The Relationship between Meditative Concentration and Enlightenment

Only when the manas is able to deliberate (manasikāra) and investigate can one attain realization and enlightenment. And in order for the manas to participate in the investigation of the Dharma-meaning, there must be meditative concentration (samādhi); only then can the Dharma-meaning penetrate deep into the manas. Without meditative concentration, the manas cannot exert any force. If one forcibly engages in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) without meditative concentration, that is called guessing and emotional thinking with intellectual understanding—and everyone already knows what the outcome of that is. Therefore, the relationship between meditative concentration and realization, and the relationship between the manas and realization, must be thoroughly understood and made clear before one can begin to apply effort in investigating Chan.