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Sayadaw takes down quotations from the Pâli texts, the Commentaries and the Sub-Commentaries, as well as quotations from such Sayadaws as the Mahasi Sayadaw, the Mahâgandayone Sayadaw, the Thabyekan Sayadaw, the Mahlain Towniship, Kan Kyi village, Gabyavidu Sayadaw on note cards. His handwriting is neat, clear and beautiful. His note cards are many. When he gives Dhamma talks both at home and abroad he uses these notes. He takes them wherever he travels. When he gives a talk they are really good weapons.
Sayadaw reads and uses the texts of respected Sayadaws, valuing and cherishing them. He uses them when giving Dhamma talks, when interviewing yogis, in ordinary conversation and when giving words of advice. He quotes exactly from both the Pâli scriptures and worldly texts. For this reason he doesn't read worldly texts carelessly. He reads them bearing in mind what would be useful in the Dhamma arena. He makes note of such points and quotes them.
When he reads science books, as well, he makes note of quotations which would be useful in his talks. When he meets scientists, he uses scientific language to explain characteristics of the Dhamma clearly. When he does this, scientists can understand Dhamma concepts easily. They are pleased and can accept what he says.
When Sayadaw reads something noteworthy about doctors, engineers, schoolteachers, sailors, farmers, shopkeepers, drivers and so on, he writes it down. Later, when he meets with such people, he can use quotations relevant to their lives to illustrate the Dhamma. They really appreciate this, and they praise him. They can understand his illustration easily and therefore come to acceptance. Sayadaw has seen good results from this many times, both at home and abroad. This is why he reads a variety of books about many kinds of people. In this way he can learn about the lives of many different kinds of people. Knowing about people's lives and their situations, Sayadaw can speak about the Dhamma in a way that suits the listener's taste. Words spoken in this way can bring great benefit to his listeners.
When Sayadaw goes on a trip, if he reads or comes across something that he has read about before, he investigates and asks questions in order to understand both theoretically and practically. He investigates, studies and makes inquiries. Coming to an understanding, he can make use of it when the time is ripe. Putting theoretical and practical knowledge together, Sayadaw explains the characteristics of the Dhamma.
In his room, Sayadaw meditates when he wants; if he isn't meditating and visitors aren't present, most of the time he can be found reading. He even has books to read in the bathroom.
Sayadaw usually gives Dhamma talks holding a monk's fan. He puts his note cards in the zipper-pocket on the back of the fan. He takes the notes out and looks at them when he gives a talk. When he goes out in a car, he looks at the notes while in the car. If he has to attend a meeting, he reads his notes at the meeting.
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