Master Sheng-yen's extensive understanding of Buddhadharma is evident in his lucid Dharma talks. These lectures on the Song of Enlightenment, an ancient Ch'an (Zen) Buddhist classic written by Yung-chia Hsuan-chueh during the T'ang dynasty, were delivered during the evenings of intensive, seven day retreats. Retreat lectures are spontaneous, improvised talks. The lectures are commentaries on Buddhist texts, but more importantly, they contain a wealth of relevant information and practical advice for practitioners on the retreat. The text serves as a jumping-off point for Master Sheng-yen, who interprets Buddhadharma and tailor fits it to guide each participant in the proper use of his or her meditation method, and to help each participant overcome obstacles on the path of practice. The lectures, therefore, take on many guises, depending on the nature, situation and needs of the audience. The mood, momentum and direction of the lectures change from day to day, retreat to retreat. Still, this is a book for practitioners and non-practitioners alike. In the process of helping retreat participants with problems they face in their practice, Master Sheng-yen does, in fact, offer a rich commentary on the Song of Enlightenment; and in so doing, he clearly and eloquently expounds the principles of Buddhism.

The express aim of these talks, however, is to help people solve problems and overcome obstacles encountered in their practice. During lectures, it is a familiar sight to see students nodding their heads in silence as he speaks, as if questions in their minds had been answered without being asked. In the group discussion at the end of the retreat and in reports people are asked to write after the retreat is over, many participants say that they felt as if Master Sheng-yen were speaking directly to them at certain moments during the lectures.

His lectures are filled with advice for practice and daily life, questions to ponder, answers to theoretical and personal questions, anecdotes from his life, as well as stories and legends from Buddhist history and scripture. His tone can be commanding, understanding, cajoling, amusing, scolding, humbling or sympathetic. For many, his words and knowledge are precious jewels of wisdom and compassion.