Commentary on the Sutra of the Compendium of Fathers and Sons (Part V)

The Sequence of Practice

King Śuddhodana expressed that after hearing the World-Honored One's teachings, one should retain them in mind, with thoughts constantly abiding in the Dharma. The prerequisite for retention is listening; understanding what is heard is profound understanding (adhimokṣa). Only after achieving profound understanding can one retain the teachings. If one does not understand, it is easy to forget, and when trying to recall, nothing comes to mind. Once understood, the content is remembered; there is no need for forced memorization. When brought to mind, its meaning is clear—this is the state of retention without forgetting. The prerequisite for retention without forgetting is comprehension, and the prerequisite for comprehension is careful listening, attentive listening (śrutamayī prajñā). Attentive listening means concentrating fully, with a mind in meditative absorption (dhyāna). Therefore, before expounding the Dharma, the Buddha would always instruct his disciples: "Listen attentively, listen attentively, and reflect well upon it!" Listen carefully and earnestly, then contemplate it deeply afterward—not merely listening and then forgetting. After listening, one must contemplate and reflect; only after reflection can one understand. Understanding constitutes profound understanding, and once profound understanding is achieved, retention occurs naturally.

Forgetting the Dharma after hearing it is not solely a matter of poor memory. It also depends on whether one comprehended it at the time, whether one contemplated it afterward, and whether that contemplation was thorough and detailed. If these are not achieved, one will be unable to remember and will not know what was heard. The next step after retention is acceptance—believing and receiving the teachings. The step following acceptance is to follow and practice accordingly. Once this is accomplished, the learned Dharma becomes one's own. This is the sequence of practice: First, attentive listening; then contemplation; retention; acceptance; and finally, practice.