On Entering the Buddha Path -- Master Zhenlin

If you give rise to a thought, and act upon it time and again, you are in delusion.



If you give rise to a thought, act upon it, but feel regretted having done so, you are being awakened initially.



If you give rise to a thought, act upon it, but give up halfway as you realize that you should not, you are half awakened.



If you give rise to a thought, and realize immediately that you are not supposed to act upon it before you do so, you are almost awakened.



If you can stand cautious once the thought is arisen, you are in the state of being able to watch your thoughts.



Staying in such a state shall lead you to single-mindfulness, and toward the Bodhi Path. It is only by then that you have, in truth, stepped into the door of Buddhism. You are enlightened, or, have entered the Buddha Path.