The main idea of this article is to elaborate on the ten methods of practicing the teachings in the sutras. They are: (1) copying, (2) offering, (3) giving, (4) attentive listening, (5) thorough reading, (6) upholding, (7) teaching, (8) reciting, (9) contemplating, and (10) practicing. Therefore, we can copy sutras and treat them as a guide to practice Buddhism in our daily lives.

Sutra Calligraphy Halls have been established throughout branches of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan and overseas countries to provide people with places to cultivate their minds, inner nature, and wisdom. As everyone knows, calligraphy is one of the greatest Chinese traditional arts. If we learn to compose calligraphy well, it will be a tremendous help to shape and cultivate our personality.

In the past, people wrote with pencils, pens, and brushes wile computer was unavailable. At present, computer has replaced handwriting in order to improve the efficiency of processing the documents. Gradually, people lose their capacity to write neatly. To enable the younger generations to become familiar with the Chinese traditional arts, we should encourage children and young adults to practice calligraphy or handwriting to enhance their personality.

Copying sutras not only can enable people to compose calligraphy well but also provide access to the Dharma. The merits are remarkable. There are ten methods in practicing the teachings in the sutras. They can also be our guidelines in daily life. The details of each method are as follows.

1. Copying

It means to copy the sutra (Buddhist scripture), vinaya (Buddhist discipline), and abhidharma (philosophical treatise), and popularize them. Buddhism should be learned with respect; we should also copy sutras with respect. This allows us to purify our minds, understand the essence of the sutras, and advance our way to Buddhahood.

2. Offering

It means to respect the place where any Buddhist sutra or Buddhist statue lies. If you have enough space at home, you can arrange an altar for reflecting the Buddha. Then, you can practice Buddhism every day in front of the statue. By offering and reflecting the sutras and Buddhist statue, you enhance your faith and connect your heart with those of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

3. Giving

It means to teach Buddhism to others, provide others with the sutra and teach them. The Avatamsaka Sutra says, “Among all offerings, the offering of Dharma is the best.” Therefore, the merits of printing sutras, circulating Buddhist sutras and related books, and teaching Buddhism are incredible.

4. Attentive listening

It means to listen to the Buddhist teachings attentively. The character 諦 “di” means truth. The 17th fascicle of the Ekottarikagama says that the teachings of the Buddha are the unbeatable truth which is what we call “di.” Therefore, we should listen to the teachings of the sutras attentively.

5. Thorough reading

This means to read sutras taught by the Buddha carefully and frequently. Why do people have defilements? It is because they are short of wisdom. If we read sutras continuously, or recite sutras with a tranquil mind, our wisdom will gradually be cultivated.

6. Upholding

It means to uphold the Dharma, memorize the Dharma, and recall the Dharma from time to time. When we are pursuing the teachings, we need to realize it. Then we can benefit others and ourselves in daily life so as to actualize the practice and cultivation of a Bodhisattva.

7. Teaching

It means to teach the Dharma to other people, inspire their faith in the Buddha, and help them understand the Dharma. It’s meritorious to expound the subtle meaning of the sutras, enable others to realize their true nature, and free them from defilements. Although everyone has the Buddha nature, it requires good capacity, merits, virtues, and sufficient causes and conditions to awaken to the truth. Therefore, it is very important to learn the Dharma from virtuous teachers and friends.

8. Reciting

It means to recite the description and verses of the sutras and make others feel the Dharma joy. While we a copying sutras, we have to collect our minds and recite the contents silently. While copying sutras, if we think about the meaning of the sutras, we can realize the meaning clearly with right thought.

9. Contemplating

It means to contemplate about the Dharma taught by the Buddha. Contemplating is a vital process for a practitioner. A practitioner needs to “enter the state of mindfulness by listening and contemplating, practice and cultivation.” Life is full of difficulties. If we can have right thought, it will be easy for us to overcome the difficulties.

10. Practicing

It means to practice the Dharma. We need to understand why we copy sutras. For instance, we eat because we are hungry. We learn to copy sutras because we intend to acquire wisdom and live without obstructions.

We make use of these ten methods to practice the teachings in the sutras. It will be of tremendous help to enhance our states of mind. As long as we learn the lessons of life with gratitude and compassion, we will gradually recognize the pure true nature. Let us dedicate the merits accrued from copying sutras to our families and all other sentient beings. May all sentient beings realize enlightenment.