From Quantitative Change to Qualitative Transformation: The Process of Dharma Learning

Regarding the content of a particular Dharma teaching, if the period of study is short and the volume of material encountered is limited, one cannot achieve a qualitative leap. The Dharma principles learned initially do not readily come to mind and are difficult to integrate comprehensively, because early-stage learning primarily relies on conscious awareness (mano-vijñāna). When one has not grasped the essential point, conscious awareness remains largely confined to rote recitation and memorization, failing to reach the level of the mental faculty (manas). Content acquired through rote memorization is easily forgotten, as it has not yet been personally realized and thus does not truly become one's own. Only after the mental faculty (manas) comprehends it does it become difficult to forget; it can be recalled anytime, anywhere, and spoken of effortlessly. Therefore, that which is truly understood and realized requires no deliberate memorization or recitation. When the need arises, the principle is immediately accessible, and one can articulate it spontaneously. In contrast, content that is merely recited or memorized takes time to resurface; it cannot be presented immediately. It requires recollection, and even then, the recollection may not be comprehensive.