The Distinction Between Understanding and Realization

The truth comprehended by consciousness and the truth realized through the mental faculty's contemplative practice in meditation are worlds apart. The former, despite being discussed at great length, generating a basketful of works, and gathering a crowd of followers, yields no meritorious benefit or practical value. It cannot eradicate ignorance, resolve the cycle of life and death, or liberate one from the bonds of affliction. The latter, while potentially not discussed extensively, not expounded upon in teachings or writings, and perhaps lacking even a single follower, nevertheless signifies a liberated mind, promising liberation from the cycle of life and death. Its influence and subtle influence are immense, its magnetic field extraordinarily powerful, and its power to attract and influence is strong. A single word carries the weight of nine tripods. Unintentionally, it liberates sentient beings and draws them near, all without deliberate intent. Sentient beings, imperceptibly, can sense its majestic power and virtue, and are transformed unwittingly.

When information is encountered, when truth is encountered, if the six consciousnesses fail to comprehend it, leaving one bewildered and at a loss, how can truth and information be effectively and completely conveyed to the mental faculty? Without meditation, how can the six consciousnesses transfer truth and information to the mental faculty? Without meditation, how can the mental faculty absorb and digest this truth and information? If the mental faculty cannot absorb and digest it, how can ignorance be eliminated to transform the mind into clarity? If the mental faculty lacks clarity, how can it grasp liberation?