The Relationship Between Paramārtha-satya and Saṃvṛti-satya

All phenomena are empty; material things are also phenomena among all phenomena, all are empty, nothing is non-empty. For example, all models and types of cars are empty, yet these empty cars possess so many wondrous functions; hands are also empty, yet they type so many words—it is indeed quite strange. Some say it is the Tathagatagarbha that drives the car and types the words, all being the wondrous function of Tathagatagarbha. If this were truly the case, humans could simply sleep all day long, letting Tathagatagarbha type and drive, accomplish all endeavors, letting Tathagatagarbha work day after day, year after year, lifetime after lifetime—humans wouldn’t even need to be born. If conventional truth is obliterated and completely replaced by ultimate truth, this would entail great faults. Separated from conventional truth, ultimate truth is utterly incapable and ineffectual; how could it possibly accomplish anything at all?

We who learn the Buddha’s teachings must practice exactly according to the Dharma taught by the Buddha. The Buddha possesses supreme wisdom; He has personally practiced all Dharmas and fully realized them—only then does it count. If the Buddha says that to attain fruition one must practice in such a way, then we should listen to the Buddha’s words and practice accordingly. Do not invent your own methods, do not regard anyone else’s teachings as authoritative. Taking refuge in the Buddha is the most reliable, because the Buddha has eradicated all ignorance, possesses no self-mind, does not promote self, and does not lead the blind astray.

Those who truly wish to achieve Buddhahood through learning should not seek shortcuts or easy ways out. If there were shortcuts, the Buddha would certainly have told us; He would not make us take detours or lead us in circles. Having complete faith in the Buddha is the most fundamental principle of learning Buddhism—faith is the forerunner. If the Buddha is not trustworthy, then there is no one else who can be trusted—not even those at the stage of Equal Enlightenment or Wondrous Enlightenment, let alone ordinary, common people. If someone teaches something inconsistent with the Buddha’s words, we should make a choice: without a doubt, choose to believe the Buddha.

Those who seek shortcuts all harbor a greedy, acquisitive mentality—a mindset of seeking something. With greed, one easily falls into demonic influence, is used by demons, becomes a demonic adherent, and gradually drifts away from the Buddha’s path, unable to attain liberation. Embracing the mindset of elevating oneself, transforming oneself, enriching oneself, maturing oneself, and perfecting oneself to learn and practice Buddhism will enable one to stay far from demonic affairs, steadily and surely. Though it may seem slow, it is actually the fastest way. Being impatient and rushing forward will only backfire, achieving the opposite of what is desired.