Starting Spiritual Practice
If no one asks questions in class, does that mean everyone understands?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Not necessarily. Some want to ask but feel embarrassed; some truly understand; others have not yet grasped even what is being discussed. Silence cannot directly establish understanding.
Miao Nian and I discussed teaching experience. Interaction between teacher and audience makes it easier to know where people are stuck. I also find answering smoother when someone asks, because it directly addresses what they do not understand and genuinely want to know.
So speak about what is unclear. Besides listening in class, let the teacher know your questions. Clarifying them makes it easier to truly learn what you want to understand.