The Fruits of Liberation

The mental faculty (manas) resonates with dharmas; only when stimulated does it produce physical and mental reactions. When principles previously unknown to the mental faculty become known, or previously misunderstood principles become clear, physical and mental reactions arise to express one's emotions and mental state. These states can manifest even before attaining fruition (of the path). After attaining fruition and achieving enlightenment through realizing the mind, the physical and mental reactions become even more pronounced. This is the experiential benefit of genuine realization. The absence of these phenomena indicates that the mental faculty remains unstimulated. Regardless of whether it pertains to the Mahayana or Hinayana path, without such experience, it remains mere intellectual understanding, devoid of genuine merit and benefit. The outcome of such intellectual understanding will be revealed at the end of one's life.

Therefore, everyone should take responsibility for their own great matter of birth and death. Do not be quick to adorn yourself with lofty titles or claim attainments you have not realized. If one lacks the conduct, mind, and wisdom of a sage, what is the worth of merely understanding some Buddhist teachings? Many, having grasped some Buddhist doctrines, presume the status of sages. Yet without the experiential merit and benefit of genuine realization, their virtue does not match their assumed position. Problems will inevitably arise—sooner or later, and especially at the moment of death.