it can be found in intentional pauses from constant reflection/contemplation. A quiet morning without screens, a mindful walk in nature, or a short break from endless meetings can all serve as spaces of solitude. In these moments, the mind regains freshness and the heart rediscovers calm. Solitude is not loneliness but nourishment, giving us strength to face responsibilities with clarity and to reconnect with the deeper truths often buried under daily noise.

5. Silent Preparation Shows Later

The villagers assumed Novice Tissa could only repeat one blessing, but when the time came, he delivered a profound discourse on the Dhamma. His story reminds us not to dismiss those who work quietly in the background. In daily life, some people may appear reserved or unremarkable, yet their steady learning, discipline, and humility prepare them for moments of great responsibility. The same applies to us: effort put into study, practice, or inner growth may go unnoticed, but when the right occasion arises, it shines through naturally. Silent preparation builds a foundation of confidence and wisdom that no one can take away. True ability is revealed not by constant display, but by readiness when the moment calls.

6. True Recognition Comes from Integrity

When villagers doubted young Tissa, they wanted another monk to speak. Yet Arahant Sāriputta trusted his pupil, and Tissa’s Dhamma talk surprised everyone, winning their respect. This shows us that recognition is not something to be grasped at—it comes naturally when integrity and effort are present. In daily life, many chase praise, titles, or approval, but such recognition is fragile and often short-lived. What endures is the quiet strength of living truthfully, honouring commitments, and acting with sincerity. When opportunities arise, those who have cultivated integrity will be ready, and others will notice without being asked to. Just as Tissa’s wisdom emerged at the right time, our genuine character eventually speaks louder than any attempt to impress.

7. Detach from Praise and Gifts

The verse cautions: “Do not delight in honor and offerings.” Novice Tissa embodied this by refusing to be swayed by gifts or praise, keeping his focus on practice. For laypeople, the same principle applies. Compliments, promotions, or material rewards may feel satisfying, but they are fleeting and can easily inflate the ego. When our self-worth depends on external applause, we become unstable—happy when praised, crushed when ignored. True stability comes from an inner calm that does not rise or fall with circumstances. By practicing humility and grounding ourselves in values rather than approval, we remain steady. Praise may come or go, but the peace of a balanced mind is a reward that lasts far longer.

8. Balance Worldly and Spiritual Progress (Equanimity)

The commentary speaks of viveka—detachment of body, mind, and even from existence itself. For monks, this means full seclusion, but for laypeople, it can be practiced in smaller, practical ways. We may not leave behind careers or families, yet we can cultivate “mini-vivekas” in daily life. This could mean setting aside moments for silence, keeping our work aligned with ethical values, or tempering ambition with compassion. In doing so, we remind ourselves that ultimate peace does not lie in possessions or achievements but in freedom from clinging. Balancing worldly responsibilities with spiritual awareness allows us to live meaningfully in society while keeping our eyes on the deeper truth that outlasts worldly success.