Faith & Dharma

Faith & Dharma

The Practice of the Dharma (Spirituality) is the more difficult path of embracing the precepts and practicing meditation, with its two components of mental concentration (meditation) and spiritual insight (observing the mind). This practice of 'provisional' Buddhism deepens one's practice. Being more difficult, Chih-I said that it was for those of keen spiritual capacities. Not everyone is capable of practicing it right away. It is the Buddhism of the 37 facets of spiritual awakening, the 42 stages of Bodhisattva development, the Paramitas, etc. It is the Buddhism of the first half of the Lotus Sutra.

The Practice of Faith may be practiced by those of lesser spiritual capacities, and is especially designed for those in the latter days after the demise of the Dharma. The practice of faith entails opening oneself up to and accepting the spiritual influence of the Dharma. The first step in faith is turning one's life over to the care and spiritual influence of the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). In itself this is a recognition and confession of spiritual suffering and a request for help from the Three Treasures. It is the original cause for the inspiration of the mind, and this cause must ever be renewed to keep one on the path of enlightenment. Instead of the 37 facets of spiritual awakeniing and the 42 Bodhisattvas stages, Chih-I uses the 6 levels of identity with enlightenment to explain how faith is transformed into spiritual wisdom. It can be taught broadly to all living beings - it is more inclusive, and reaching all living beings is the ultimate intent of the Buddha. It is Buddhism of the second half of the Sutra.

The Practice of Faith is essential at the beginning of the path of enlightenment. It is the planting of the seed. It is the great universal door that allows everyone entry into the path, regardless of their spiritual capacity. It must ever be renewed to keep one on the path, as one is always at the beginning.
The Practice of the Dharma is essentially the Buddhism of the 'interim'. It is the deepening of one's spiritual capacity, and it is the opening up of the limitless doors of one's spiritual potential through the disciplines and practices of Buddhism. It is the time that the seed of enlightenment grows through the nurturing and watering that comes from the Dharma. As the seed of faith mature and ripens, it sends down strong roots into the nature of the spirituality that is the Dharma. It blossoms and bears fruit, which enables one to spiritually benefit others.
The Practice of Faith is also essential at the end of the path of enlightenment. As one's practice bears fruit, one sows the seeds of faith to others. The cycle begins anew.

The Practice of Faith gives one the inspiration and resolve to remain diligent and steadfast and never turn back. Lack of faith will stop spiritual progress dead in its tracks. However, the Practice of Faith without the Practice of the Dharma can result in one becoming fanatical, self-righteous, prejudiced, uncritical and easily swayed by others. One's understanding of Buddhism will be narrow.

The Practice of the Dharma helps one develop a critical thinking mind as well as good spiritual capacities, such as endurance, diligence, serenity, mental concentration, spiritual insight, and impartiality. However, the Practice of Dharma without the Practice of Faith can result in spiritual selfishness and the limitations of the small vehicle. If one learns the various techniques and teachings but forgets their ultimate purpose, one's understanding of Buddhism will be shallow.

Ultimately the two practices are the different but completely complementary facets of the practice of Buddhism. Faith and the spirituality of the Dharma are ultimately inseparable. Spiritual enlightenment requires both aspects of the practice to be in harmony.

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