The Key to Buddhist Practice and Realization Lies in the Three Undefiled Learnings of Śīla, Samādhi, and Prajñā

The crucial aspect of Dharma cultivation and realization, as the Buddha repeatedly taught us, is the Three Non-Outflow Studies of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom. The study of precepts requires strict adherence to the moral code; only then can the mind attain stability. Once the mind is stable, one can develop the wisdom of contemplative practice. When contemplative practice matures, it gives birth to the great wisdom of Prajna. Possessing the great wisdom of Prajna is extremely important, as it leads to liberation. However, the birth of Prajna wisdom relies on profound and subtle wisdom from contemplative practice, the attainment of which depends on meditative concentration (dhyāna), and the emergence of dhyāna relies on the observance of precepts. These Three Studies—Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom—are interlinked like a chain; each is vitally important, closely connected, and indispensable. None can be omitted or discarded, otherwise there will be no genuine realization.

Once meditative concentration is cultivated, one must learn to transform it into the wisdom of contemplative practice and skillfully shift mental states. Otherwise, concentration remains merely concentration, no different from the concentration achieved by non-Buddhist paths. It will not give birth to Prajna wisdom, one will not realize non-self, and liberation and true freedom will not be attained. Many people are not interested in seated meditation because their minds are too scattered and restless to sit still, forcing them to rely on concentration cultivated during activity. However, if the mind is hard to manage in stillness, it is even harder to manage during activity. Even if concentration in motion is well-cultivated, that concentration is shallower than concentration in stillness; the mind remains coarse, thinking is not refined, the wisdom of contemplative practice remains superficial, and genuine realization is impossible. Therefore, concentration in stillness is both the foundation and the ultimate refuge. Great wisdom must necessarily arise from concentration in stillness; all ancestral masters, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas throughout the ages have followed this path.

When concentration in stillness is well-cultivated, thinking becomes sharp, sensitive, deep, and subtle. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, the mind constantly abides in concentration. Afflictions can be subdued, the mental state becomes light, easy, and joyful, and mental inclinations naturally tend more towards wholesome thoughts. Therefore, concentration in stillness is extremely important. This is the treasured Dharma method transmitted by all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, ancestral masters, and great virtuous ones of the ten directions. It must be cherished and diligently cultivated.