The Merit of Gradual Cultivation

The Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra elucidates the gradual cultivation process from the stage of an ordinary person to the four stages of sainthood. The initial stage of the Śrāvaka is explained in great detail. The yogi's process of practice and realization is not swift but gradual; only in this way can one progressively attain meditative concentration, subdue and transform the mental activities afflicted by greed, hatred, delusion, and various other defilements. Only then can one sever the view of self, realize selflessness, embody the character of a sage, and engage in the work of sages. It is not the case that one who attains the first fruition (of stream-entry) remains an evil person burdened by extreme greed, hatred, and delusion, committing every kind of misdeed.

Gradual cultivation enables the gradual subduing of defilements, elevating one's mental nature and moral character, and gradually perfecting both human virtue and the Bodhisattva nature.

Rapid intellectual understanding, swiftly grasping the ultimate answer, yields none of this merit. It leaves no time to subdue defilements and is incapable of elevating the mental nature and character. The result is merely gaining a reputation without the substance, which is more loss than gain. It is like cooking rice or brewing medicine: rapid boiling versus slow simmering yield entirely different flavors and nutritional value.

Seeking speed is a severe utilitarian mindset, a mind of seeking and grasping, a worldly mind bound to the cycle of life and death. It cannot give rise to the selfless mind, the unconditioned mind, the liberated mind, or the non-seeking pure heart. Often, it runs counter to the path and may even achieve the opposite.