Grinding a Brick Cannot Yield a Mirror, Meditation Cannot Attain Buddhahood: The True Teaching

In the past, when Chan Master Mazu Daoyi had not yet understood the practice and realization of Buddhism, he believed that Buddhahood could only be attained through seated meditation alone, unaware that achieving Buddhahood results from the union of concentration and wisdom, and that only when concentration and wisdom are perfectly integrated can one transform both body and mind as well as the world. When Chan Master Huairang, seeking talented individuals for Buddhism, encountered Mazu Daoyi, he observed Mazu meditating in seated absorption all day long. Noting Mazu's extraordinary appearance, dignified bearing, and the noble aura of a patriarch, Huairang resolved to guide him to become an outstanding Buddhist master. Thus, Chan Master Huairang sat opposite Mazu Daoyi and began vigorously grinding a brick, capturing Mazu's attention. When Mazu inquired, Huairang explained that he was grinding the brick to make a mirror. Mazu shook his head, saying that grinding a brick cannot produce a mirror. Huairang responded, "Likewise, seated meditation alone cannot lead to Buddhahood."

Thereupon, Mazu Daoyi humbly asked how one could achieve Buddhahood. Huairang then explained the principles and path to Buddhahood to him. To attain Buddhahood, one must first comprehend the fundamental Buddha-nature; only after realizing the mind and seeing one's true nature can Buddhahood be achieved. How does one realize the mind and see one's true nature? Through Chan meditation. Of course, Chan meditation encompasses not only concentration but also wisdom. Only when concentration and wisdom are held in equal balance, without leaning to either side, can great wisdom be awakened, leading to the realization of the mind and true nature, and ultimately to Buddhahood. On the path of practice, one must perfectly integrate all Dharma methods without deviation to attain Buddhahood. Lacking wisdom and merely cultivating concentration single-mindedly will fail to awaken wisdom. Conversely, without meditative concentration, indulging solely in intellectual reasoning and conceptual understanding likewise cannot awaken great wisdom. Only by combining both can one fully embody all wisdom and perfectly attain Buddhahood. After understanding the principle of Buddhahood, Mazu Daoyi diligently practiced day and night, finally realizing his mind and seeing his true nature, becoming a great patriarch of his time.