Attaining Buddhahood Depends on Right View

Theory is also part of practical cultivation, and indeed the most crucial part. One must not regard doctrinal study as separate from practical cultivation. Doctrinal study serves as the primary means to attain right knowledge. Only under the guidance of right knowledge can one adopt correct methods and proceed along the right path. Liberation from the cycle of birth and death depends on right knowledge and right wisdom, while the attainment of Buddhahood relies on right wisdom. During the lifetime of the World-Honored One, He primarily expounded the Dharma to His disciples, occasionally teaching some meditative concentration, but did not personally guide them in specific cultivation practices. After hearing the Dharma, disciples would each seek a quiet place to contemplate and reflect upon the principles taught by the World-Honored One. When their contemplation became clear, they attained the purification of the Dharma-eye and realized fruition. Many individuals attained fruition immediately while listening to the World-Honored One's discourse, contemplating simultaneously as they listened. Therefore, before expounding the Dharma, the World-Honored One would always say: "Listen attentively and carefully, ponder it well, and I shall explain it to you in detail."