Special Topics
Transcribing Sutras
Sutra transcribing is not simply a matter of writing characters; it's also a method to calm the body and mind. Transcribing Buddhist sutras in particular can help us cultivate our concentration and wisdom. In our fast paced era of digitization, the sutra transcribing method is more precious than ever. Can you imagine? Before the invention of the printing press, sutras of hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands of characters were manually transcribed and passed down across gener...
Sutra transcription: A practice that enhances our health
As Ven. Hsin Pei of Fo Gunag Shan pointed out in his book "Transcribing the Sutra with Joy", modern people often lack mindfulness of their body and mind, and tend to constantly seek outwardly. The practice of sutra transcription requires attentive focus, and is thus beneficial for cultivating a concentrated mind, developing patience, familiarizing ourselves with the Dharma, and helping us grow in wisdom. By spending a significant period of time transcribing the sutra in a concent...
Transcribing Buddhist Scripture as a Method of Practice for the Benefit of Self and Others
In ancient times, transcribing Buddhist scripture was mostly intended to promote and propagate Buddhist teachings. As shown in many sutras, transcribing sutras is a praiseworthy and meritorious act. Over time, copying sutras has become a method of practice in itself, as a method of praying for blessings and making offerings. The process of washing our hands prior to sincerely copying the Buddha's words with utmost reverence helps us rein in our mind and cultivate concentration. Indeed, it...
The Exceptional Merits of Transcribing Sutras
Transcribing sutras not only helps in their circulation and in the propagation of Buddhism as a whole. When undertaken with sincerity and devotion, it is akin to propagating the Buddhist teachings using our handwriting. Many Mahayana sutras--- such as Diamond Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Earth Store Sutra, Vimalakirti Sutra, Avatamsaka Sutra, Immeasurable Life Sutra, and Sutra on the Divination of the Effect of Good and Evil Actions, etc. --all point out the exceptional merits of transcribing sutras, ...
A Guide to Hand Copying Sutras
As with the other Buddhist practice methods, copying sutras has a methodical step-by-step approach. It is a quiet exercise which calms the body and mind provided that the proper guidelines and methods are observed. The process of single-minded sutra copying-- starting from cleaning one's hands and quietening the mind, and proceeding to making vows and dedication of merits-- is akin to attending a solemn Dharma service. As a practice method in the Chinese Buddhism tradition,...
Reminders for Sutra Copying
Copying sutra is like returning once again to the place where Gautama Buddha expounded the Dharma and listening to his teachings. Therefore, when copying sutras, we should sit up straight to handwrite the words of Buddha with a respectful, grateful, and devout mind. We shouldn't write the words of Buddha with our legs crossed or with our arms and head on the table. When transcribing sutras, we should make every word clear enough to read, neither writing illegibly nor making arbitrary alte...