“Therefore, due to this constant perception that we have already embraced [the teachings], we often take it for granted and stop advancing [at that point.] We don’t know how to realize the [meaning of the teachings].” - Master Jih-Chang
Global Lamrim 2, Lecture 0020
BW Monastery 吉祥宝聚寺 — Lecture No. 0020
What must we do after listening to the teachings? What are the benefits of doing so?
After learning the teachings and having understood the textual meaning, we must use it to examine our minds and self-reflect, so after listening to the teachings, we must learn to recognize what the text is trying to rectify and what to establish in our mind. That means we need to use the teachings to reflect on ourselves. The Buddha Dharma should be applied on our body and mental stream. Only when we do so, we can take every step very firmly. That is the entrance to practising the teachings.
The benefit is that we will be able to train our minds to be in a constant discerning and analytical state. Our minds will become very powerful and very clear. If we are in this state, we will frequently be very vigilant of our emotions, our opinions and our attitude towards others, we will be able to detect those negative emotions or negative attitudes towards others that will cause suffering to ourselves and others, then we will be able to take steps to rectify it.