The wisdom of the Dharma and worldly dharmas are mutually reinforcing.

Observing the dharmas of the five aggregates in the worldly realm constitutes worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is also very important, for without it, one cannot see through the world, cannot be permeated by the Buddha’s teachings, and cannot accept the views of the Dharma. When the views of the Buddha’s teachings are successfully cultivated, they can also develop worldly wisdom and promote its growth. The wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings and that of worldly dharmas are mutually reinforcing; where one exists, the other will follow.

If one’s wisdom in worldly dharmas has not been elevated, and one’s understanding of worldly dharmas is neither thorough nor ultimate, with lingering attachment and an inability to see through them, it indicates that one’s practice of the Buddha’s teachings is unsatisfactory, or that one does not practice at all, merely putting on a pretentious display. Those who gain more in worldly dharmas often have deeper attachments, are less able to see through them, and are more ignorant, even mistaking ignorance for intelligence, silently mocking those who see through worldly dharmas as foolish—a complete inversion of truth.

The fundamental reason why ants remain as ants for such a long time is ignorance. Due to a lack of better conditions, having never experienced a superior mode of existence, and due to limited knowledge, they cannot free themselves from the bondage of ignorance. Because of ignorance, they cannot conceive of a better physical form or way of life, mistakenly believing that only their current body and existence are possible, thus developing a deep-rooted attachment to the ant body and ant life. Due to this attachment, they cannot escape the ant state, leading to a vicious cycle.

And what about us humans? Our attachments are largely similar to those of ants. It is all because we lack better conditions, have not experienced a superior way of life, are heavily veiled by ignorance, have limited knowledge, and are short-sighted. We can only cling to the way of life we currently encounter and enjoy, with no intention to explore a better life and future. Thus, we cannot see through or let go of present wealth, sensual pleasures, fame, and profit. Poverty limits imagination. Some may argue: “I am wealthy; I am not poor.” But no matter how wealthy you are in the human realm, you are still poor. You have never seen true wealth, nor have you ever experienced it. Otherwise, you would seek a richer life and not be content with the false and low-level wealth of the present. Those who have had rich experiences are open-minded individuals with light attachments, or none at all, able to see through and let go of things when faced with them. Those with great merit and virtue are also those who can see through and let go; having experienced everything and seen much, they regard nothing as particularly significant.

Have my words struck some people? Have they knocked open your skulls? If not, then you are not worthy of being guided and have no qualification to learn the Dharma from me. Attachments like those of ants—so pitiful, yet unaware of it yourselves, living each day with pride and arrogance, even flaunting and showing off everywhere—how ignorant and laughable it is!