Methods of practice were expounded by Sakyamuni Buddha, passed down through the centuries by patriarchs and masters, and now I am teaching them to you. You must accept the premise that Buddha did not deceive us. If he had been involved in deception, he would not have been a Buddha. It is unlikely that, throughout the centuries, every patriach and master has been deceiving us, and that the sutras and sastras are nothing but lies. Even today, though there are no living patriarchs, many people have derived genuine benefit from the practice. You should realize that you have come to this retreat because of your virtuous karma and your deep affinity with the Dharma. Therefore, you should have faith in yourself, in the methods of practice, and in the teacher of the methods.

Several people here have been on numerous retreats before this one. If a retreat is useless, then these people must be fools. Why else would they meditate for seven days instead of staying home during the holiday season and enjoying the company of family and friends? It must be that these foolish people have faith that they are gaining some benefit from the practice. At least for them, then, the first condition has been fulfilled.