Thesis, Reason, and Example

Each topic is like a short essay: you must have your own thesis, then develop your supporting arguments, use apt analogies to illustrate, or cite concrete examples.

Zong (the thesis) means the central proposition—your own argument.

Yin (the reason) means the evidence, the supporting arguments, the facts.

Yu (the analogy) means a fitting and vivid analogy used to illustrate the thesis.

Only after mastering this can you step onto the forum and debate the Dharma with others. Without this ability, do not participate in any debate. Practicing your speaking skills offstage is still fine.

However, being eloquent does not mean having good logical thinking, does not mean being able to state the facts clearly, does not mean having grasped the truth, and does not mean possessing great wisdom. Eloquence is far inferior to the mind, far inferior to the capacity for logical reasoning.