The Stages of Spiritual Practice

The elimination of habitual tendencies occurs from the stage of First Ground Bodhisattva after realizing the mind and perceiving true nature, all the way up to the Eighth Ground Bodhisattva. First, one realizes the mind and perceives true nature; then, one eradicates afflictions; and only after that can one eliminate the habitual tendencies of afflictions. This is the sequence of practice. Afflictions can only be eradicated through the wisdom attained upon enlightenment, combined with meditative concentration. Without wisdom and without meditative concentration, one cannot eradicate afflictions, much less eliminate their habitual tendencies.

If realizing the mind and perceiving true nature is likened to turning on a light, this initial realization is merely like switching on a small lamp—it is still not bright enough. The ultimate realization of mind and true nature at the time of Buddhahood is the most magnificent, when all the lights are turned on. If realizing the mind and perceiving true nature is likened to awakening from a dream, then the initial realization is like a partial awakening, not yet fully rousing from the dream. It is a minor awakening. Only upon attaining Buddhahood does one completely awaken from the dream, never to dream again.