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

Many people lack the foundation of Prajnaparamita emptiness yet enthusiastically discuss Consciousness-Only teachings. As a result, the more they study, the more they become attached to existence, the less they embody emptiness, deviating from the path. Originally, Consciousness-Only entirely points to the emptiness of all dharmas, but for many who study it, it becomes solidified into a tangible doctrine, turning into mere academic knowledge. This is the misfortune of Consciousness-Only studies. To reverse this situation and supplement the foundational part, we must now turn back and emphasize the cultivation and study of the Prajnaparamita method. The Prajnaparamita method bridges the past and the future; it aids both the Hinayana in severing the view of self and the cultivation of Consciousness-Only. Without a foundation in Prajnaparamita studies, learning Consciousness-Only becomes mere intellectual speculation. The Buddha's Prajnaparamita Sutras comprise six hundred volumes. By persistently reading a portion daily, understanding of the Prajnaparamita method will deepen through accumulation over time. The mind will grow increasingly empty, unattached to worldly appearances, leading to physical and mental transformation.

To comprehend the Buddha's intent and gain great benefit from reading the sutras, certain methods are essential. First, one must generate the Bodhicitta mind and maintain it throughout the entire cultivation process. Based on this, practice the Six Paramitas of the Bodhisattva, then dedicate oneself wholeheartedly to diligent cultivation. Generally, there are three ways to read sutras: The first is reading with the sixth consciousness (mano-vijnana) mouthing the words mindlessly while the seventh consciousness (manas) wanders aimlessly in distraction. The second is reading with reduced wandering thoughts, where the sixth consciousness concentrates on the sutra, the seventh consciousness generates fewer distractions, and both focus together on the scripture, leaving some space for contemplating and understanding the meaning. The third, when the sutra becomes familiar, involves the sixth consciousness either not reading aloud or reading very slowly and silently, cooperating with the seventh consciousness to contemplate and investigate. The seventh consciousness remains focused on the scripture, continuously pondering it.

The first is the most elementary way of reading sutras, purely mechanical recitation without needing to understand the text. One must transition to the second and third methods to achieve the effect of sutra reading—to engage in some contemplation of the scripture, correctly understand its meaning, grasp its essence, and thereby effectively guide one's own practice.

How to achieve the second way of reading sutras? Reading sutras requires focused and diligent application of the mind, free from scattered thoughts. One must prohibit the seventh consciousness from extensive mental wandering and restrain it to focus solely on the scripture. Read slowly, leaving space for contemplation and understanding, also giving the seventh consciousness time to ponder. Pause when encountering key points or areas of doubt, allowing the seventh consciousness to silently weigh and digest them. This emphasizes the quality of reading, not the speed of task completion.

Once this step is mastered, transition to the third way of reading sutras. Leave most of the contemplation work to the seventh consciousness. The sixth consciousness is only responsible for guiding the seventh consciousness to each part of the scripture, enabling the seventh consciousness to condense the key parts of each passage into a single point suspended in the mind, contemplating and investigating it independently within the mind. Only when recitation is extremely slow and free from wandering thoughts can the seventh consciousness remain unaffected by the recitation, suspend the Dharma meaning in the heart, and contemplate it autonomously.

This is the process of cultivating wisdom (prajna) and simultaneously the process of cultivating concentration (samadhi)—cultivating both samadhi and prajna together. When the Dharma principles enter the mind, the mind will grow increasingly empty, leading to physical and mental transformation. Those skilled in reading sutras sit there like an old monk entering samadhi. Though the eyes are on the scripture, the attention is on the silent contemplation of the seventh consciousness, so focused that samadhi arises. The body and mind become comfortable and clear, the mind opens and understanding flows, wisdom-thoughts bubble up like a spring, and wisdom shines like the bright sun illuminating the heart-field, an immensely nourishing experience. Success in any endeavor lies in applying the mind correctly. It requires not only correct motivation but also diligence and proper, reasonable methods. In such cases, the results may not only be twice the result for half the effort but may even surpass that.