..續本文上一頁way, with taming the mind as essential

　　Answer: Good question. Buddhism is not just about intellectual enquiry. What is more important is putting it into practice – to truly tame the mind. If you have transformed your mind to a certain level, whether you are a monastic or a layperson, you will experience something transcendental; this will definitely happen.

　　For so many years, not only have I enjoyed reading books and studying Dharma, but I also very much aspire putting them into practice, so as to truly realize their meaning. Whether it is about bodhicitta, renunciation, or the wisdom of selflessness, I have had systematic study and practice experiences. Albeit my practice is not good, I truly have made some effort. Otherwise, having a mere literal understanding without any realization would only result in rhetorical, bubble-like speeches. For that reason, putting Dharma into practice and gaining experiential understanding is vital.

　　This is not just relevant for Dharma teachers; it applies to all Dharma students, too. As the Flower Adornment Sutra says, just as a thirsty man near a river who, due to his fear of drowning, chooses not to drink the water and so dies of thirst. In the same way, a person who has listened to the Dharma but doesn”t practice it will not gain any benefit from it.

　　(4) Question: I have read some Buddhist scriptures; however, my contact with Buddhism is only at the literal level. May I know how to put them into practice

　　Answer: The practice of meditation can be pided into analytical meditation (Tib. chegom) and settling meditation (Tib. jokgom). Analytical meditation refers to gradually integrating the teachings we have received into our daily activities through investigating and familiarizing ourselves with the meaning of the teachings. For example, after we understand that all things and events are impermanent, we can then put this into practice and let it penetrate into our daily activities. As for settling meditation, it refers to having a quiet and peaceful environment, eliminating all dualistic thoughts, and then settling the mind in the meaning of the teachings.

《Question and Answer Session at Renmin University of China》全文閱讀結束。