Samatha-Vipassana is Samādhi and Prajñā

Concentration is stability, and observation is wisdom. Cultivation involves the simultaneous practice of both concentration and observation, maintaining equal emphasis on stability and wisdom. Concentration means focusing the mind on a single state, anchoring it to one dharma without wavering. Observation involves examining, contemplating, investigating, and reflecting upon the chosen dharma. Concentration and observation are interconnected and mutually supportive. Without concentration, there can be no observation; without observation, wisdom cannot arise. At the same time, observation can also generate concentration and stability; the two complement each other. Without wisdom, there can be no stability; without stability, wisdom cannot arise.

When wisdom is present, one gains discernment regarding dharmas. This allows one to relinquish unnecessary worldly dharmas, eliminate distractions from other temporarily irrelevant matters, and focus on the most important tasks. Once discernment is achieved, the mind can settle upon one point. Wisdom is the result of consciousness deeply and meticulously contemplating principles, and through this profound contemplation, permeating and persuading the manas-consciousness.

Both concentration and observation involve the cultivation of the seven consciousnesses, directing all seven to focus on a single object. When the mental consciousness distinguishes only one object, with concentrated effort and undivided attention, one can contemplate issues thoroughly, comprehending the hidden principles within, thereby attaining the wisdom of the Dharma. Observation generating stability means that after consciousness comprehends the principle, it permeates the manas-consciousness, persuading it to cease clinging to worldly dharmas and preventing the mental consciousness from becoming scattered. Whether practicing concentration or observation, one works with the seven consciousnesses, causing them to focus on a single object, allowing the mental consciousness to distinguish only one object. With concentrated effort, contemplation becomes penetrating, enabling one to understand the true essence within and attain genuine wisdom. Although the seventh consciousness (manas) cannot exclusively focus on a single object, it can nevertheless reduce its grasping, lessen its deliberation and calculation, and gradually tend towards stability. Only then can the mental consciousness achieve stability and attain concentration. Otherwise, if the manas-consciousness grasps everywhere, the mental consciousness will be unable to settle upon one point no matter what.

Stability is the foundation and prerequisite for enlightenment. Among the Six Paramitas and the Three Undefiled Learnings of a Bodhisattva, stability is one of them, highlighting the importance of cultivating stability. Without stability, one cannot engage in observation. With shallow stability, observation cannot be profound or meticulous, and wisdom cannot be developed. If one can cultivate the highest concentration within the desire realm—the concentration before reaching the ground (anāgamya-samādhi), which precedes the first dhyāna of the form realm—then observation becomes effective. With this concentration, whether investigating Chan, contemplating a Dharma principle, or observing the emptiness of the five aggregates, the mind can become unified. Contemplation becomes both profound and subtle, allowing one to penetrate the principles of Dharma thoroughly, making the breakthrough of awakening possible.

Because the result and purpose of cultivation is to develop wisdom. Only with wisdom can one transcend the cycle of birth and death, attain liberation, and achieve Buddhahood. Realizing the Way and attaining wisdom is more precious and important than any state of concentration. If one possesses only stability without the wisdom of liberation, at best one may be reborn in a heavenly realm to enjoy blessings, but once the blessings are exhausted, one will still fall into the three lower realms to suffer. Therefore, one must maintain equal emphasis on stability and wisdom; neither should be neglected.

Practicing concentration and observation simultaneously, cultivating stability and wisdom equally, one is sure to achieve success in learning the Buddha Dharma. One with wisdom but no stability possesses "wild wisdom." Those with wild wisdom may lack virtue, their views may not be genuine or reliable, and their afflictions cannot ultimately be subdued; thus, they may lack virtue. One with stability but no wisdom is stubbornly ignorant; the obstinately ignorant lack the Way. One who possesses both stability and wisdom will certainly realize liberation, attain true Dharma benefits, and is a true hero within the Buddha Dharma.