Theory Combined with Empirical Evidence Has Practical Value

The purpose of studying theory is to attain realization; only after realization can one put it into practice, and only then does the theory studied have practical value, benefiting body and mind, removing afflictions, thereby transforming oneself, attaining liberation and great ease and freedom.

If the theory one studies cannot lead to realization, one cannot obtain true benefit, and thus will not attain liberation or ease and freedom. Theory is learned and understood by the mind consciousness; realization is grasped and thoroughly integrated by the manas; removing afflictions and transforming oneself is governed by the manas; and attaining liberation and ease and freedom is experienced by the entire body and mind—the five aggregates (pañca-skandha). Each link in this process is accomplished through the tathāgatagarbha cooperating and outputting seeds.