Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 369)
15 Mar 2020
LISTEN TO THE BUDDHA-DHARMA WITH YOUR HEART
Question: In Buddhism in Plain Terms, it is mentioned that we must use our ears to listen to our own recitation of Buddhist scriptures to help us focus. Doing so will also generate huge meritorious blessings.
I would like to ask how does listening to our own recitations generate large blessings? Aren’t we all listening to our own recitations, anyway?
Answer: Using our ears to listen to our recitations can be aptly defined by the Chinese word ‘Listen’ (闻 wén). This word consists of two Chinese characters with the word ‘ear’ (耳 ěr) inside the word ‘door’ (门 mén). This means, once you shut your door, you pay no attention to outside matters.
What does “Listen to the dharma” mean? There are some people who are capable of totally cutting out external noise because they are listening with their heart. This is how it should be when you listen to the Buddha-dharma. When your recitation is sincere you are able to truly feel your recitation. Otherwise, when you merely recite with your mouth but not your heart, you won’t be able to hear your own voice.