English
If we are to explain what it means to possess, then to show the necessity, one should also listen respectfully. Some people are unable to comprehend the meaning of the sutras, so that even just listening to the Dharma can accumulate merit for them, not to mention comprehending the meaning, in order to generate the nature of wisdom, first explain possessing respectful listening. How to explain it? Through three ways: to make proper attention, to properly show the necessity, and to discourage those who are discouraged by dullness, sleep, and wrong thoughts, and for those whose minds are distracted, also approach them through names, joy, and sad talks. How to make proper attention? By saying "One should listen to the Dharma respectfully" to make proper attention. Here, one should know that making proper attention is to make proper attention. When the Buddha Bhagavan taught the Dharma to the retinue, the five-branched melodious voice came from his mouth. In short, when he taught the Dharma with a voice possessing such merits, he would say, "Monks, I will teach you the Dharma, therefore, listen and pay close attention," in this way he made them pay proper attention. Then for us, there is no need to say more. The five branches of melodious voice are: as deep as the sound of a dragon, pleasant to hear and pleasing to the ear, pleasing and delightful, clear and easy to understand, suitable for listening and without discomfort. This shows the five qualities of the Tathagata's melodious voice: vast, possessing intelligent meaning, easy to understand, and as desired. These five qualities in turn become the limbs of listening, non-distraction, liberation, comprehension, and maturation. The summarized verses are: The five qualities are vast, pleasant with reasoned meaning, easy to understand and as desired, these are the five limbs, listening and non-distraction, liberation and comprehension, maturation.