While listening to Great Disciples of the Buddha, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi, I was reminded that even the Buddha’s great disciples progressed at different speeds. This speaks to something I also see in the NBEF Sangha. Some practitioners experience changes relatively quickly, while others practice diligently and become discouraged when their progress seems slower.
According to the traditional accounts presented in the book, Moggallāna attained arahantship one week after ordination, while Sāriputta took two weeks. Yet Moggallāna’s practice involved considerable difficulty and assistance from the Buddha, whereas Sāriputta’s progress was smoother. A shorter period did not necessarily mean an easier practice.
Ānanda’s story offers another perspective. He attained stream-entry early in his monastic life, but remained a disciple in training throughout his twenty-five years as the Buddha’s attendant. He attained arahantship after the Buddha’s passing, shortly before the first council. During those years, his learning, service, and contribution to preserving the Dhamma were immensely valuable. His continued training was not a wasted period.
The Buddha also explicitly described four combinations: difficult or pleasant practice, each accompanied by slow or quick realization. Differences in pace were recognized within the teaching itself.
For our own practice, these stories encourage patience together with honest effort. Another person’s attainment does not establish a deadline for yours. Notice what is changing in your own daily life: Are you recognizing the Three Poisons more clearly? Are you reacting less automatically? Are mindfulness and concentration becoming steadier?
If you feel stuck, bring your observations to your Dhamma teacher so that difficulties can be examined and the practice adjusted where needed. Rejoice in your fellow practitioners’ progress, and continue attending carefully to the conditions for your own.
Nancy Acord