Individuals who are best suited for practice of Dharma are those who
are not only intellectually gifted, but also have single-minded faith and dedication
and are wise.
Although individuals may be highly intelligent, they are sometimes dogged
by skepticism and doubts. They are clever, but they tend to be hesitant and
skeptical and are never really able to settle down. These people are the least
receptive.
...particularly in Buddhism while we practice we must use the brain as well
as the heart. On the ethical side, we must practice the quality of a good and
warm heart; also, since Buddhism is very much involved in reasoning and logic--the
wisdom side--intelligence is important. Thus, a combination of mind and heart
is needed. Without knowledge, without fully utilized intelligence, you cannot
reach the depths of the Buddhist doctrine; it is difficult to achieve concrete
or fully qualified wisdom. There may be exceptions, but this is the general
rule.
It is necessary to have a combination of hearing, thinking, and meditating.
The Kadampa teacher Dromton ('brom ston pa, 1004-1064) said, "When I engage
in hearing, I also make effort at thinking and meditating. When I engage in
thinking, I also search out more hearing and engage in meditation. And when
I meditate, I don't give up hearing and don't give up thinking." He said,
"I am a balanced Kadampa," meaning that he maintained a balance of
hearing, thinking, and meditating.
Kindness, Clarity, and Insight 25th Anniversary Edition
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