Reading Sutras

Reading Sutras

Date Posted:
November 2009

Rinpoche sent the following letter to a student. He had previously sent her three sutras (the Sutra of Golden Light, the Sanghata Sutra, and Vajra Cutter Sutra). After reading the Sanghata Sutra, she wrote to Rinpoche with a question: “Where is the sutra in the sutra? Which part is the sutra?”

My dearest Rachel,
I am very happy that you are very happy and that the card I sent you brought you so much happiness. Now all the companies that make the cards are so meaningful, because they are making some sentient being in the corner of the world happy.

I am very happy to hear that you immediately rushed to read the sutras. That made me so extremely happy. That means you are truly a very devoted student, maybe not quite truly existent. Please keep reading the sutras, even one line or one page a day. It has so much meaning.

Your friend mentioned you called and had questions about the sutras. (Sorry, this was some time ago. Sorry for the long delay in replying). I went through this as well, just like what you said, quite a few times, thinking that there was something else. But, actually, when the Buddha is talking in the sutras, that is the sutra.

Reading the sutras will help you so much. It is the easiest way to direct your life toward enlightenment and toward enlightening all sentient beings, so it has so much benefit, even benefit for your nose.

Take good care, with bodhicitta, as I am sure you will. Take care with emptiness.

With much love and prayers, and I hope to see you soon.

Lama Zopa

PS. One time I tried to call you, but the telephone had a lady speaking saying you were not there. I think I tried to call six times to leave a message. I don’t know if it worked, as I was dialing myself, so I’m not sure what was happening. Maybe you were in samadhi or off in another world to liberate others.