Why is practice not a priority for most people? It is because they lack the opportunity to listen and reflect on the Dharma. Listening and contemplation are very important for this reason. Although we can go to Western Pure Land if we recite the Buddha’s name with devotion and one-pointedness, where does the devotion come from? Devotion does not descend from the sky nor rise from the earth; it comes by way of listening and contemplation. Only after listening and contemplation will we begin to think: I must achieve a state of complete mindfulness when I chant the Buddha’s name. Only then will we have the motivation and confidence to chant the Buddha’s name with devotion. Without listening and contemplation, there is no basis for motivation and confidence.

- Quote from The Four Seals of Dhama, "The Importance of Practice"