Spiritual Practice Is Neither the Accumulation of Knowledge Nor Academic Research

Studying Buddhism is not about acquiring knowledge or conducting research; rather, it requires the capacity for deep investigation, seeking verification, not merely seeking answers. If meditative concentration is insufficient and the conditions for realizing the Way are not yet complete, then even if one cleverly deduces the Tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-nature) through intellect, the result of that deduction, being only approximate to the truth, might make it difficult to continue the work of investigating Chan (Zen). One might even mistakenly believe they have attained enlightenment, which would be truly troublesome. When the conditions are not yet complete, the matter of the Tathāgatagarbha should remain concealed, hidden, and covered for the time being, to facilitate future Chan investigation and realization.

I do not wish for you to engage in research, because the Dharma is already quite clear. If clever people research further and arrive at approximate conclusions, it becomes genuinely problematic. It is better to investigate deeply within meditative concentration when the conditions of a Bodhisattva are complete. Among those who excelled in worldly studies, how many truly become pillars of society? Knowledge can only help one survive comfortably; it does not necessarily grant creativity. If one seeks actual realization through studying Buddhism, it should be distinct from pursuing worldly scholarship. Otherwise, studying Buddhism becomes merely acquiring knowledge, and knowledge cannot liberate a person; only actual realization can bring liberation.

The Buddha's great disciple, Cūḍapanthaka, was a fourth-fruit great Arhat (Arahant). Before his realization, he was considered very slow-witted. Even after attaining the fruit, he could not expound the Dharma, yet he was a fully liberated great Arhat. None of us are likely to be that slow-witted, so when it comes to comprehending and learning knowledge, moderation is sufficient.