Attaining True Wisdom Leads Directly to Buddhahood

If one savors the Dharma slowly, or deeply contemplates it, pondering a single phrase can lead to samadhi; this is called using wisdom to induce concentration. Within that concentration, the wisdom gained through contemplation continues to deepen, and the meaning of the Dharma becomes increasingly clear and penetrating; this is then called using concentration to induce wisdom. Concentration and wisdom mutually induce and enhance each other. This is true cultivation, the most profound practice, the most fundamental practice, and the most ultimate practice. What one attains is true wisdom, wisdom cultivated and realized by oneself. However, such contemplation appears slow on the surface, seemingly yielding less knowledge, yet in reality, it is the fastest path of cultivation, the most direct route. This is because the ultimate aim of cultivation is to attain wisdom, and wisdom leads to Buddhahood.

Conversely, those who do not understand true cultivation are superficial. They pursue only the superficial quantity of knowledge, content with knowing more, understanding more, learning more, oblivious to the importance of true wisdom, thus failing to seek genuine wisdom. Pursuing quantity and speed, what they learn and acquire is not the true wisdom that arises from within themselves. In reality, they are outsiders in cultivation. They may seem diligent and zealous, but their progress is actually the slowest, precisely because they lack true wisdom. Mistaking extensive knowledge, understanding, and acquisition for wisdom is, in fact, the ignorance of beginners in Buddhism.