Dharma of Contemplation of the Perfection of the Ear Root
Avalokiteshvara also known as Quan The Am, listens to the sounds of the world ane responds to the suffering with compassion and wisdom.
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This is one of the Meditation practices taught by Grand Master Thich Bao Truong to Master Bao Thanh in his training as a young monk.
This practice is rooted in traditional meditative practices, especially those linked to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’s method from the Shurangama Sutra. This is a meditation method for deepening inner awareness through the sense of hearing. It follows three stages of practice and is intended to be followed gradually over the course of one year--three months for each stage, allowing the practitioner to build a strong foundation and deep insight. Below is a description of the practice, there is also a downloadable document below. |
Direction for the Practice of the Dharma of Contemplation of the Perfection of the Ear-Root
Preparation: Posture and Breathing
Step 1: Listening to the Breath
Step 2: Mantra Contemplation
Step 3: Inner Sound and Mind Contemplation
When this is stable, the practitioner is able to hear all sounds of the world while the mind remains undisturbed, calm, and clear.
Reflections
This is the practice of Avalokiteshvara, who attained realization by turning the hearing inward. It is known as:
Practice Commitment
“To conquer ten thousand enemies in battle is not as great as conquering yourself.”
- Sit in a posture suitable for your body:
- On a cushion, in half-lotus or full lotus, if your body allows.
- On a chair, if needed. What matters is stability and presence.
- Place the right hand gently in the palm of the left hand, resting in your lap.
- Keep your back, neck, and head upright and relaxed.
- Breathe gently and naturally through the nose.
Step 1: Listening to the Breath
- Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing the belly to expand.
- Exhale slowly, drawing the belly inward, and listen to the sound of your exhalation with both ears—from beginning to end.
- Stay fully present with this sound, without adding or judging.
- Practice this for 30 minutes a day.
- Continue daily for at least 3 months before moving on.
Step 2: Mantra Contemplation
- Continue breathing the same way.
- As you exhale, softly recite the mantra:
"Ethe Ethe Sam ma tha" - Listen to the sound of the mantra from beginning to end with focused awareness.
- Simultaneously, become aware of the vibrational frequency and subtle energy (electromagnetic waves) spreading through your body during exhalation.
- Avoid becoming mechanical—this is not just about repeating words.
You must contemplate the sound and vibrational quality deeply. - Practice this daily for 3 months.
Step 3: Inner Sound and Mind Contemplation
- Do not skip Steps 1 and 2. This is a progressive method; each layer is essential.
- Now, as you exhale, you no longer vocalize the mantra.
- Instead, internally hear the sound of “Ethe Ethe Sam ma tha” in your mind.
- Simultaneously:
- Use your mind to hear the inner sound.
- Use your mind to observe the breath.
- Use your mind to observe the vibrational energy of body and mind.
When this is stable, the practitioner is able to hear all sounds of the world while the mind remains undisturbed, calm, and clear.
Reflections
This is the practice of Avalokiteshvara, who attained realization by turning the hearing inward. It is known as:
- Contemplating Sound
- Contemplating the Perfect Ear-root
- Listening to the Sea-Tide Sound
- Contemplating the Mind of Great Tolerance
Practice Commitment
- Step 1: 3 months
- Step 2: 3 months
- Step 3: 3 months and beyond
- Total training period: at least 1 year
“To conquer ten thousand enemies in battle is not as great as conquering yourself.”
Below is a recording of how to chant E-The E-The Sam Ma Tha
| dharma_of_contemplation_of_the_perfection_of_the_ear-root.docx |