Method and process of copying scriptures

📜1 . Preliminary preparation

1. Environmental layout

   • Clear away clutter on your desk to keep the space tidy and bright.

   • Lay down felt to avoid ink stains and use paperweight to secure paper.

2. Tool Selection

   • Scripture paper: semi-cooked rice paper or gridded paper for copying scriptures.

   • Pen and Ink: For beginners, it is recommended to use a mixed-bristle brush and ordinary calligraphy ink (such as Yidege).

3. Physical and mental adjustment

   • Wash your hands and mouth, and dress modestly (avoid shorts and sleeveless tops).

   • Sit quietly with your eyes closed for 3 minutes, turn off any electronic devices and focus your mind.

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🕯️2 . Ceremony starts

1. Burn incense and worship Buddha (optional)

   • Light the incense stick, put your hands together and chant: "Namo Amitabha Buddha" (three times).

2. Reciting the opening stanza

   • Recite aloud or silently: "The supreme, profound and subtle Dharma is difficult to encounter in hundreds of thousands of kalpas. Now I have seen and heard it and am able to uphold it. I wish to understand the true meaning of the Tathagata."

3. Pre-reading

   • Before you start writing, read through the paragraph you are copying that day to understand the meaning of the text.

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✍️3 . Transcription process

1. Writing tips

   • Sitting posture: Keep your back straight, feet flat, and the paper facing your chest.

   • Penmanship: Write in regular script with each stroke being neat and tidy. Avoid writing in a sloppy manner or making corrections. If you make a mistake in writing, simply make a small dot in the margin to correct it.

2. Keep your mind

   • Focus on the current strokes, recite the content of the scripture silently, and gently bring back your breath when distracting thoughts arise.

   • The speed should be slow, pursuing the three-word principle of "soft, slow, and focused".

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🙏Fourth , end the dedication

1. Acceptance of Scripture

   • Read the copied content aloud 1-3 times and check for mistakes.

2. Merit Dedication

   Put your palms together and recite the dedication stanza:

   "The merits of copying sutras are extraordinary, and all the boundless blessings are dedicated to you;
   May all sentient beings who are drowning in suffering quickly go to the Buddha land of Infinite Light."

   • You may add personal prayers (such as praying for relatives and friends).

3. After this treatment

   • After drying naturally, roll it up and place it in a Buddhist temple or a clean high place.

   • Clean the pen and inkstone and put the tools back in place.

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⚠️Key taboo reminder

matter	Processing
Temporary departure	Cover the scriptures with a clean white cloth
Distracted or irritable	Stop writing and sit quietly. Don’t force yourself to continue.
Female menstrual period	You can copy the sutras as usual (no taboos)
Wrong/missing words	Make small corrections in the margins, do not black out or tear the pages

💡 Core mentality: "Copying scriptures is just copying scriptures" , there is no need to be obsessed with merits or realms, focusing on the present is practice.

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This method combines practicality with religious rituals. It is recommended that beginners start with short scriptures (such as the Heart Sutra) and persist for 15 minutes a day.