True Spiritual Practice Lies in Independent Personal Cultivation

During the lifetime of the World-Honored One, when imparting the Dharma to his disciples, he would teach the methods that should be cultivated at the time and then leave the rest for the disciples to accomplish independently. Back then, after listening to the World-Honored One's teachings, the disciples would each find a quiet, undisturbed place to contemplate and ponder the Dharma in meditation, entirely on their own. The World-Honored One never led specific cultivation practices; he never guided his disciples in Buddha-name recitation retreats, Chan meditation retreats, or any other kind of retreat. It was always the disciples themselves who contemplated and practiced the Dharma, cultivating alone without group practice.

To gain the greatest benefit from studying and practicing the Dharma, one must contemplate and practice diligently on one’s own, avoiding overly detailed explanations from others. If one engages in little contemplation and practice, the benefits will be small. Each person reaps rewards proportional to the effort they invest. Engage in much contemplation and practice, think deeply, and do not fear making mistakes. If you err, simply turn back and strive in another direction. Once you have contemplated and practiced in every aspect, wisdom will naturally arise. Wisdom emerges from contemplation and practice; it is a personal endeavor best not delegated to others. Be ambitious—do not seek ready-made solutions. Invest your own energy and effort, contemplate deeply, and cultivate for yourself to attain your own realization. Others cultivate for their own realization; without cultivation, there is no attainment. Only after genuine cultivation and realization can one attain great wisdom and the merits and benefits of true liberation.