Common Pitfalls of Modern Buddhist Practitioners

Modern people no longer know how to cultivate themselves diligently and earnestly. All day long they just talk and talk, speaking everywhere without regard to what they are saying, what exactly they are doing it for, or what they seek to gain. Is studying Buddhism and cultivating oneself merely about showing off themselves and making others think they are cultivated and knowledgeable? Some people have quite vivid imaginations but severely lack practical cultivation and realization. They often speculate about the Dharma instead of engaging in actual observing practices, yet they remain highly confident. Thoughts without meditative concentration all belong to speculation. Contemplating Dharma principles far removed from one's own cultivation and realization also constitutes speculation. Using self-speculated Dharma to debate with others—all such behaviors belong to those who show off themselves.