The contemplation I ask you to do should not involve logical thinking; rather, you should place your mind on one point and look directly into things. It is hard to explain, but it is different from using logic or following a chain of thoughts to a conclusion.

Through music, dance and literature it is possible to experience things similar to that which comes from practice. One can understand practice as helping a practitioner move from a scattered mind to a concentrated mind, from a concentrated mind to a unified mind, from a unified mind to no mind. Through art forms it is possible to reach concentrated mind. But it would be quite difficult to experience unified mind through such activities, not to mention no mind.

STUDENT:

It seems that most traditions that have been around for a long time resist change, and yet I feel that if the Buddha were alive today, he'd probably make use of modern technology ─ videos, radio, television. It would be especially useful for people who are not at all aware spiritually. One could reach so many.

SHIH-FU:

Earlier I said that I would encourage using different media to spread the Dharma, but for lay people, not monks and nuns.

STUDENT:

What about left-home people who do not have access to the teachings of masters? Many temples do not have teachers.

SHIH-FU:

I agree. Entertainment videos are out of the question, but educational videos are fine, especially if it is shown in the temple. A theater may draw a mixed crowd, which could lead to distractions.