The Stages of Buddhist Practice

The steps of practice: hearing, reflection, cultivation, realization. Hearing is accomplished by consciousness, with the cooperation of manas; reflection is first done by consciousness, gathering extensive data, influencing manas, and manas also initiates wisdom from reflection; cultivation, with consciousness serving as an advisor, manas taking the lead, initiates contemplation and investigation; realization is jointly attained by both. Actually, cultivation occurs after realizing the Dharma, where consciousness subdues and eliminates afflictions, then guides manas to subdue and eliminate afflictions; the transformation of consciousness influences and drives the transformation of manas, thereby changing the self, transforming consciousness into wisdom, and attaining deeper wisdom.