Guru's Talk

 Theoretical Realization and Actual Practice

Translated and Edited by True Buddha Foundation Translation Team

I came across a story while reading a sutra:

There was a Zen monk who had read many Zen stories and was very wise and very good in debate. His ability to debate the Dharma was second to none. The Zen monk gave himself the Dharma name, Mohda, which was the reverse of the name of the Zen Patriarch Bodhidharma.

Mohda became the disciple of Venerable Aryasimha, who was aware that Mohda had become well versed with the sutras and sastras and had gained theoretical realization. In the presence of everyone at the main hall, Aryasimha especially praised Mohda's wisdom and said that his ability in debate to take sophisticated concepts in the sutras and flowingly express them in easily understood terms was perfect.

When Venerable Aryasimha passed on the dharma lineage [however], he did not transmit it to Mohda.

Surprisingly, he passed it instead to the less articulate Basiasita.

Mohda was furious. He thought to himself: My teacher Aryasimha knew very well that I have long mastered the canon of sutras and that I understand the supreme meaning within the heart of the Tathagata. My ability to debate is unmatched and I can explain the Dharma with much depth and display and with a majestic eloquence. The Master knows me very deeply, so why did he not pass the dharma lineage to me? I really do not understand!

Then, one day Mohda and his Master were crossing a river. They saw a young lady washing clothes beside the river and her arms were exposed.

Mohda thought to himself, "Her arms are so fair and soft, the rest of her body must be the same."

Venerable Aryasimha suddenly said, "With your state of mind today, do you think you are worthy of the lineage throne?"

When I read this story, my heart was deeply touched. I realize that in this world there are very accomplished people who study Buddhism, who are intimately familiar with and well versed in the Tripitaka and the Twelve Classes of Sutra [the Buddhist Canons]. They are skilled at expounding the sutras and doctrines, at cross-referencing the scriptures, and at debating the supreme teaching with polished articulation, their tongues like blossoming lotus flowers. Such people would believe themselves to be the best, that everyone else who studies Buddhism would have it all wrong, that they alone have attained the true realization.

Have they really attained the true realization?

A theoretical or conceptual realization and a complete comprehension of the sutras does not mean that you have attained the true heart, the “no beginning and no extinguishing” heart.

It is essential that upon achieving theoretical realization, you add to it the actual practice. Actual practice of the True Buddha Tantric Dharma gives proof to the theory, and you will see your own original, true heart. This is the true heart of realization.

When you realize the true heart, you will see your original nature. It should be like this.

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