The third mistake is also very tricky. People in this category both study and practice, but the two are not integrated. They have done a lot of reading, which unfortunately has nothing to do with their practice. They can memorize many concepts, but when they practice, they do so blindly. The theory they learned does not aid their practice, and their practice does not enrich their studies in return.
Theoretically, the study and contemplation of Buddhadharma can greatly assist meditative practice, and meditative practice can also make study and contemplation more refined and complete. Since our group sincerely embraces an integrated approach to Buddhist study, contemplation, and meditative practice, our fellow practitioners do the same.
However, the issue for them is that these elements are not integrated in a healthy manner. What they have studied and contemplated is unable to provide guidance for their meditative practice, and what they have practiced meditatively cannot make their studies and contemplation more focused and delicate. What is the cause of this issue? An experienced instructor is lacking. Without the necessary instructions provided by an instructor, practitioners cannot bridge the theory and practice of Buddhadharma alone, which is truly a significant issue.
Excerpted from: The Relationship Between Buddhist Theory and Practice
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