Differences in merit, meditative concentration, and wisdom result in different levels of realization among bodhisattvas.

The one whose observation of the Dharma is most ultimate is the Buddha; the observations made by bodhisattvas after awakening cannot be thorough and ultimate, and their level is insufficient. Therefore, the awakening of bodhisattvas is divided into countless levels; it is impossible to awaken to all dharmas at once, nor is it possible for them all to awaken to the most thorough extent.

Bodhisattvas differ in merit, in meditative concentration (samādhi), and in wisdom, so the levels they awaken to differ. At a certain point, if a bodhisattva does not cultivate the four dhyānas and eight samādhis, he will be unable to awaken to subsequent dharmas and will be restricted. The vast majority of the Buddha's teachings are realized through extremely deep meditative concentration.

Yet some people insist on denying the function of meditative concentration. If a bodhisattva does not cultivate meditative concentration, his progress on the Path simply cannot advance; he gets stuck at a certain stage, stuck at a certain level, unable to get through. Subtle dharmas and extremely subtle dharmas must be accompanied by meditative concentration and supernatural powers in order to be realized, in order to be fully realized. Profound wisdom is also realized through the combined support of extremely deep meditative concentration and supernatural powers.