In Buddhist practice, the attainment of the Path must begin with self-cultivation. When copying scriptures, sitting upright and maintaining proper posture is the first step in cultivating one’s character and nurturing one’s nature. A शांत mind fosters a morally refined personality imbued with virtue. At the same time, through copying scriptures, one can come to understand the essential teachings of the Buddha. This not only refines one’s temperament but also elevates the mind toward truth, goodness, and beauty. By focusing inward through the practice of copying scriptures, one can eliminate unwholesome thoughts and distractions, thereby giving rise to right thinking.
Copying Buddhist scriptures allows one to deeply enter the treasury of the teachings and carefully experience the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom. As long as one’s mind can remain settled on the text, one can attain ease in both body and mind; over time, afflictions will naturally be eliminated.
In our daily lives, we are constantly busy striving for survival and often forget to be grateful for the Buddha’s grace. Through the act of copying scriptures, we can reflect on the Buddha’s kindness, give rise to gratitude, and learn to hold others in our hearts. In truth, thinking for others is thinking for oneself. Just as when we give wealth to others, we ourselves are the ones who benefit—because giving is more blessed than receiving. Only by letting go can we truly gain. Through copying scriptures, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity.
From the perspective of Buddhist practice, when handling all matters in life, big or small, we should always maintain wholesome thoughts and never be apart from making vows. While copying scriptures, one may make the aspiration: “As I copy these scriptures, may all beings, like myself, be free from deluded thoughts.” We can dedicate the merit of this practice to our parents in this life, our relatives from past lives, and all sentient beings. Therefore, as long as we copy scriptures with right view and right mindfulness, the merit of practice is inconceivable, benefiting both oneself and others.
Qiu Fangrong, a Master of Life Studies graduate from Fo Guang University, wrote his thesis titled “The Effects of Buddhist Scripture Copying on Physical and Mental Cultivation.” He interviewed many long-term practitioners of scripture copying and found that during and after the process, they experienced a sense of safety and fulfillment. Some described that “the mind expands, and one can feel the warmth and joy of the Buddha’s light,” or “one feels warmth, comfort, and sudden growth—‘hope’ is something that can be created by oneself.” Others said, “By reading and reflecting on the scriptures, one can appreciate the greatness of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, volunteers, and those willing to give, and feel that one should also do something.” … “While quietly copying scriptures, one feels a warm, soothing, joyful energy flowing throughout the body, like soaking in a comfortable hot spring.” These are the experiences recorded in his research. He believes that copying scriptures is simple and accessible; regardless of one’s social status, anyone can practice it amid a busy life, thereby attaining inner calm, self-reflection, and holistic cultivation of body, mind, and spirit.
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