Theoretical Insight and Practical Insight

The highest state of Buddhist practice and realization is the Buddha's perfect integration of principle and phenomena, where all phenomena are perfectly harmonized and unobstructed, all conforming to principle. Principle manifests phenomena, and phenomena reveal principle; principle and phenomena are eternally inseparable. To attain this state, one must begin from the initial realization of the path in Buddhist practice, culminating in the ultimate realization of Buddhahood. The path seen from beginning to end gradually deepens—that is, the principle perceived becomes increasingly profound and subtle, while phenomena correspondingly become increasingly harmonious and perfect. From the initial realization onward, phenomena follow principle: wherever principle extends, phenomena follow without separation, until the Buddha’s final realization upon seeing the morning star and awakening to the truth. At that moment, principle is perfected, and all phenomena immediately become fully perfected. Both principle and phenomena require no further cultivation, and one attains the supreme, unsurpassed status of Dharma King.

Realization of the path is divided into realization in principle and realization in phenomena. What is the difference? Realization in principle moves from principle to principle: it fully recognizes and comprehends principle at the level of consciousness, yet phenomena do not follow. At this stage, phenomena and principle are disconnected. Because the manas (root consciousness) has not yet realized, the samādhi state of perfect integration with meditative concentration and wisdom does not arise, and phenomena do not align with it. Phenomena are governed by the manas; the conscious mind cannot make phenomena follow or harmonize.

Realization in phenomena, however, involves investigating and verifying principle through phenomena. Such realization ensures that phenomena inevitably conform to principle, phenomena inevitably follow principle, and principle and phenomena inevitably fuse into one without separation. Only then can one undergo a fundamental transformation, renewing one's mind and actions. Outwardly, the person remains the same, but in terms of mental conduct, there is no trace of past habits. Their thoughts and character are utterly renewed, their mind empty and selfless. The conditioned manifests the unconditioned, while the unconditioned serves the conditioned—empty yet not empty, not empty yet empty.

Thus, true realization of the path involves thorough investigation through phenomena to perceive and enter into principle. It is the realization where phenomena follow principle and reveal principle, where principle and phenomena are inseparable, and samādhi naturally accompanies. The integration of principle and phenomena may not yet be perfect or unobstructed, for if principle is not fully penetrated, one has not yet become a Buddha. To perceive principle through phenomena is to attain realization; to fail to see principle in phenomena is not realization. If principle remains merely principle, unintegrated with phenomena, such principle cannot resolve phenomena. Principle that cannot resolve phenomena has no practical use. Therefore, merely knowing principle without perceiving and manifesting it through phenomena is not genuine realization.