The Role of Names and Forms

The first step in Buddhist study is to clarify the terminology, for if one cannot even grasp the terminology, they cannot step across the threshold of the Dharma. Once the terms are clearly understood, one should then let go of them in their mind, for once the meaning is grasped, the words can be discarded. However, when communicating with others or guiding practitioners, it is difficult to do without using terminology; otherwise, people will not understand what you are talking about. If everyone has grasped the meaning, then the terms become unnecessary. Through simple expressions, mutual understanding will be achieved, and there will be no misunderstandings.