Buddhism As Education

The sutras help us to understand the true reality of life and the universe so that we will know the proper way to think and behave as well as the appropriate cultivation method to be used. Only when we truly accord with the teachings of the sutra will we benefit. if we chant or read indifferently without applying the principles, then our efforts will be futile. Only when we become aware of the purpose and method of chanting the sutra can we actually achieve any results. Today, people simply recite absentmindedly like a small child who sings a song with the right words to the right tune but without understanding the meaning. Only when we become aware of the purpose and method of chanting the sutra can we actually achieve any results. If the Buddha's teachings are not integrated into our minds and our minds are still dictated by our afflictions and habits, what is the use of chanting the sutras? Only our verbal karma is good; whereas our minds and behavior still remains the sa...

Single-mindedly chanting a sutra without wandering thoughts, distractions or doubt, this is called cultivating meditative concentration. From the beginning till the end, enunciating clearly every word without error or omission - this is cultivating wisdom, we call it fundamental wisdom. Thus, chanting a sutra is cultivating simultaneously the precepts, meditative concentration and wisdom. If one thinks about the meaning of the sutra while chanting it will ruin the cultivation of precept observation, meditative concentration and wisdom. This is treating the sutra as a worldly book. A Living Buddha Zhangjia once said: Buddhism does not emphasize on forms or rituals but rather true substance. If we pay attention only to the formality and fail profoundly comprehend the essence of the sutra's teaching, we will not progress any further than just being zealous about our faith and thus be easily manipulated by those with bad intentions. Chanting the sutras is cultivating the prece...