Common Problems of Modern Buddhist Practitioners

People today do not know how to cultivate in a down-to-earth manner; all day long they just open their mouths and talk, talking here and there—regardless of what they are saying, what it is ultimately for, or what they are after. Is learning Buddhism and practicing the Dharma really just about showcasing oneself, making others think that one has cultivation and knows a lot? Some people have quite a rich imagination, but they are far too lacking in actual practice and realization. They often speculate about the Buddha-Dharma instead of engaging in actual contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā), and yet they are very confident. Any deliberation without meditative concentration (samādhi) belongs to speculation; deliberating upon Buddha-Dharma that is far removed from one's own realization also belongs to speculation. Those who debate with others using the Buddha-Dharma they themselves have speculated about all belong to that category of people who are merely showcasing themselves.