Date: 12/27/2025 12/28/2025
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Dharma Talk
The Bodhisattva Silent Speech
Thus have I heard:
At one time, in the city of Śrāvastī, there was a general named Siṃha (Lion). One day his wife conceived, and he rejoiced greatly, awaiting the birth of his child.
On the day the child was born, a great voice resounded from the sky, saying:
“General Siṃha, your child is no ordinary being. Guard your tongue as a sealed vessel, and be ever cautious in speech. Judge not this child with worldly measure.”
The general, hearing this, understood that his son was not common. With care he raised him and gave him the name *Silent Speech* (Wuyan).
When the child reached the age of eight, though he had not spoken a single word, his form was handsome and dignified, and his heart was gentle and kind. All the people of the city loved him, and the general and his wife were filled with joy.
Once, the general, his wife, and Silent Speech went to hear the Blessed One preach the Dharma in Śrāvastī. The child listened with rapt attention, yet uttered not a word.
Then Śāriputra asked the Buddha:
“World-honored One, this son of General Siṃha is endowed with wisdom-roots, yet he does not speak. What is the cause?”
The Buddha said:
“Do not look lightly upon this child! Before his birth, he made vast vows before immeasurable Buddhas and planted countless wholesome roots. He has already reached the stage of non-retrogression on the Bodhi Path. Now, by receiving my instruction, he has attained the Fourth Dhyāna. Though appearing as a child, he is already able to subdue limitless beings.”
Hearing these words, the general, his wife, and the multitude were released from doubt.
At that moment, Silent Speech displayed supernatural power: from the palm of his right hand appeared a radiant lotus flower, turning like a wheel within his hand. All who beheld it marveled and cried out in joy:
“Indeed, the son of General Siṃha is a great Bodhisattva!”
Then Silent Speech lowered his head, placed his palms together, and uttered:
“Namo Amitābha Buddha.”
All the Bodhisattvas present also intoned together:
“Namo Amitābha Buddha.”
In that instant, ten hundred thousand worlds, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, quaked six times.
The Bodhisattvas offered wondrous flowers, fragrances, and celestial music in homage to the Buddha. Then Silent Speech and the assembly of Bodhisattvas rose into the sky, chanting verses in praise of the immeasurable virtues of the Blessed One.
