Actualizing the Dharma Requires Samadhi

If everyone could practice according to the method in the Mahasatipatthana Sutta, the achievements of the Hinayana path could be swiftly attained, and meditative concentration would certainly be achieved. However, the minds of people today are too scattered to complete these contemplative practices. During the Buddha's lifetime, the bhikkhus practiced precisely in this manner.

From the present perspective, the theoretical aspects of the Mahayana and Hinayana paths necessary for our practice are almost sufficient. The deficiency lies solely in practical application. Practical application necessitates cultivating precepts, meditative concentration, and wisdom, completing the practice of the six paramitas of a bodhisattva, especially in the aspects of merit and meditative concentration. When individual practice proves difficult, group practice becomes essential. While the Buddha was alive, he never led his disciples in group practice; each sat cross-legged, engaged in contemplative practice, and reflected on the Dharma taught by the Buddha, subsequently attaining fruition.

Modern people are too busy with life and work, leaving no time for seated meditation. Yet, it is also true that meditative concentration genuinely cannot be advanced, reflections remain superficial and lack depth, and realization of the Dharma remains unattainable. The vast difference between the stillness attained after seated meditation and the mindfulness maintained only during walking, standing, sitting, or lying down can only be understood by those who have practiced seated meditation. One must find a way oneself; one must take responsibility for oneself. Merely understanding a great deal of theory does not mean one has attained the Way; being eloquent does not mean one has attained the Way. After genuine realization, even if one is not eloquent, one still possesses the Way; being eloquent without genuine realization is not the Way.

Only genuine realization can resolve the great matter of birth and death. No other pursuit is more important than the accomplishment of the Way. One would rather die than fail to achieve the Way. Otherwise, no matter how successful one may be in worldly affairs while alive, it is ultimately of no use.