Actualizing the Dharma Requires Samadhi

If everyone could practice according to the method of the Mahasatipatṭhāna Sutta, the achievements of the Hinayana path could be swiftly attained, and meditative concentration would undoubtedly be realized. However, the minds of people today are too scattered and incapable of completing these contemplative practices. During the Buddha’s time, the bhikkhus practiced precisely in this manner.

From the present perspective, the theoretical foundations of both Mahayana and Hinayana necessary for our practice are nearly sufficient. The gap lies solely in practical application, which must involve cultivating precepts, meditative concentration, and wisdom, fulfilling the Six Perfections of the Bodhisattva path, especially in the cultivation of merit and meditative concentration. When personal practice becomes difficult, collective practice becomes essential. While the Buddha was alive, he never led his disciples in group practice; each sat cross-legged, engaged in contemplation, reflected upon the Dharma taught by the Buddha, and subsequently attained the Fruit of the Path.

Modern life and work are too busy, leaving no time for seated meditation. Yet, it is indeed true that meditative concentration cannot be advanced, thoughts remain superficial and lack depth, and genuine realization of the Dharma remains unattainable. The vast difference between the concentration attained after seated meditation and the mere stability maintained during walking, standing, sitting, and lying down can only be understood by those who have practiced seated meditation. One must find a way oneself; one must take responsibility for oneself. Merely understanding a great deal of theory does not mean one has attained the Way; merely being eloquent does not mean one has attained the Way. After genuine realization, even if one is not eloquent, one still possesses the Way; eloquent speech without genuine realization is not the Way.

Only genuine realization can resolve the great matter of birth and death. No endeavor surpasses the pursuit of the Way in importance; one must strive for its accomplishment even at the cost of one's life. Otherwise, no matter how successful one may be in worldly affairs during this lifetime, it is ultimately of no benefit.