Bodhidharma describes entry through principle as follows: "Leaving behind the false, return to the true; make no discriminations between self and others. In contemplation, one's mind should be stable and unmoving, like a wall." This may sound like the direct, easy path to enlightenment, but it is in fact the most difficult. If we think of Bodhidharma's own enlightenment as an entry through principle, then we would have to say that it only came after a lifetime of practice, culminating in his nine years of meditation facing a wall in a cave on Mount Song. Actually, the method used to accomplish entry through principle is precisely this phrase, "One's mind should be stable and unmoving, like a wall." This does not mean that the mind is blank; on the contrary, it is alert and clear, illuminating everything with awareness and responding with compassion. This is ideal, and it is the state of mind referred to in entry through principle.

The second entry to attain realization is through practice. Bodhidharma discusses four specific methods: accepting karmic retribution, adapting to conditions, no seeking, and union with the Dharma. Each practice is progressively more advanced, and therefore, they should be followed in order.