Many modern practitioners of Buddhism enjoy engaging in research, especially literati and scholars of various kinds. In truth, research falls within the realm of the conscious mind, akin to emotional reasoning and intellectual interpretation. However, the actual cultivation and realization of the Dharma is absolutely not about conducting research, nor can it be achieved through emotional reasoning, intellectual conjecture, or mental speculation. The Chan patriarchs of the past were most averse to such intellectual conjecture. Yet nowadays, this mental speculation is openly and brazenly practiced, with people indulging in conjecture and emotional reasoning rather than earnestly and genuinely applying effort. Witnessing Buddhism gradually deteriorate in this way, what can be done?
The pace of worldly life has accelerated, and fast food has become very popular, leading to unhealthy bodies. Buddhism, too, has followed the trend, adopting a "fast food" approach, resulting in unhealthy thinking that manifests as a kind of sickness, yet practitioners remain unaware, even glorifying this sickness as beauty. Buddhist "fast food" arises from the restless minds of the masses, and its outcome is even greater restlessness. There are many who are glib-tongued and lack practical cultivation. Therefore, Buddhism is not a religion for research; it requires verification and steadfast, step-by-step cultivation. It necessitates relinquishing body and mind, experiencing a profound and thorough awakening from the very core of one's being, and undergoing a complete transformation from head to toe, inside and out. Only then can consciousness be truly transformed into wisdom, giving rise to a completely new self and manifesting a world of the five aggregates like that of a Buddha.
The path of cultivation is long; one must proceed slowly, as haste is often truly inadvisable. What's important is to solidify the foundation of the Dharma firmly. One must not seek quick success, nor build a skyscraper on sand. Without a foundation, no matter how tall the building, it will eventually collapse. In our study of the Dharma, we should be down-to-earth and not pursue rapid enlightenment or seeing one's true nature. Otherwise, the consequences are severe, detrimental to both Buddhism and the individual. I hope that when conditions are not yet ripe and merit and virtue are lacking, everyone refrains from rushing into Chan meditation or hastening to realize the mind. An unstable foundation is like building a castle in the air; it may collapse one day. The drawbacks of seeking rapid enlightenment will gradually manifest: progress on the path will be very slow, arrogance is extremely easy to arise (which is the greatest obstacle to the path), and one may even create unwholesome karma, leading to future retribution.
When conditions are not yet sufficient, do not pursue rapid enlightenment. Instead, contemplate and observe the principle of non-self more often, solidly eradicate the view of self, which is greatly beneficial to oneself, others, and the community. Nowadays, people in the world have particularly heavy afflictions, all arising from the self. Once the view of self is thoroughly eradicated, afflictions become slight, and the likelihood of creating unwholesome karma decreases. However, if one realizes the mind without thoroughly eradicating the view of self, one may still create unwholesome karma due to the self without realizing it, perhaps even justifying it as wholesome karma. It is evident that the merit and benefit of truly eradicating the view of self are immense; this is the most crucial step in studying Buddhism and cultivation.
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