Verbal Chan Is Not Equivalent to Practice and Realization

There are many stages in cultivation before enlightenment, and similarly, many stages after enlightenment. If one practices according to the methods used after enlightenment before having attained it, it is futile labor, for without having entered the gate, one cannot perform the tasks within. For those who have just attained enlightenment or have not yet attained it, attempting to cultivate according to the methods of Bodhisattvas on the grounds (bhūmis) will yield even less effect. To hold lofty theories in hand, believing oneself to have realized them and to be like sages and the Tathāgatagarbha, is purely self-deception. Many people, upon hearing the phrase "afflictions are bodhi," assume that viewing afflictions as illusory manifestations of the Tathāgatagarbha is equivalent to cultivation, rather than seeking ways to subdue afflictions. As a result, afflictions remain afflictions, bodhi remains bodhi, and after death, they still sink into the cycle of birth and death—what benefit is there?

Some, understanding that the Tathāgatagarbha has nothing to cultivate and nothing to realize, then assume that the seven consciousnesses and the five aggregates should also have nothing to cultivate and nothing to realize. Since the Tathāgatagarbha is inherently Buddha, they think they can simply be a Buddha at home. Others, hearing that all dharmas arise from discrimination, decide they should not discriminate at all, believing that as long as they do not discriminate, the mind will be empty and devoid of dharmas. Since the Tathāgatagarbha does not discriminate, they too must not discriminate—then even enduring seven days of hunger should be without complaint.

All dharmas are indeed like illusions, but this is the realization of Bodhisattvas at the ten abodes (daśa-vihāra) and above. If one has not yet reached this level of cultivation and lacks this actual realization, one should not constantly utter phrases about illusion, turning them into platitudes. Since the Tathāgatagarbha does not uphold precepts, some believe they too should act like the Tathāgatagarbha and not uphold precepts, acting recklessly and indulging freely. Unaware that their own minds are replete with greed, hatred, and delusion, how can they possibly act recklessly and indulge freely? Empty talk often leads a nation astray; those who can speak a zhang (ten feet) but cannot act an inch would do best to engage in solid, practical cultivation, rather than indulging in lofty talk while being incapable of even basic practice.