Synopsis

The content concerning theoretical comprehension and experiential realization presented in this book is excerpted from a 400,000-word treatise on the nature of the manas (mind faculty), specifically compiled into this dedicated volume. The objectives of editing this book are threefold: First, to draw sufficient attention and emphasis from the Buddhist community; second, to clarify the easily confused and erroneous points in Buddhist practice and realization, providing practitioners with authentic guidance on the path; third, to guide practitioners, with a pragmatic attitude and a spirit of deep personal responsibility towards Buddhism, to engage in earnest practice, avoiding the pitfalls of superficial knowledge and views that foster arrogance, obstruct the path, and lead to self-deception and misleading others.

Currently, the Buddhist community appears to be placing increasing emphasis on practical cultivation. Its slogans and tenets also advocate experiential realization, yet in substance, they still do not engage with genuine practice and realization, nor do they understand what true practice and realization entail. If one's practice does not involve meditative concentration (dhyāna) or deeply permeate the manas, it remains unsubstantial practice, like duckweed drifting aimlessly. The result is mere theoretical understanding without genuine realization, yet it is often mistaken for realization. Prolonged in this manner, the superficially thriving Buddhism will gradually decline. Practitioners will engage blindly, unaware of the purpose of their practice, leading to the absence of both cultivation and realization, to the extent that even theoretical comprehension vanishes, let alone experiential realization. Continuing this way, the true Dharma of experiential realization risks extinction and loss, even being submerged by exaggerated approaches to Buddhist study, leaving no actual beneficiaries. The vessel of the Dharma will then no longer be able to ferry sentient beings across. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently issue a call for experiential realization here, advocating genuine practice to reveal the Buddha's fundamental intent and to swiftly liberate those endowed with sufficient roots of virtue, merit, and conditions, enabling them to achieve self-liberation and the liberation of others.