How to Maximize the Benefits of Scripture Reading: Mind Faculty Training

Many people lack the foundation of prajna emptiness yet enthusiastically discuss Yogacara. As a result, the more they study, the more they become attached to substantial existence and the farther they stray from the path. Originally, Yogacara entirely points to the emptiness of all dharmas, but when many people study it, it turns into a concrete, substantial dharma, becoming merely an academic subject. This is the misfortune of Yogacara studies. To reverse this situation and supplement the foundational aspects, we must now turn back to focus on the study and practice of the prajna teachings. The prajna teachings serve as a bridge, aiding both the Hinayana path in severing the view of self and the study of Yogacara. Without a foundation in prajna studies, learning Yogacara becomes mere empty talk. The Buddha's Prajna Sutras comprise six hundred volumes. Persistently reading a portion daily deepens one's understanding of the prajna teachings over time. The mind will gradually become more empty, unattached to worldly appearances, and body and mind will transform.

To comprehend the Buddha's intent and derive great benefit from sutra reading, certain methods are essential. First, one must generate the bodhicitta mind and maintain it throughout the entire learning process. Based on this, one practices the six paramitas of a bodhisattva and then focuses diligently on spiritual cultivation. Generally, there are three ways to read sutras: The first is reading with the conscious mind (mano-vijnana) mouthing the words absentmindedly while the manas (root consciousness) wanders aimlessly in thought. The second is reading with reduced deluded thoughts, where the conscious mind concentrates on the sutra, the manas wanders less, both focus on the scripture, leaving space for contemplating and understanding the meaning. The third, when the sutra becomes familiar, involves the conscious mind not reading aloud or reading slowly silently, cooperating with the manas for contemplation and investigation. The manas focuses on the scripture, continuously pondering it.

The first is the most elementary way of reading sutras, purely reciting without needing to understand the text. One must transition to the second and third methods to achieve the effect of sutra reading, allowing for contemplation of the scripture, correct understanding of its meaning, and grasping its essence, thereby effectively guiding one's practice.

How to achieve the second method of reading? Sutra reading requires focused concentration, free from scattered thoughts, prohibiting the manas from wandering extensively. Tether the manas to focus solely on the scripture. Read slowly, leaving space for contemplation and understanding, also giving the manas time to think. Pause when encountering key points or areas of doubt, allowing the manas to silently reflect and digest the content. This emphasizes the quality of reading rather than speed for the sake of completing a task.

Once this step is mastered, transition to the third method of reading. Leave most of the contemplation work to the manas. The conscious mind is only responsible for guiding the manas to each part of the scripture, enabling the manas to condense the key points of each passage into a single point suspended in the mind, contemplating and investigating it inwardly alone. Only when recitation is very slow and free from wandering thoughts can the manas be unaffected by the recitation, suspending the Dharma meaning in the mind for independent contemplation.

This is the process of cultivating wisdom and simultaneously the process of cultivating concentration. Practicing concentration and wisdom together allows the Dharma principles to enter the heart, making the mind increasingly empty, leading to the transformation of body and mind. Those skilled in reading sutras sit like an old monk in deep concentration. Though the eyes are on the scripture, the attention is on the silent contemplation of the manas, so focused that samadhi arises. Body and mind become comfortable and clear, the mind opens and understanding unfolds, wisdom flows like a spring, illuminating the heart like the bright sun, extremely nourishing. Success in any endeavor lies in applying the mind correctly. Not only must the initial aspiration be correct, but it also requires focused diligence and proper, reasonable methods. In this way, the results may not only be twice the result for half the effort but could even surpass that.