Attaining Buddhahood Depends on Right View

Theoretical study is also part of actual practice, and moreover the most important part; one must not regard doctrinal study as something other than actual practice. Doctrinal study is the primary means of acquiring correct knowledge and view. Only with the guidance of correct knowledge and view can one adopt the right methods and head in the right direction. Liberation from birth and death depends on correct knowledge and view and on right wisdom; the attainment of buddhahood depends on right wisdom. When the World-Honored One was in the world, He only expounded and transmitted the Dharma to His disciples, occasionally teaching some meditative concentration (samādhi), and did not personally lead the disciples in how to practice concretely. After hearing the Dharma, the disciples would each find a quiet, pure place on their own to contemplate and reflect upon the Dharma principles the World-Honored One had taught. Once their contemplation penetrated through, they would attain purity of the Dharma eye and realize the fruits of the path. Many people realized the fruits right at the very moment the World-Honored One was expounding the Dharma—that is, they were contemplating while listening. Therefore, before expounding the Dharma, the World-Honored One would always say: Listen carefully and well, ponder it well, and I shall explain and expound it for you in detail.