Lectures on the Sutra of the Father and Son Collection (133)

The Difference Between Understanding and Realization

Understanding is akin to hearsay, which differs greatly from actual firsthand experience. For instance, hearing about someone's characteristics generates a certain perception and impression in the mind. However, upon meeting and observing them personally, the reality might differ from the initial impression. The feeling and impression gained during the actual encounter are more authentic and credible, enabling one to adopt an appropriate attitude towards that person. After genuine understanding and observation, one's viewpoint, opinion, thoughts, and actions differ from those formed merely through hearing.

Therefore, we must diligently engage in cultivation, allowing it to permeate deeply into our minds, enabling us to genuinely contemplate and perceive the illusory nature of the faculties and the absence of self in the five aggregates. During contemplative practice, it is the sixth consciousness that engages in analytical thinking. After analysis, the conclusions are presented to the manas (the seventh consciousness). If the manas acknowledges the veracity of this reasoning, realization of the fruit (of the path) is attained. If the manas does not accept the reasoning derived from the conscious mind's contemplative practice, it remains ineffective. To expedite the manas's realization, the evidence must be irrefutable, ideally reaching the level of direct, perceptual observation (pratyakṣa-pramāṇa). The path of contemplative practice involves numerous procedures; there is much ground to cover, many dharmas to cultivate, and a continuous need to accumulate provisions for the path. This requires the ongoing accumulation of merit (puṇya-saṃbhāra), along with perfecting the conditions for the six perfections (pāramitās): morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.