HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche:
Some people nowadays advise against studying Buddhist texts, claiming that it is meaningless and that one should focus solely on practice and meditation. This view is incorrect. Consider this: if you have never listened to or contemplated the teachings, how can you truly understand how to practice Dharma?
Even if Shakyamuni Buddha were present, he would still emphasize the importance of listening to the teachings, contemplating them, and then engaging in practice. As Sakya Pandita once said, "To practice without listening and contemplating is like a person with no arms trying to climb a cliff—utterly futile!"
However, some so-called "masters" today have no understanding of Buddhist teachings and have never studied any texts. Consequently, they downplay the importance of listening and contemplating, urging people to practice directly. This approach is like the blind leading the blind and misguiding others.
If one has never listened to and reflected upon the Dharma, how can they guide disciples effectively? If they are ignorant of basic Buddhist principles and terminology but discourage others from studying texts, claiming that, with them, practice is more important and theory is not important, such statements are foolish and absurd.
Longchenpa pointed out, "Only those who have brought listening and contemplation to completion can realize Dzogchen." Therefore, if one wishes for results in your practice, extensive listening and contemplation is essential.
In Buddhadharma, I believe there is nothing more important than listening-contemplation. Lala Chokdrup Rinpoche, an extraordinary spiritual teacher who came after Mipham Rinpoche, emphasized, "Those who dislike the activity of listening or teaching the Dharma, or who are unwilling to listen-contemplate the Buddha's teachings will not attain liberation in this life. For those who slander listening-contemplation of Dharma, temporary and ultimate liberation is as impossible for them as a barren woman giving birth to a son."
Hence, I hope everyone will prioritize listening and contemplating. Otherwise, without the right causes, how can the results arise? The idea of attaining wisdom without study is unsupported in Buddhist scriptures. Engaging in practice without the foundation of listening-contemplation is a type of blind cultivation, and I guarantee that such individuals will not generate the genuine insight that corresponds with Dharma.
Presently, some people isolate themselves in quiet places, meditating all day without giving rise to any thought. Without the guidance of Dharma pith instructions, even if one sits in dry meditation for five or six years, it is not certain if there will be any progress at all in their practice.
