Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

The second doubt is whether Chan always has a
preparation. Chan, say the doubters, always emphasizes
that Enlightenment is not newly created by one's
practice. It is always here and now; not made by any
amount of preparation. The enlightenment obtained
from preparation is not the real Enlightenment—such
things they say. (See Appendix I, Part 2, A. 3).
However, words like these are from Enlightened
Masters and it is not appropriate for neophytes to play
with them. Beginners have much preparation to
accomplish, such as searching for an enlightened Guru
and doing everything according to the commands of that
guru. But many misunderstand this, as I know from
friends in America who write: No need to renounce, for
everything is void; no need to practice, for we are
already enlightened. (See also Ch. II, 1st error). Sayings
like this are not for neophytes, and can only come
rightly from the mouths of Buddhas and Patriarchs.
Among all the different kinds of meditations gathered in
the last chapter there are only these two where it is even
possible to doubt whether or not preparations are
essential. We should know therefore that without doubt
even in these cases preparations are involved, as indeed
they are with all meditation.
B. PREPARATIONS FOR MEDITATION IN
BUDDHISM AS TAUGHT BY THE BUDDHA
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