Without Samadhi, None of the Contemplative Practices Can Pass the Test

Without meditative concentration, none of the various contemplative practices can be successfully mastered. Although one may believe that all phenomena are like dreams and illusions, even if the consciousness realizes that all phenomena are like dreams and illusions, the manas absolutely cannot attain such realization. Consequently, one may say one thing but do another. Moreover, the consciousness has not genuinely realized this principle, as the evidence is insufficient.

Starting from the third barrier in Chan Buddhism, subsequent contemplations such as the perception of phenomena as dreams and illusions must be supported by the first dhyana to be mastered. All preceding contemplative practices, including the severance of self-view, require the attainment of access concentration; otherwise, none of the barriers can be overcome. If someone claims to have severed self-view but has not yet attained access concentration, they should carefully examine whether this achievement is reliable. The moment of death presents a critical juncture concerning life and death, where there is absolutely no room for ambiguity.