Theoretical Study Is Not the Correct Path of Practice

A detrimental trend has emerged in the Buddhist community today, where excessive emphasis is placed solely on theoretical knowledge. People believe that the more theory one studies, the better. If one can amass vast learning, it is considered excellent and a source of pride; if one can produce numerous articles or books, it is seen as even more commendable and praiseworthy. However, whether this theoretical knowledge can guide and regulate one's actions of body, speech, and mind, whether it can transform the mental activities of the seventh consciousness, bring inner tranquility, reduce ignorance, or yield genuine benefits—all of this is disregarded. Instead, it is glorified with the claim that a Bodhisattva need not concern themselves with afflictions, asserting that correct understanding will naturally eradicate afflictions in due time. Yet, the reality is not so. Mere theoretical knowledge, mere intellectual understanding, is utterly useless against afflictions. At the time of death, the destination of one's future life is determined by the afflictions of greed, hatred, and delusion, by the karmic actions created by greed, hatred, and delusion—not by theoretical knowledge or intellectual understanding of the Dharma. Therefore, this issue is of paramount importance, and every Buddhist practitioner should take it seriously, not treating it lightly.

Theory and intellectual understanding are like recipes for cooking. One might study several cookbooks yet never step into the kitchen to cook, never even select or combine ingredients. Can such acquired cooking knowledge or understanding solve the problem of hunger? Spending precious time and energy solely on research, then after research, writing books and articles, widely recruiting disciples, achieving fame and renown—yet still suffering from hunger, possessing only an empty facade. For example, a child studies from elementary school through university, then to graduate school, a doctoral program, and even postdoctoral research—all focused on theoretical knowledge. University-level studies might involve some research and experiments, yielding a degree of practical verification. However, the knowledge acquired before university remains purely theoretical. Such knowledge cannot be directly applied to production processes; it must undergo stages of internship and practical application before it can be transformed into productive capability.

Similarly, the study of Buddhism must be applied to life within the world of the five aggregates. This requires consistently upholding precepts and cultivating meditative concentration, diligently investigating within profound states of samadhi, connecting with one's own five aggregates, and integrating with the actions of body, speech, and mind. Only by putting theory into practice, striving for direct realization and verification, can one dispel ignorance, cultivate genuine wisdom, transform body and mind, and bring about true change. Only then can one's practice be considered accomplished, yielding genuine benefit and following the true path.