I can whet your intellectual appetite with Ch'an philosophy. But when you practice seriously, you cannot rely on knowledge, experience and intelligence. None of it is of any use. It is impossible to practice Ch'an correctly and at the same time hold on to previous ideas. You cannot reflect on this or that saying; you cannot dwell on your experiences, wondering if you have tasted enlightenment. You must leave behind everything. It is the only way to reach enlightenment. In fact, leaving behind everything is itself enlightenment. If there is anything that you still cling to, then you cannot become enlightened. Intelligence, thoughts, words and language are all attachments that are difficult to let go. If they cannot be left behind, they become obstructions to practice.

Ironically, enlightened beings use reasoning, intelligence and language to help others practice. To communicate the benefits of Ch'an, they use tools based on knowledge and experience.

Before practice, you need learning, knowledge and experience. The more intelligent you are, the better. After enlightenment, you again need knowledge and experience. During the practice stage, learning is of no use.

Ch'an is not anti-intellectual. Most of the Ch'an patriarchs were learned and intelligent. Before enlightenment, such people had only worldly intelligence. After enlightenment, such people had true wisdom. Intelligence before enlightenment is intelligence with attachment. Wisdom is intelligence without attachment.

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