How to Improve One's Practice and Realization

Today's world is far too chaotic and turbulent. Even if Buddhist practitioners wish to be diligent, due to the constraints of their own minds and their environment, they are unable to practice diligently to the fullest extent; many feel that the spirit is willing but the strength is insufficient. If one wishes to make a breakthrough and achieve attainment in the Buddhadharma—having already developed a relatively deep and complete theoretical understanding, and now needing to engage in actual realization—then one should stay away from worldly dharmas for a period of time, leave the familiar environment that has been binding one's body and mind, and find a secluded place free from disturbance, where one can cultivate meditation (samādhi) and investigate Chan, raising the level of one's practice of cultivation and realization. If one wishes to attain realization of the fruits, an even greater need arises for a solitary and tranquil place where one can contemplate and cultivate; otherwise, there is no way to elevate oneself, let alone attain realization of the fruits.