Achieving the Buddha's Path Depends on Correct Views

Theoretical study is also part of actual practice—indeed the most important part—and one must not regard doctrinal learning as something other than actual practice. Doctrinal study is the primary means of obtaining correct knowledge and views. Only with the guidance of correct knowledge and views can one adopt the right methods and walk in the right direction. Liberation from birth and death depends on correct knowledge, views, and wisdom; the attainment of buddhahood depends on correct wisdom. When the World-Honored One was in the world, he only expounded and transmitted the Dharma to his disciples, occasionally teaching some meditative concentration (samādhi), and did not personally lead his disciples through the concrete details of how to practice. After hearing the Dharma, the disciples would each find a quiet place on their own and engage in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā), pondering the Dharma principles the World-Honored One had taught. Once their contemplation was thoroughly understood, they would attain the pure Dharma eye and realize the fruits. Many people realized the fruits at the very moment the World-Honored One was expounding the Dharma—that is, they contemplated while listening. Therefore, before expounding the Dharma, the World-Honored One would always say: 谛听谛听，善思念之，吾当为汝分别解说。