The Buddhist Perspective on Cause and Condition

ything is naturally integrated and fulfilled.
We can explain these four levels of understanding
from another angle. In order to play a musical instrument,
such as a flute, violin, or piano, beginners
must first study scales and notes. <strong>The</strong>y must first
learn to read the musical score and familiarize
themselves with their respective instruments. To
generate each sound, they must look at each note on
the score, become knowledgeable in the use of the
instrument, and practice. <strong>The</strong>y continue this process
of practicing until they are thoroughly familiar with
the music. This is the first level of performance.
<strong>The</strong>se performers can only play with a musical score.
Similarly, when we still need to look at the phenomena
of the external world for understanding, we
are at the level of right understanding.
When the performers have perfected their practice,
the musical score now has been etched into their
hearts and minds. <strong>The</strong>y can close their eyes, and the
notes will naturally appear in the mind. Although
they appear to perform without the physical music
sheet, their minds are still bound by the existence of
the score. <strong>The</strong>y perform by following the notes and
cannot freely express themselves musically. This is
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