Who Expounds the Dharma Without Reaching the Core?

Upon attaining the accomplishment of the Insight Like a Dream, one directly realizes the Bodhisattva stage of the ten dedications, swiftly approaching the first ground (bhūmi). Such individuals are exceedingly rare in the Saha World, even in ancient times. Achieving the Insight Like an Illusion directly places one at the Bodhisattva stage of the ten abodes. Can one without enlightened mind become such a Bodhisattva? Mastering the Dharma-gate of Perfect Penetration through the Ear Faculty leads directly to the stage of a virtually enlightened Bodhisattva. I could never accomplish this in my present lifetime. For many years, people have urged me to explain it; I attempted to contemplate it, but could only articulate a small portion before becoming utterly unable to proceed further—I can't just fabricate things, can I? As for others who wish to cultivate this, they should only consider it after passing through countless eons. Furthermore, regarding the cultivation methods in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra, without the experiential realization of a first-ground Bodhisattva, one shouldn't even entertain the thought; I myself am not certain I could attain it.

Those without genuine realization teach the Dharma in a disjointed manner, and their practice lacks grounding. Why? Because they lack experience. They rely on their own imagination, speculation, and feelings. They may practice for a lifetime without finding the true path. Only those who have walked the path know the specific route and understand the sequence.