Chih-i assures us that by undertaking various practices with the guidance of knowledge, truth can be realized. Therefore, … Chih-i begins to discuss the “Subtlety of Practice.” Before his elaboration of practice, Chih-i discusses an interactive relation among objects, knowledge, and practice by stating:

“Practice is called progress and tending that cannot be proceeded without knowledge. Knowledge [means] understanding that can guide practice, but [knowledge] will not be correct without [concerning] an object. With knowledge as the eye and practice as the foot, [one] reaches the pure and cool pond [of prajn͂āpāramitā, i.e., enlightenment]. Understanding is the essence of practice, and practice can lead to the formation of knowledge. Therefore, when practice is complete, knowledge is perfect.”

Chih-i’s point is that practice must be guided by knowledge, and the achievement of practice, in return, perfects knowledge. However, correct knowledge is derived from objects as truth. Only if knowledge is correct, can it guide practice in a right direction. With one’s perfection of knowledge and completion of practice, one gains enlightenment. (Vol. 2, Page 169)