Sutra recitation is the quest for thorough comprehension of the doctrine

in the texts as the Buddha told, which all Buddhist practitioners need to

know, learn, and implement. Before knowing and learning anything about

the Dharma, the smartest approach is delving in and reciting. Whether by

rote or chanting aloud, knowing is the key. On comprehending, learning

and knowledge from the sutras naturally come by, and, on probing in

depth, wisdom, too.

Retaining a dharani is cultivating samadhi. The dharani denotes light that

enables mind and thought to concentrate in contemplation and the state

of samadhi to be attained. The dharani denotes purity such that no other

is ever denigrated. Most of all, the dharani is transmitted and conferred

by the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, a retainer of its words is enabled to

enter the state of samadhi, and its power erupts not from deities, ghosts,

or other forces, but from its retainer with mind and thought concentrated.

Like repeating the six-syllable mantra of great illumination, om mani

padme hum, running on with no break, contemplating its sounds and

tones without anxiously striving to grasp its message. Hence, once

concentrated, the faculty of mind returns to one state. Nothing else

remains undone. Such is how the power of the words of a dharani is

being traced back to the retainer. The dharani retained, peace of mind

is regained and cause readjusted. The retainer himself, too, continues

executing pure progress toward the reflection of virtue.