Arrogance and Humility: Teachings from Master Shang Xuan Xia Zang

Arrogance is one of the most insidious habits of the human condition. It often manifests in our lives without us even noticing, slipping into our thoughts and actions like a shadow. For a practitioner, this specific form of ego—this personal selfishness—is a devastating force. It creates artificial divisions between "you" and "me," between "high" and "low," and between "before" and "after." When we are trapped in such a state, it becomes nearly impossible to achieve a unified heart, and even harder to grasp the fundamental essence of the Buddha’s teachings: the view of the One-Body, where all beings are interconnected.

The Hidden Nature of Pride

Arrogance often arises unconsciously. Some practitioners are entirely unaware that they possess this habit, while others may recognise it but lack the necessary awareness to control it. This is why the guidance of a true spiritual friend is so vital. If someone points out your faults, you must be able to accept their words with a humble heart and resolve to change your ways. You should be grateful for their reminder.

If you react with defensiveness, you are merely protecting your own ego. You might refuse to admit your mistakes, or worse, you might argue back, leading to a bitter exchange that harms both yourself and others. Once you react in this way, people will stop offering you honest feedback, and you will lose the precious opportunity to correct yourself. For any practitioner, this is a significant barrier to realising one's true nature.

The Consequences of a Closed Heart

Because arrogance is not a virtuous quality, others are often reluctant to confront you, fearing they will only be met with resistance. Consequently, you remain blind to your own issues. An arrogant person often refuses to concede even when they are clearly in the wrong. They find it difficult to step back and consider the perspective of others, which inevitably leads to selfishness. Furthermore, those who are arrogant often possess genuine talents, contributions, or qualities that earn them respect. Because of this, juniors or students may feel intimidated and hesitate to speak up, leaving the arrogant person trapped in a cycle of ignorance regarding their own flaws.

Often, we only become aware of our arrogance when we are forced to face a crisis. Even then, some lack the motivation to improve. By the time the problem manifests again, it has already caused harm to others and to oneself. On a practical level, decisions made from a place of arrogance can negatively impact the collective interests of the community and even diminish the benefits of the Dharma. The laws of karma and cause and effect dictate that you must bear the weight of these consequences yourself; ultimately, you are the one who suffers.

Arrogance Within the Bodhimanda

Some arrogant individuals project an air of superiority, clinging to a sense of being better than others due to their unique talents or contributions. Even among practitioners who know that arrogance is a negative habit and who try to remain vigilant, a different trap can emerge. In a bodhimanda, those who are respected and revered by the community—those who hold high positions or possess great virtue—can easily fall into the trap of pride. Surrounded by the offerings and respect of others, they may develop a hidden sense of arrogance without even realising it. This internal pride becomes a heavy karma that manifests as a significant obstacle at the time of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Generally, arrogant people struggle with poor interpersonal relationships. No one enjoys being treated with disdain or being on the receiving end of a condescending attitude. When someone is dictatorial, self-righteous, or dismissive of others' views—often resorting to blame, anger, or elaborate excuses to justify their behaviour—it is a clear manifestation of arrogance. As you read this, you may think of someone you know who fits this description. However, you must be careful, for you might also be that person in the eyes of others. Arrogance often manifests in ways we are completely blind to.

How to Overcome the Habit of Arrogance

To transform this negative habit, one must actively put in the work:

• Avoid the conditions that trigger pride:
• Consciously distance yourself from situations that feed your ego. Practise being humble and modest, which are the direct antidotes to arrogance. Remind yourself often: "Pride invites loss, while humility invites benefit."Reflect on your own shortcomings:
• Always look inward. Recognise that you have many imperfections and that you rely on the tolerance of others to live in harmony.Recognise the Buddha-nature in all:
• The brilliance of the Buddha’s teachings lies in working from the heart. Understand that everyone possesses the same Buddha-nature. Differences in status, age, or role are merely the result of past Causal Conditions, varying levels of good roots, and different karmic paths.Cultivate genuine respect: When you truly respect others from the heart, your humility will be natural. This sincerity is what allows others to accept your guidance. If you must correct someone, your attitude will be gentle and direct, rooted in respect rather than superiority.

The Compassion of the Lion’s Roar

The Lion’s Roar is a method used to teach stubborn students. Because our habits and attachments are often deeply ingrained, a gentle approach may not be enough to wake us up. Sometimes, a loud, direct shout is necessary to break through our delusions. When a teacher points out your faults directly, it is an act of great compassion—a powerful manifestation of the heart of those who have realised their true nature. Practitioner Su often takes on this role because Practitioner Su understands the urgency of your situation and wishes for you to change your ways and realise your true nature within the shortest possible time. To receive such teaching is a great blessing for everyone.

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, through many experiences and under the guidance of Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and the ancestral masters, you have come to understand that in certain situations, you are being controlled by your karmic creditors, making it difficult to control your own actions. This is why these habits manifest as part of your personality. You must use even greater compassion and perseverance to correct your arrogance and other shortcomings. Do not let down the teachings of Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and the ancestral masters. Most importantly, only by doing so can you achieve awakening, and only through awakening can you attain true autonomy. This is the outcome we all long to see.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.