Intellectual and Experiential Understanding

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It is important to be able to differentiate between two levels of understanding, one is the superficial, intellectual level, where on the basis of reading, studying or listening to teachings, we distinguish between negative and positive qualities of mind and recognize their nature and origin. The other is the deeper, experiential level where we actually cultivate and generate positive qualities within ourselves.

Although it can be challenging to develop an intellectual understanding of certain topics, it is generally easier because it can be cultivated merely by reading texts or listening to teachings. Experiential understanding is far more difficult to develop, since it comes about only as a result of sustain practice. At the experiential level, your understanding is essentially a felt experience.

Because experiential understanding is thus accompanied by powerful emotions, you can see that although many emotions are destructive, there are positive emotional states as well. Actually, human beings could not survive without emotions. Emotions is an integral part of being human; without it, there would be no basis of life. However, we also know that many of our problems and conflicts are entangled with strong emotions. When certain emotions arise within our hearts and minds, they create an immediate disturbance, which isn't only temporary but can lead to negative long-term consequences, especially when we interact with other people. These negative emotions can also damage our physical health.

When other types of emotions arise, however, they immediately induce a sense of strength and courage, creating a more positive atmosphere in general and leading to positive long-term consequences, including our health. Putting aside the question of spiritual practice for the moment, we can see that even from the perspective of mundane day-to-day life, there are destructive emotions and those that are constructive.

The Tibetan term for Dharma is "cho" which has literal connotation of "changing" or "bringing about transformation". When we talk about transforming the mind, we are referring to the task of diminishing the force of destructive thoughts and emotions while developing the force of those that are constructive and beneficial.

In this way, through practice of Dharma, we transform our undisciplined mind into one that is disciplined.

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