True Spiritual Practice Lies in Independent Personal Cultivation

When the World-Honored One was in the world and imparted the Dharma to his disciples, he would teach the methods they should cultivate at the time, and after explaining them, he would leave the rest for the disciples to accomplish independently. At that time, after hearing the World-Honored One's teachings, the disciples would each find a quiet, undisturbed place to contemplate and reflect on the Dharma in meditative concentration. The World-Honored One never personally guided specific practices; he never led his disciples in conducting a "Buddha Seven" retreat, nor a "Chan Seven" retreat, nor any other type of "Seven" retreat. It was always the disciples themselves who contemplated and practiced the Dharma, cultivating alone; they never engaged in group practice.

In studying and practicing the Dharma, to gain the greatest benefit, one must contemplate and investigate extensively oneself, and one should avoid having others explain the Dharma in excessive detail. If one contemplates and investigates little, the benefit gained will be small. The degree of benefit one receives corresponds to the effort one expends. Contemplate and investigate extensively; do not fear making mistakes. If you make a mistake, turn back and strive in other directions. When you have contemplated and investigated all aspects, wisdom will naturally arise. Wisdom arises from contemplation and investigation; contemplation and investigation are one's own responsibility, and it is best not to let others do it for you. Have great resolve; do not seek ready-made answers. Exert your own energy and effort extensively; contemplate deeply. You cultivate, you attain; others cultivate, they attain; if you do not cultivate, you do not attain. Only after diligent practice and realization can one attain great wisdom and obtain the merits and benefits of true liberation.