Introduction
It is an honor to discuss the four stages of Buddhist practice here. The purpose is to reduce the misunderstandings people have about Buddhism. Throughout the development of Buddhism, its concepts have evolved and change all the time. In fact, all practices involve stages, each with its own distinct characteristics. Buddhist practice is like climbing a mountain, the scenery at the base changes as we ascend, and the view from the peak is incomparable. The sceneries symbolize the shifts of experiences and understanding as we progress on the path of enlightenment.
In history, there have been a lot of different paths and schools of Buddhist practice. But all practice can be categorized into four stages step by step into depth. These four stages have provided different insights in terms of personal realization, social responsibilities, cosmic view, as well as ultimate self-exploration. We will start from the basic stage of Buddhist practice and demonstrate them one by one.
I. Entry Stage: the Romantic practice
The entry-level stage of Buddhist practice usually emphasizes the uniqueness and self-expression of the individual. Practitioners, in this phase, engage in sensory self-exploration, often viewing themselves as rather special, like a rose appreciating itself. It is a period of open, free, flexible practice within Buddhism, where the approach is tailored to the person’s own journey.
1. Personalized Path of Practice: allows practitioners to engage with the teachings in a way that is both liberated and individualized. Whether through art, literature, or practical life experiences, practitioners can express themselves and discover their connection to the Dharma. This approach is especially suited for those who, in the early stages of their practice, have a curious and emotional understanding of the teachings.
2. Self-Centered Awareness: In entry stage practice, practitioners begin to recognize themselves, though this awareness often still carries strong personal and self-centered qualities. While they enjoy expressing their individuality, they also gradually start reflecting on their connection to others and the world, laying a foundation for deeper Dharma practice.
At this stage, the mind is heavily influenced by delusions, often accompanied by false perceptions and delusions. One may feel a sense of extraordinary power, which is a projection of deluded self and often manifests as a free and open feeling. Many people during this phase might claim a connection to a bodhisattva or a divine being. But is that really the case? This is what is known as the deluded self, still lost in confusions and unable to escape from it, marking the beginning of self-awareness.
II. Religious Practice: Reaching the state of detachment while engaging with the world
The religious aspect of Buddhism, in terms of its level, goes a step further than the romantic entry stage. It emphasizes discipline through strict precepts and religious rituals to guide the practitioner’s behavior. These practices help the practitioner maintain a pure heart in worldly life and gradually attain the state of transcendence, moving beyond the distractions of the world.
1. Self-Restraint through Precepts and Rituals: The practice of religious Buddhism demands strict self-discipline, with practitioners adhering to precepts such as not killing, not lying, and not stealing. By following these religious guidelines, they suppress desires and purify the mind. At this stage, practitioners gradually come to understand that inner purity and liberation are inseparable from self-discipline and the observance of precepts.
2. Worldly Practice of Cultivation: Religious Buddhism advocates for refining one’s mind in the midst of the secular world. By confronting challenges in relationships, work, and other aspects of daily life, practitioners apply Buddhist teachings in their everyday experiences. Through this process, they gradually cultivate a “mind of equanimity” and, by facing adversity, attain a mindset of transcending worldly attachments.
3. The problem is inflexibility— sometimes like polishing a tile into a mirror, practitioners can adhere blindly to sacred texts in the pursuit of Buddhahood. This obstructs both individual growth and the pursuit of truth, and it limits the progress of human civilization. Discipline failing to cultivate wisdom becomes like a dead tree. The practitioner in a blind pursuit of disciplines remains unaware, failing to understand that true discipline transcends simply adhering to rules.
III. Soul Practice: Every living being is Buddha
During this stage, the perspective of practice extends beyond the self to include all sentient beings, embracing the view that “all living beings are Buddha.” This level emphasizes a compassionate heart and an attitude of equality, aspiring to help all beings attain enlightenment. Practitioners at this stage realize that their awakening is not solely for their own benefit but should extend to others as well.
1. Cultivating Selflessness and Compassion: In spiritual Buddhism, practitioners gradually let go of self-centeredness, recognizing that all sentient beings possess Buddha nature. Through acts of charity, helping others, and caring for all forms of life, they cultivate compassion, elevate their personal soul practice, and begin to understand that their own awakening is deeply interconnected with the awakening of others.
2. The Responsibility of Liberating All Beings: Spiritual Buddhism extends beyond individual enlightenment, aiming for the liberation of all sentient beings. The practitioner’s goal is not solely personal liberation but to help others recognize their inherent Buddha nature through compassion and care, ultimately aspiring to the ideal of universal liberation.
3. The limitation now is an incomplete refinement of the heart. While one genuinely strives to help and guide others, their emotions may still be affected by other people’s feedback, opinions and behaviors. It is because they haven’t achieved the state of self-realization and absolute clarity.
IV. Spiritual Buddhism: “I am Buddha. True self is beyond forms”
Spiritual Buddhism represents the highest stage of Buddhist practice, emphasizing the idea that “I am inherently Buddha, beyond all forms and constructs of self. At this level, the practitioner achieves complete unity with their Buddha nature, transcending all forms, limitations, and dualities. This profound realization brings the practitioner to the ultimate self-awareness, recognizing that Buddha nature is their true essence, a state of complete enlightenment.
1. Total Awakening Beyond all Forms: Practitioners of Spiritual Buddhism attain a profound state of enlightenment through inner contemplation, completely freeing themselves from attachment to self-image and external forms. Through deep introspection and meditation, they realize the truth that “Buddha is beyond all existences and forms”, transcending all attachments to self and others, allowing the mind to reach a state of total liberation.
2. Ultimate Self-Realization: At this stage, practitioners reach a level of consciousness that aligns them fully with the cosmos, understanding deeply that “I am inherently Buddha.” The self is no longer an individual entity but an expression of boundless, non-dual Buddha nature. Through an expansive understanding of Buddha nature, the practitioner experiences unity among self, all beings, and the universe.
3. The flaw of this stage is obvious. Nobody can measure the depth of their wisdom or their inner state, nor can the universe.
Conclusion
Different levels of practice guides practitioners from individual awakening toward ultimate wisdom. The entry stage is characterized with unique self exploration, the religious stage guides the practitioners to cultivate resilience and virtue through discipline, and the soul practice expands the practitioner’s compassion to encompass all beings. Eventually, they find a state of formless, selfless realization in spiritual practice. This multi-dimensional path not only reveals the inclusiveness of Buddhist practice but also illuminates its profound wisdom, offering practitioners a journey toward the ultimate self-realization to achieve the union of self and universe.
