The Fundamental Purpose of Dharma Study

Although one may read ten thousand volumes of books without comprehending their meaning, this does not constitute true diligence. The fundamental purpose of studying the Dharma is to attain wisdom, not to amass countless pieces of knowledge and learning, nor to study for the sake of studying alone, nor to study for the sake of others' approval. Therefore, to attain wisdom, we should carefully consider what to do and how to do it. Practitioners of Buddhism study the Buddha's mind and conduct; they do not seek to collect all the Buddha's words, but rather, through the Buddha's words, they seek to understand the Buddha's mind. Then, by learning the Buddha's mind and emulating the Buddha's actions, they can ultimately become equal with the Buddha and extend compassion to all beings.