The Stages of Spiritual Practice

The elimination of habitual tendencies occurs from the initial stage of Bodhisattvahood after seeing the true nature of the mind up until the eighth stage. First, one sees the true nature of the mind; afterward, one eradicates afflictions; only then can one eliminate the habitual tendencies of afflictions. This is the sequential order of practice. Afflictions can only be eradicated through the wisdom attained upon seeing the path combined with meditative concentration. Without wisdom and without meditative concentration, one cannot eradicate afflictions, let alone the habitual tendencies of afflictions.

If seeing the true nature of the mind is likened to turning on a light, this is merely turning on a small lamp—it is not yet bright enough. The ultimate seeing of the true nature of the mind at the time of Buddhahood is the most magnificent, when all the lights are turned on. If seeing the true nature of the mind is likened to awakening from a dream, then the initial seeing of the true nature is not yet a complete awakening from the dream; it is a partial awakening. Only upon attaining Buddhahood does one fully awaken from the dream, never to dream again.