The Stages of Buddhist Cultivation and Realization

Many facts lie before us, yet without careful contemplation, no conclusion can be reached. Only by raising doubts about these facts and repeatedly examining them with meticulous thought can the truth behind the facts be discovered, leading to a conclusion. This conclusion represents new understanding and is the crystallization of wisdom. This principle holds true in daily life just as it does in the cultivation and realization of the Dharma. Both must go through the process of gathering evidence, discovering facts, raising doubt, concentrating on contemplation, and then arriving at a conclusion—thereby dispelling ignorance and giving birth to wisdom.

Which step here is the most difficult? Is it gathering factual information, discovering facts, raising doubt, or concentrating on contemplation that poses the greatest challenge? Life presents us with many facts, yet we often turn a blind eye and become numb to them. We do not question these facts, nor do we contemplate the principles underlying them. Consequently, we fail to make discoveries, cannot overturn previous erroneous views, and are unable to increase our wisdom. The inability to raise doubt is a lack of enlightenment. Possessing an enlightened mind is of utmost importance.