The Merits of the Three Studies
In the practice of awareness,
some people believe that the practice of “concentration” is unimportant.
“Concentration” involves suppressing habits,
and cannot fundamentally solve problems,
which leads to underestimating the practice of “concentration.”
This is not a correct perspective.
The life of an ordinary person is like a river of illusions—
constantly reacting to habitual delusions.
The practice of “concentration”
can effectively reduce the occurrence of these habitual tendencies,
and thus holds significant importance.
“Concentration” has made its rightful contribution to the liberation of ordinary beings,
and should not be underestimated.
Similarly, precepts should also not be overlooked;
the merits of “precepts” are equally important.
The threefold training of precepts, concentration, and wisdom has its inherent logic and connection;
they are like links in a chain, each link leading to liberation.
Pure precepts are concentration,
pure concentration is wisdom;
the names precepts, concentration, and wisdom are three, yet their essence is one,
all pointing to the original state of the mind.
Upon entering the door to liberation there are three studies: namely precepts, concentration, and wisdom;
on entering there are three treasures: namely precepts, concentration, and wisdom.
Holding onto these three studies leads to reaching the other shore;
utilizing these three treasures stabilizes one on that shore.
The human mind is like a pure land filled with treasures;
precepts, concentration, and wisdom are three tools or methods for acquiring those treasures.
The amount of treasure you wish to obtain depends on how well you utilize those tools or methods.
The same precepts, concentration, and wisdom may appear different in the eyes of Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, and all Buddhas;
the kind of precepts, concentration, and wisdom you see determines the benefits you receive from them.
Precepts, concentration, and wisdom represent a sequence towards liberation;
practitioners must not underestimate any single aspect;
do not underestimate precepts or concentration or wisdom—
each must be thoroughly practiced and utilized.
Genuine liberation does not deviate from precepts, concentration, and wisdom;
deviating from them means it is impossible to attain solid and stable liberation.
Practicing and accumulating merits from these three forms leads to success;
when these three merits are complete,
your liberation will come regardless of your will;
when these merits are lacking,
even if you wish for liberation it cannot be attained.
So accumulate the merits from the three studies,
like depositing good causes into the bank of karma;
when that “cause” accumulates to a certain extent,
good results will naturally arise.
Frequently cultivate precepts, concentration, and decisively cut off greed, hate, and delusion;
constantly practice each study, with actions like those ancient Buddhas.
The three studies cannot be neglected, each has its own merit; their combined merit leads to virtue, and liberation arises spontaneously.
by Taiwan Fearless Tathagata Ya Great Perfection Zen Center