Theoretical Realization and Practical Realization
Preface
1. In this present age, because sentient beings have scant wholesome roots, meager merit, and heavy afflictions, the sequence of practice and study must first be the eradication of the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi-prahāṇa), and only then engaging in Chan investigation to seek seeing the mind. Nowadays, students are unable to eradicate the view of self at the same time as they investigate and discover the hidden meaning in seeing the mind, because the hidden meaning can be easily guessed; what is guessed is not realization, and without realization the view of self cannot be eradicated. In practice, if there is no process of rejecting the self of the five aggregates and eighteen realms, the view of self cannot be eradicated, and thus it does not count as genuine enlightenment of seeing the mind.
The process of negating the five aggregates as self is extremely important. If one has not gone through this process, then even if one comes to know the hidden meaning, the element of guessing, inference, and speculation is very great. As a result, although the hidden meaning is known, the self-nature is not removed, and all subsequent actions still revolve tightly around a so-called self. Before this, one acts carefully and cautiously; after this, one acts brazenly and openly, as if holding a trump card and having backing—which is even more frightening. Therefore, before each person sees the mind, they must engage in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) on the selflessness of the five aggregates, eradicate the self-nature, and cut off the stream of seeds that create unwholesome karma; only afterward can one become a true bodhisattva genuinely worthy of the name, one of selfless nature. If anyone lacks this process and directly produces the hidden meaning without eradicating the view of self, they do not belong among true bodhisattvas who have seen the mind.
Many people's original intention in studying Buddhism is clearly to attain the liberating merit of selflessness, and they study the Dharma in order to reach selflessness; yet they do not engage in contemplative practice on selflessness within their own minds. Their speech, actions, and mental activities still revolve tightly around the so-called self—not only grasping at themselves but also grasping at others, not only seeking to control themselves but also seeking to control others. To do so is to run counter to the Path; when could one ever cultivate selflessness, and when could one ever attain liberation of the mind?
The more selfless a person's bodily, verbal, and mental actions are, the more liberated and at ease their mind becomes—this is the ultimate goal of studying and practicing the Buddhadharma. Studying Buddhism and practicing is not for gaining certain worldly benefits for oneself; on the contrary, only by letting go of the so-called personal benefits in the worldly realm can one obtain the greatest benefit of the supra-mundane Dharma, and only then can one gain all benefits in the world. Not understanding this principle, all one's actions are ignorance, and one cannot escape the deep pit of afflictions. In fact, there are no worldly benefits at all; all are illusory and unreal dharmas, ultimately attaining nothing. If one often and deeply engages in contemplative practice on all dharmas of the worldly realm, one will understand this principle—so why still tightly grasp a self and refuse to let go?
Loosen the two hands that tightly grasp all dharmas and grasp at self-benefit; slowly release them, and you will discover that heaven and earth are so vast, and the mind is so open and free. Throughout past lifetimes over countless kalpas, how much anguish and unbearable suffering there was—all because of a so-called self, at every moment and in every place acting for the self, yet never gaining any real, imperishable benefit, remaining in ceaseless suffering and torment. Now that you have encountered the Dharma of selfless liberation, why not take this opportunity to let go of the self and attain liberation and freedom as soon as possible?
