Lectures on the Sūtra of the Collection of the Father and Son (Pitāputrasamāgamanasūtra), Part Five

The Sequence of Cultivation

King Śuddhodana expressed that after hearing the World-Honored One expound the Dharma, he would hold it in mind, keeping the Dharma present in every thought. The prerequisite for holding it in mind is listening; understanding what is heard constitutes determination (adhimokṣa), and only after determination can one hold it in mind. If one does not understand, it is easy to forget, and when trying to recall, one cannot bring it to mind. Once understood and the content is retained, there is no need to memorize it by rote—one simply knows what it means when it comes up; this is holding it in mind without forgetting. The prerequisite for holding it in mind without forgetting is understanding; the prerequisite for understanding is listening carefully and listening attentively, and listening attentively means listening with a concentrated mind, a mind possessing meditative concentration (samādhi). Therefore, before expounding the Dharma, the Buddha would always tell his disciples, "Listen attentively, listen attentively, and ponder it well!" Listen carefully and earnestly, and afterwards contemplate carefully—not merely letting it go once the hearing is done; rather, after listening, one must still contemplate and reflect, and only through reflection can one come to understand. Understanding is determination (adhimokṣa), and once there is determination, one naturally remembers.

Failing to remember the Dharma one hears is not merely a matter of poor memory; it also depends on whether one understood it at the time, and whether one continued to contemplate after listening, and whether that contemplation was deep and thorough. If one cannot do these things, one will not remember and will not know what was heard. The next step after holding it in mind is faith and acceptance—believing and receiving it. The next step after receiving it is practicing in accordance with the teachings. When one has accomplished practicing in accordance with the teachings, the Dharma one has learned becomes one's own. This is the sequence of cultivation: first listen attentively, then contemplate, hold in mind, accept with faith, and practice.