The Relationship Between Paramārtha-satya and Saṃvṛti-satya

All phenomena are empty, and objects are also phenomena within all phenomena, all are empty, everything is empty, nothing is non-empty. For example, cars of various models and types are all empty, yet these empty cars possess so many wondrous functions; hands are also empty, yet they type so many words—this is indeed peculiar. Some say it is the tathagatagarbha driving the car and typing the words, all being the wondrous functions of the tathagatagarbha. If this were truly the case, humans could simply sleep all day, letting the tathagatagarbha type and drive, handle all affairs, and let the tathagatagarbha work day after day, year after year, lifetime after lifetime—humans need not even be born. If conventional truth is obliterated and entirely replaced by ultimate truth, the faults would be immense. Without conventional truth, ultimate truth would be utterly powerless and incapable of action; how could it possibly accomplish anything?

When learning Buddhism, we must practice exactly as the Buddha taught. The Buddha possesses supreme wisdom, having personally practiced and realized all Dharma. If the Buddha says that to attain fruition, one must practice in such a way, then we should heed the Buddha's words and practice accordingly. Do not invent your own methods, nor regard anyone else's teachings as authoritative. Taking refuge in the Buddha is the most reliable path, for the Buddha has eradicated all ignorance, possesses no self-mind, does not promote the self, and does not lead the blind astray.

If you genuinely seek to achieve realization through Buddhism, do not seek shortcuts or easy paths. If such paths existed, the Buddha would certainly have told us; he would not make us take detours or lead us in circles. Having complete faith in the Buddha is the most fundamental principle of learning Buddhism—faith is the forerunner. If the Buddha cannot be trusted, then there is no one else who can be trusted—not even those at the stage of equal enlightenment or wondrous enlightenment, let alone ordinary people. If someone teaches something inconsistent with the Buddha's words, we must make a clear choice: without doubt, choose to believe the Buddha.

Those who seek shortcuts harbor a mentality of greed and desire; they have an attitude of seeking gain. Where there is greed, it is easy to fall into demonic influence, be used by demons, become part of the demonic retinue, gradually drift away from the Buddhist path, and fail to attain liberation. Embracing the mindset of improving oneself, transforming oneself, enriching oneself, maturing oneself, and perfecting oneself in the practice of Buddhism enables one to stay far from demonic affairs. Steady and stable, it may seem slow, but in reality, it is the fastest path. Haste and recklessness, however, lead to the opposite outcome, contrary to one's wishes.