Studying Buddhism Is Not Mere Academic Study

Studying Buddhism is not about acquiring knowledge or conducting research; rather, it requires the capacity for profound investigation and verification, not merely seeking understanding. If meditative concentration is insufficient and the conditions for realizing the Way are not yet complete, then cleverness might prematurely deduce the Tathāgatagarbha. If the deduced result approximates truth, it may become difficult to continue the practice of Chan investigation. Moreover, one might mistakenly believe they have attained enlightenment, which would be truly troublesome. When the conditions are not yet complete, the Tathāgatagarbha should remain concealed and protected, facilitating future Chan practice and realization.

I do not wish for you to engage in research, because the Dharma is already quite clear. If clever individuals conduct further research and arrive at approximate conclusions, it becomes genuinely problematic. It is better for Bodhisattvas to engage in profound investigation within meditative concentration when their conditions are complete.

Among those who excel in worldly academic institutions, how many truly become pillars of society? Knowledge can only ensure a comfortable existence; it does not necessarily foster creativity. If one seeks genuine realization through Buddhist practice, it should differ from worldly scholarship. Otherwise, studying Buddhism becomes merely acquiring knowledge, and knowledge cannot liberate people—only genuine realization can.

The Buddha's great disciple, Cūḷapanthaka, was a fourth-stage Arhat. Before his realization, he was considered very dull-witted. Even after attaining the fruit of enlightenment, he could not expound the Dharma. Yet, he was a fully liberated great Arhat. None of us are likely to be as dull as he was. Therefore, regarding the comprehension and study of knowledge, moderation suffices.