The Stages of Bodhisattva Enlightenment Vary According to Differences in Merit, Meditation, and Wisdom

The ultimate observer of the Dharma is the Buddha; even the observation of a bodhisattva after enlightenment is not completely thorough, falling short in degree. Therefore, the realization of a bodhisattva is divided into countless levels; it is impossible to suddenly comprehend all dharmas, nor is it possible to realize them all to the utmost degree of thoroughness.

The merit, meditative concentration, and wisdom of bodhisattvas differ, and thus the levels of their realization also differ. At a certain point, if a bodhisattva does not cultivate the four dhyanas and eight samadhis, they will be unable to realize subsequent dharmas; their progress becomes constrained. The vast majority of Buddhist dharmas are still realized through extremely profound meditative concentration.

Some people insist on denying the function of meditative concentration. If a bodhisattva does not cultivate meditative concentration, their spiritual progress fundamentally cannot advance; they become stuck at a certain stage, trapped at a certain level, unable to proceed further. Subtle and extremely subtle dharmas necessarily require the support of meditative concentration and supernatural powers to be realized and fully attained. Profound wisdom is also realized with the support of extremely deep meditative concentration and supernatural powers.