How to Attain True Wisdom

Much of the Dharma need not be studied extensively. Practicing Buddhism is not about becoming a theoretician or a debater, nor is it about becoming a jack-of-all-trades or a master of everything. Through genuine contemplation and investigation, one will comprehend by analogy. The principles of the Dharma gradually diffuse and integrate, and doctrines previously unknown, unmastered, or misunderstood will, through deep reflection, become thoroughly understood one by one. The Dharma thus integrated becomes one's own possession—not merely learned, but ingrained. It cannot be forgotten, whether in this life or future lives; it flows forth spontaneously without need for deliberation. Those with profound wisdom personally realize and investigate the Dharma, rather than merely learning others' interpretations. What is merely learned does not truly become one's own and is forgotten after death, requiring re-learning in future lives. Many appear erudite, eloquently expounding Dharma principles with apparent ease and fluency, as if possessing unimpeded debating skills. Yet, not a single Dharma principle has been truly penetrated or personally realized. Abundant knowledge does not equate to genuine understanding of the Dharma nor true wisdom. Once consciousness ceases, it all amounts to nothing.

Regarding the Dharma of the Hinayana and Mahayana traditions, during the phase of extensive learning, it suffices to grasp the general outline and maintain clear comprehension of the main framework. There is no need to seek learning everywhere. Studying numerous similar doctrines yields little benefit, as it does not increase true wisdom. Genuine wisdom arises through profound inquiry. Investigating one point gives birth to a measure of wisdom, while simultaneously enabling comprehension by analogy, leading to the realization of more Dharma principles. Gradually connecting these points allows one to understand vast numbers of doctrines—truly understand them. Wisdom thus grows continuously and can be carried into future lifetimes.