Attaining True Wisdom Leads Directly to Buddhahood

If one savors the Dharma slowly, or deeply contemplates it, investigating a single phrase can lead to entering meditative concentration; this is called using wisdom to induce concentration. Within that concentration, the wisdom gained from contemplation continuously deepens, and the meaning of the Dharma becomes increasingly clear and penetrating; this is called using concentration to induce wisdom. Concentration and wisdom mutually induce and enhance each other. This is authentic practice, the most profound practice, the most fundamental practice, and the ultimate practice. What is attained is genuine wisdom, wisdom cultivated from within oneself. Although such contemplation may appear slow on the surface, seemingly yielding less knowledge, it is in reality the fastest path of practice, the most direct path. This is because the ultimate aim of practice is to attain wisdom; wisdom leads to Buddhahood.

Conversely, those who do not understand genuine practice are superficial. They pursue only superficial knowledge, content with knowing much, understanding much, and learning much, failing to grasp the importance of genuine wisdom, and thus do not seek it. Chasing quantity and speed, what they learn and gain is not genuine wisdom arising from their own awakening; they are, in reality, outsiders to true practice. They may seem diligent and vigorous, but their progress is actually the slowest, precisely because they lack genuine wisdom. Mistaking extensive knowledge, understanding, and acquisition for wisdom is, in reality, the delusion of novice Buddhists.