Lecture Notes on the Sūtra of the Collection of the Father and Son (180)

Listening to the Sūtras and Hearing the Dharma to Eliminate Ignorance

Sentient beings lack learning and wisdom because they do not listen to the sūtras or hear the Dharma; their exposure is limited, they do not understand the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings, and they do not understand the truths of the world, so they lack wisdom. If we wish to have wisdom, we must study the Buddha's teachings extensively, listen to the sūtras and hear the Dharma often, and delve deeply into the treasury of the sūtras; only then will wisdom arise, and only then can wisdom be as vast as the ocean. Have faith in and accept the Buddha's words more, listen to the sūtras and hear the Dharma more; each principle you understand breaks one layer of ignorance and removes one form of foolishness. When body, speech, and mind are pure, the mind will be happy and free of afflictions.