What to Do When Knowing Yet Unable to Act?

Question: When the mind is relatively tranquil, and one quietly observes the entire world, a doubt often arises suddenly within: What is this world really about? What exactly is it? Then the thought arises to withdraw from the world, yet one finds it impossible to do so. What should one do at such a time?

Answer: This is the mental faculty silently observing and contemplating the world as a whole, thereby giving rise to doubt and a desire to investigate the true nature of the world. However, due to the lack of experiential realization, its power is insufficient, and the cultivation of concentration and wisdom is not yet complete. Although one becomes aware that this world is illusory, without actual realization, the mental faculty cannot break through this world, nor can it abandon or withdraw from it. At this stage, one should continue observing, continue cultivating precepts, concentration, and wisdom, and continue preparing the various provisions for the realization of the truth. Gradually, when the causes and conditions for realization are sufficiently gathered, one will be able to achieve withdrawal, relinquishment, and non-attachment. Observation and doubt are the initial stages of practice. With persistent effort over time, one will eventually experientially realize all dharmas, thereby attaining emptiness of mind and withdrawal from all dharmas. At that point, the practice reaches its culmination.