Failure to Fulfill the Thirty-seven Factors of Enlightenment Cannot Attain Enlightenment and Achieve Mental Clarity

For those who have never severed the view of self in past lives, or who have done so only a few times, attaining the first fruition (Sotāpanna) by severing the view of self for the first time is extremely difficult. The necessary conditions for severing the view of self—the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment—are not easy to cultivate. Those who practice meditation daily nowadays all know that meditation is challenging, and contemplating in accordance with the Dharma is even more so. To achieve results in contemplation, purify the Dharma-eye, and attain the samādhi of emptiness is exceedingly difficult. However, those who severed the view of self in past lives belong to a special category of individuals in this life, and there are very few such special individuals in the Saha World—one might say they are as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns. 

Some people always feel they are special, believing they have attained enlightenment after just three to five years of study. However, without severing the view of self, one cannot attain enlightenment; enlightenment is far more difficult than severing the view of self. Therefore, one should not rashly assume they have attained enlightenment, realized the mind, or claim to be some kind of Bodhisattva. Publicly proclaiming oneself as enlightened brings very unfavorable karmic retribution. This is a special period, and although some extraordinary phenomena have appeared, they have caused great trouble for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. After this generation passes away, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva will become very busy. Being a Bodhisattva is extremely difficult: "Until the hells are emptied, I vow not to attain Buddhahood." Though fully endowed with the merits and virtues of a Buddha, they do not take the position of Buddhahood. Such is the Bodhisattva's mind—empty and selfless. 

To avoid causing trouble for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, everyone should now follow the teachings of Śākyamuni Buddha, our original teacher, and practice according to the stages and standards set forth by the Buddha. Strictly examine to what extent one has fulfilled the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment. If any single item remains unfulfilled, one should not consider themselves to have attained fruition, realized the mind, or the like. Without fully cultivating the most fundamental Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment, one cannot undergo a fundamental transformation, leap over the Dragon Gate, or attain sagehood.