Commentary on the Sūtra of the Collection of the Father and Son (180)

Listening to the Sutras and Hearing the Dharma to Break Through Ignorance

Sentient beings lack hearing and lack wisdom because they do not listen to the sutras or hear the Dharma; their exposure is limited, they do not understand the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings, nor do they understand the truths of the world, and therefore they are without wisdom. If we wish to have wisdom, we must study the Buddha's teachings extensively, listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma often, and delve deeply into the treasury of the scriptures; only then will wisdom arise, and only then can wisdom be as vast as the ocean. Believe and accept the Buddha's words more, listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma more: understand one principle, break through one layer of ignorance, and diminish one kind of foolishness. With body, speech, and mind purified, the mind will be happy and free of afflictions.