修行が進むという言い方
Expression of "progress in one's practice"
2026-05-14
This may be difficult for novice practitioners who have become interested in Buddhism to understand, but there is no such thing as a fixed or predetermined Buddhist practice. Rather, a wandering seeker who ardently longs to know the truth continues practicing under various causes and conditions, and eventually becomes a Buddha.
For this reason, one must understand that expressions such as “making progress in practice” do not accurately reflect reality.
Of course, awakening (= liberation) does not arise without practice.
Indeed, a person who embraces the noble quest, performs virtuous deeds, and helps other people (sentient beings) draw closer to Nirvāṇa gradually accumulates merit and ultimately attains awakening (= liberation).
In other words, the essence of Buddhist practice is the accumulation of merit. Moreover, the amount necessary for awakening differs from person to person; therefore, one can only speak of it in a result-oriented sense — namely, that one need only accumulate merit to the degree sufficient for awakening (= liberation) to arise.
And it is precisely this fact that provides the basis for regarding the very expression “progressing in practice” as nonsensical.
For example, when it comes to solving a puzzle ring just there, the amount of trial and effort required to solve it differs from person to person. Some people may solve it with apparent ease, while the opposite is also quite common.
Nor can one necessarily claim that a person who has solved many other kinds of puzzle rings will therefore find the present one easier to solve.
Still less would people suppose that the length of time required to solve the puzzle ring is determined by karmic conditions from a previous life.
In the same way, the success or difficulty, as well as the length or brevity, of Buddhist practice differs with each practitioner, and there is no reliable basis for comparing one person’s progress in practice with another’s.
Put plainly, it is precisely those who do not concern themselves with the degree of their “progress” who are expected to live their daily lives as practitioners with steady mindfulness and care, seize the opportunity for awakening when it arises, and ultimately attain Buddhahood.
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P.S.
Notice: Due to maintenance work on my computer environment, article postings for this month will conclude with this article (May 15 in Japan time). Regular postings will resume as usual on June 1 (Japan time).
Notice: Due to maintenance work on my computer environment, article postings for this month will conclude with this article (May 15 in Japan time). Regular postings will resume as usual on June 1 (Japan time).
