Dharma Brother asked: - Venerable do we necessarily
need to learn about the prajna? Why prajna teachings are so important in
Buddhism?
Ven. answered: - This is a very good question.
Thank you for asking this question for all of us.
Prajna or wisdom is the key factor of ignorance and
liberation. No matter in what kind of school or sect you are learning, one has
to learn about the prajna teaching. If one doesn’t learn about the prajana
teaching, we could say that the person does not get the essence of Buddha’s
teaching. Heart sutra says, “All past, present and future Buddhas, relying on
Prajnaparamita, attain Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi.” Buddhas in the past, now and in future all because of
learning and practicing prajnapraramita attain the ultimate perfect realization
or Buddha-hood. There was no any Buddha who realized the ultimate truth without
learning about prajnaparamita. Whether we are learning in Pureland tradition,
Zen tradition, Trantric tradition or in any tradition, one must have to learn
about the prajna teaching. Don't forget that we are future Buddhas, how we can attain Buddha-hood with studying and practice prajnapraramita! Even
though Pratyeka Buddhas or Arahats, they also liberated from samsara with the
help of practice prajna. When we have enough understanding about prjana
teaching no matter what kind of practice you are applying, it will benefit our
body and mind to enhance, not even that we can also free from sufferings. Look,
after Buddha attained enlighten. He spent his whole life to teach the Dharma
and benefit all sentient beings. He taught for 45 years. And among 45 years he
spent about 22 years on the topic of prajnaparamita. Therefore as a Buddha’s
disciple we should contemplate the importance of prajnaparamita. I know that
the brothers here in Chino State Prison A Yard also has practitioner from
different schools. Please
spend more time on your reading Dharma books. We have many devoted organizations
and Buddhist practitioners who always willing to help the prison library
program. IBS will bring more books
and help you to understand deeper about the Buddha Dharma.
Amithofo
Amithofo
