The Path of Wisdom: Hearing, Contemplating, and Practising

The Triple Path of Awakening

The three wisdoms—hearing, contemplating, and practising—are the fundamental pillars of our study and practice within the Buddha’s teachings. These wisdoms emerge naturally from the cultivation of the three studies: Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom. As we deepen our commitment to these studies, the light of wisdom begins to shine, allowing us to enter the profound practice of hearing, contemplating, and practising the Dharma.

The wisdom of hearing is the first step. It involves using our Six Roots to engage with the laws of the world. Primarily, this means listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma. Through this, we come to understand the Truth and the reality of the universe. We learn what is right and what is wrong, ensuring that we do not commit negative acts or follow misguided paths. Furthermore, it gives us a clear direction for our lives, allowing us to act with purpose and positivity.

The Purpose of Our Earthly Journey

One might ask: Why are we born into this world? What is the purpose of this physical body? What is the ultimate goal of our diligent practice? When Shakyamuni Buddha gave his lectures, his intention was to allow all those present to hear the Truth and the reality of the universe as revealed by the Buddha nature within them. He wanted them to accept these teachings with faith and put them into action. This is the essence of simultaneously practising the three wisdoms.

In the very moment you hear the Dharma, you are able to receive it, understand it, and accept it without doubt. You begin to realise the suffering inherent in this Saha world and the suffering of all beings. As your compassion arises, you develop the heart to save others and help them leave suffering behind. You learn how to truly benefit beings, which is quite different from merely protecting yourself or seeking personal gain. This is the wisdom of contemplation.

The Radiance of Diligent Practice

In that same moment, you must remain in a state of meditative concentration while hearing and contemplating, ensuring that your mind remains unmoved. You must engage in the diligent practice of chanting Namo Amituofo. By doing so, you achieve the goal of saving yourself and saving all beings, guiding them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the wisdom of practice.

When you listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, you are effectively practising all three wisdoms at once. This process is the very essence of purification and the unfolding of your inherent Goodness. Under the constant influence of these three wisdoms, you become purer and more virtuous. As your inner pollutions are completely purified, your true self will naturally manifest. This is why the three wisdoms are so vital to your journey.

The Compassionate Heart of the Mahayana

Mahayana Buddhism is a path of the heart. Every thought and intention you have immediately enters the realm of the laws of karma and cause and effect. This differs from the Small Vehicle, where one must physically act before entering the realm of karma. The three wisdoms are the specific methods of study for the Bodhisattva path.

When an ordinary person contemplates, their head often emits vibrations. If a being does not understand the truth of reality and cannot take charge of their own mind, their thoughts will not be for the benefit of all beings. Instead, they will be focused on protecting themselves, seeking personal gain, or becoming entangled in a mixture of good and evil. Whether the thoughts are good or bad, they never leave the realm of the self or the laws of the world, and thus they attract the manifestation of negative karma.

The Ultimate Vow of Return

If you cannot think of something that is truly good, then do not think at all. Instead, simply chant Namo Amituofo. By replacing your wandering thoughts with the recitation of the Buddha's name, you will not attract the suffering of negative karma and evil consequences. Even among those who study Buddhism, those following the Small Vehicle often focus on personal liberation, which is still a form of self-interest.

However, the three wisdoms discussed here represent the Bodhisattva path. This path is entirely focused on how to help all beings leave suffering behind and find liberation. It is a path of selflessness, where one does not protect the self, does not seek personal gain, and where every achievement is dedicated to saving others. When you hear the teachings of Goodness, you realise that worldly happiness is not the ultimate goal. You come to understand that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the only place for achieving full Buddhahood. By holding firmly to this thought and chanting Namo Amituofo with the vow to reach the Western Land, you are truly practising the three wisdoms in their entirety.

Namo Amituofo