Theory Combined with Practical Realization Has Practical Value

Studying theory is for the sake of direct realization; only after direct realization can one put it into practice, and only then does the theory one has studied have practical value, benefiting body and mind, resolving afflictions, and thereby transforming oneself, attaining liberation and great ease.

If the theory one has studied cannot lead to direct realization, one cannot obtain true benefit, and thus will not attain liberation or ease. Theory is studied and understood by the mind consciousness; direct realization is grasped and thoroughly penetrated by the manas; resolving afflictions and transforming oneself is governed by the manas; and attaining liberation and ease is experienced by the entire body and mind—the five aggregates. Each link in this process is accomplished through the tathāgatagarbha cooperating to output seeds.