31 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月31日 - 择善转业惜资源



守约心净 天地平安
【证严上人5月31日志工早会开示】


中国大陆长江中下游各省旱情严重,全国耕地受旱面积已逾一亿亩,民生饮水也大受影响;美国中南部因水患与风灾,原定玉米、小麦播种被迫延期,而冬麦收成又欠佳,粮食总量远比往年不足。专家评估,若北半球各国持续因天灾而粮食短收,未来将导致严重的粮食危机。

证严上人在今日(31日)志工早会上关心因全球气候不调所带来的旱象问题,并唿吁人人要节约用水、珍惜水资源。此外,德国也传出食用进口自西班牙的黄瓜而造成千人遭病菌感染的问题,面对近日来食品遭污染的事件,上人唿吁,人人要让自我心地净化,唯有心净,天地才能清净无染。

大地心地互攸关 自净其意护身心

上人开示,「过去一直说肉类有问题,现在农产品也出问题;从德国,小黄瓜发现受到污染后,影响(层面)已经扩大到八个国家……现在到底要吃什么才是安全?这都是大地受到污染,所以我们在生活中,人人要守规矩,吃的量不要没有限量,食物的浪费、需求量大,农业就会用肥料、用化学等等,农业跟着人类的需求!」

[新加坡114岁的人瑞许哲来访静思精舍,轻松愉悦的笑容感染了所有的人,上人赞叹许哲,是一位心宽念纯的智慧长者,「心宽念纯就是她的养生之道,她能理解别人的疾苦,甘愿做乞丐也要助人,她所到的地方人人都很开心,人人疼惜所爱。总之,人为什么不学她这样?她没有企业成功、也没有高学问的论调,她就是那样的单纯……」 。图:许哲女士(左)分享快乐单纯的人生观。(摄影者:刘素方)]

新加坡114岁的人瑞许哲来访静思精舍,轻松愉悦的笑容感染了所有的人,上人赞叹许哲,是一位心宽念纯的智慧长者,「心宽念纯就是她的养生之道,她能理解别人的疾苦,甘愿做乞丐也要助人,她所到的地方人人都很开心,人人疼惜所爱。总之,人为什么不学她这样?她没有企业成功、也没有高学问的论调,她就是那样的单纯……」 。图:许哲女士(左)分享快乐单纯的人生观。(摄影者:刘素方)
上人忧心,大地的污染影响食品、饮水的安全,而人心污染则是让道德伦理丧失,错误的观念与行为,若是无法及时纠正,不仅让心地毒化也会进而让大地被毒化,心地、大地息息相关。

「各位菩萨,一旦人类造成的毒化、引发天灾,天灾开始危害的是人类;假如人人都能顾好自己的生活生态,就不会一直开发农业、工业,就不会毒化他人,人类的危机也就不会这么大。总之,普天之下天地告急、灾难偏多,我们的心地能自我净化的就要自我净化,他人的人心已经毒化了,难道我们的心也要毒化吗?」

救处护处弱势处 心宽念纯养天年

昨日傍晚,新加坡114岁的人瑞许哲来访静思精舍,轻松愉悦的笑容感染了所有的人,上人赞叹许哲,是一位心宽念纯的智慧长者,「心宽念纯就是她的养生之道,她能理解别人的疾苦,甘愿做乞丐也要助人,她所到的地方人人都很开心,人人疼惜所爱。总之,人为什么不学她这样?她没有企业成功、也没有高学问的论调,她就是那样的单纯……」

昨日许哲在静思精舍的分享,让新讲堂不时传出阵阵笑声,同时,上人也正和在日本进行发放工作的先遣团队通电话,报告各项筹备事宜,电话中传来苦难人需要帮助的声音,期望能将领取发放的人数增加,上人指示,只要是灾民、确认受灾,就应要给予帮助。

听闻许多灾民仍无家可归、或被迫投靠亲戚,上人不禁感嘆,「各位菩萨们,我们真正要把这一片心地净化,受苦难的人才能有依赖,才能被人重视,现在的人常说弱势,什么是弱势?受灾难的人有没有人帮助他才是弱势。」

自欺欺人肇乱源 诚正信实为道场

上人期许,人人要把握净化己心的机会,发心立愿「愿不说人非不恶口,口吐莲花声细柔;愿不传谣言不妄语,待人真诚莫自欺;愿不说两舌引猜忌,常说合和利益语」。

上人开示,「要说真实话,把人心见解导向正确的方向,人会模煳了观念,都是因为『传声』,所以话要说出去要说好话,不要让人的观念偏差;而待人真诚莫自欺,诚正信实是慈济人的内修道场,欺骗别人就是欺骗自己,因为欺骗了自己才有办法欺骗他人……还有不两舌,善恶都在口中,要常常说合和利益语,人与人之间不要互相猜疑,有了猜疑就会造成国家社会的天下动乱,轻轻的口舌就会成为乱源。」

好话一句的发心愿力不仅能改变自己也能改变他人,屏东环保志工陈添丁加入慈济后,不仅收掉了自家开设的海产店,也爲了影响朋友戒除槟榔,朋友的一句「你砍了你家后院的槟榔树,我就戒槟榔」而毅然决然地不再种植槟榔,砍掉槟榔树换回朋友的健康。

回头是岸及醒悟 自觉觉他平安路

2000年与先生创业开设牛肉面店的陈春颖,因参与《法譬如水》经藏演绎时听到了,「苦海茫茫无边,回头明明是岸,三障诸惑应断,诸佛声声唿唤……」的偈文而醒悟,爲了不再杀生切肉收起面店,即使收入受到影响,夫妻也不愿再造杀业。

上人赞叹两位人间菩萨的决心与愿力,不仅改变自己更改变他人。上人开示,「各位菩萨们,好事不是难做,只要下定决心,不仅可以从善,还可以带人进入觉悟的道路!」

上人叮咛,全球气候不调、灾难处处频传,一国之灾、多国受难,不论是大地或是粮食的污染,一切还是因人心而起,上人开示,「人心不调,如何能祈求天下平安?看到复合式的灾难,真的是苦不堪,我们能不觉悟吗?真的是到了觉悟的时刻啊!我们还是要多用心!」

静思晨语 - 2011年5月31日 - 59 - 四心六度



The Four Immeasurables and the Six Perfections

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我们每天,每天好像我都说同样的话,每天所说的话虽然都一样,不知道大家有没有进入脑海?有没有以理入心,同时行在日常生活中。做到了道理入心,我们就可以多一番人间智识。我们如果做得到,就可以成长一分慧命,所以我们学佛必定要依仗佛法,依佛陀的教法,按部就班、循规蹈矩好好把握。

Every day, I seem to be saying the same things, but have you all taken in what I have said? Have you instilled these principles in your mind and practiced them in your daily living? If we take the teachings to heart, we can have a better understanding of this world. When we practice these principles, we can further develop our Wisdom-life. In learning Buddhism, we must rely on Buddha-Dharma, follow the Buddha's teachings in accordance with the sequence He outlined, and make the most of them by practicing them.

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第四发菩提心者
经言 当乐佛身
佛身者即法身也
从无量功德智慧生

所以在发菩提心这段忏文,我们已经体会到经中所说的就是要「当乐佛身」。既然是学佛,我们就要对佛起那分欢喜好乐的心。佛身所说的就是法身,也就是无量功德的智慧。无量功德的智慧,各位,我想这是很重要的,我们要追求佛法,我们如果疏忽掉要追求无量智慧功德,这样我们就没有什么好再学,所以我们必定要从无量功德智慧去追求。

In the passage of the Repentance Text about developing Bodhicitta, we realize that we must "take joy in the Buddha-body". Since we are learning Buddha's way, with respect to the Buddha, we should give rise to a joyous heart. Buddha- body refers to His Dharma-body, which is also the wisdom of infinite merit and virtue. Fellow practitioners, I think this is very important. As we seek Dharma, if we neglect the pursuit of infinite wisdom, merits, and virtues, then there is nothing else worth learning. Therefore, we must pursue our goals with infinite wisdom, merits & virtues.

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从六波罗蜜生
从慈悲喜舍生
从三十七助菩提法生

追求的东西到底是什么呢?就是这段时间说过的,四心,就是四无量心,六波罗蜜,加上三十七助道品。

What exactly are we pursuing? We pursue the 4 Infinite Minds or 4 Immeasurables, the 6 Paramitas, and also the 37 Practices to Enlightenment.

四无量心就是这么简单,在慈济人人都听得懂,人人都向四无量心去精进,因为四无量心在慈济世界,变成四项大事。

The 4 Immeasurables are very simple. In Tzu Chi, we all understand and diligently cultivate the 4 Infinite Minds. Tzu Chi's Four Missions stem from the Four Infinite Minds.

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开启众人的爱心
让人人感受到幸福与快乐
即是「大慈」

Inspire the love in the hearts of others. Allow everyone to feel fortunate and happy. This is Great Loving-kindness.

就是救济的慈善,佛陀不是教育我们要去布施吗?布施、救济,这就是慈,慈无量,在救济布施的过程,其实很辛苦,要去教富才能去济贫,我们如果没有教富,对贫穷苦难人,我们要怎么去付出呢?必定要有世间人启发了爱心,付出了世间财,世间财的累积,我们才有办法去做布施救济的工作。

Take the Mission of Charity for example. The Buddha taught us to give. To give and provide relief is loving-kindness. Loving-kindness is infinite. The process of providing relief is arduous. We must educate the rich in order to help the poor . If we do not educate the rich, how can we give to those in need? We need people to awaken the love in their hearts and contribute their worldly wealth so we will have the means to do charity and relief work.

话再说回来,很多世间人就是富有却不快乐,很惊惶也很痛苦。惊惶的是患失,惊慌、担忧、害怕失去,这种患失的心态。地位愈高、名愈大、钱愈多,这种患失的心理很怕。

Many wealthy people in the world are unhappy, anxious, and miserable. They are anxious and worried about losing what they have. Worries about loss increase with the increase in status, fame, and wealth. Dwelling on loss creates great fear.

但是还有一部分平常的人想要「得」,所以不择手段,做一些真的是伤天害理(的事情),昧了良知,还是一样就是想要得,所以得到的到底是什么?失去的又是什么?但是凡夫无法去体会人世间名相的名利、物质(的真实本就是无常),所以一般的人患得患失。

There are also those who seek to attain things. Therefore, they act unscrupulously, do ruthless and harmful things which are morally wrong, all in the pursuit of gains. But what do they really gain? What do they really lose? Ordinary people cannot realize the impermanent nature of fame, wealth, and material goods, so they worry about gains & losses.

甚至有的人,做工很辛苦,汗流浃背,怕没有工作好做,这也叫做患得。今天的工做完了,明天还有没有工作可做?也是担心。所以这种患得患失的心态也是烦恼。

Some people work hard and perform backbreaking labor because they are always worried about not having work. This is worry about gains. "Today's work is finished but will there be work tomorrow?" They fret about this. Such worries about gains and losses are also a form of affliction.

所以我们「教富」,不只是富有物质的,就算他的物资(质)没了,不过,心灵还是很担忧,我们也可以启发他,没钱能够出力,同样可以做好事。看我们慈济里面,多少富中之富的人生,多少贫中之富的人生?

So we do not just teach those who are materially rich. If people lose their material wealth and are filled with worry, we can inspire them to contribute their strength toward doing good deeds. In Tzu Chi, we see many who are wealthy and spiritually rich , and many who are poor yet spiritually rich.

常常看到「草根菩提」,每天看到就每天欢喜。你们看,他们也可以做得很好,可以保护大地,可以垃圾变黄金,可以把黄金化清流,与大地众生结缘。这分法,可以流转在世界各个国家,只要看到大爱台,自然就心开意解,真正欢喜。不快乐的人生,可以变得很快乐。这也是这群草根菩提,大家家境不是很好,但是他愿意付出。身体不是很好,他愿意忍耐去做。所以忍着身体的病痛,在困难的生活中,他还要拿出生活以外的时间来做。他虽然欠缺物资,虽然欠缺健康的身体,但是他同样做得到,这能得到很大的欢喜,这叫做「慈」。

I often watch our TV program, "Grassroots Bodhi" on recycling volunteers. I'm filled with joy looking at what they have accomplished. They can protect the Earth, sell the recyclables for money, and use the money to support Da Ai TV. Such acts connect them to people around the world. The programs are broadcast in various countries. When people watch Da Ai TV, their minds become open and understanding and they will experience true joy. Those who are unhappy can turn their life into a happy one . The recycling volunteers are not wealthy, but they are willing to give. Some are in poor health, but they willingly bear the pain to do the work. In the midst of difficult living conditions and physical pain, they still make time to do volunteer work. Even without material wealth or good health, they still contribute as much as anyone else, and experience great happiness. This is called loving-kindness.

慈善教富,启发人人心中富有爱心。所说的教富不全是有钱人,是教人人心中有这分爱,人人对慈善的工作都做得到,有的出钱,有的出力,让人人能得到这分感受,能欢喜快乐,这就是慈的教育。

Teaching spiritual wealth with loving-kindness awakens the abundant love in people's minds. To teach spiritual wealth is to awaken everyone's love so that everyone can contribute their share in charity work. Some give money, others give time and energy, so everyone can experience the joy of giving. This is teaching loving-kindness.

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视天下人为生命共同体
尽力为其拔除苦痛
即是「大悲」

Realize the interconnectedness of all living beings. Do your best to relieve the suffering of others. This Is Great Compassion.

「悲」——拔苦。苦莫过于病痛,医疗的教育。你看病人,多少苦难人,人生最苦莫过于病痛,真苦!但是有了好的医疗,好得医疗团体,这样病人就可以得到解脱。在花莲慈济医院,有一位台东卅一岁的中年人忽然间往生了,他们愿意把他的器官捐赠出去。我们接到这个讯息,马上赶紧去寻找这个个案,发现中部草屯有一位条件符合的张先生。

Compassion is about relieving suffering. The greatest suffering in life comes from illness. This is what we learn from the Mission of Medicine. Look at the patients, they are indeed suffering. In life, illness causes the greatest suffering. However, with good medical treatment and a good medical team, patients can be relieved from this pain. In the Tzu Chi Hospital in Hualien, a 31-year-old man from Taitung suddenly passed away. His family was willing to donate his organs. When we received this news , we immediately looked for appropriate recipients. We found a Mr. Zhang in Caotun, around Taichung, who was a match.

接到我们的通知,问他:「你愿意接受吗?」听到很欢喜,说:「愿意。」愿意就马上搭飞机过来。虽然那个时候气候不是很稳定,但是他也愿意,这是难得的机会。既然愿意,那边准备要过来,我们这边的医生,就马上开车到台东去取肝。取回来之后,患者也到达了,医生很欢喜,赶紧通知患者入开刀房,结果一开下去,一、二十个钟头。把这位卅一岁的人的肝,很健康、很美的肝,拿来换在一位将近五十岁的人身上。不好的肝拿出来,一看,颜色是黑的。再把这个粉红色的肝换上去。

When we asked him, "Are you willing to accept this liver?". He was overjoyed and consented. He was willing to fly to Hualien immediately. Even though the weather was unstable, he was still willing to do so, for it was a rare and precious opportunity. Since he was willing and on his way, our doctor set off immediately to Taitung to retrieve the liver. When the doctor returned, he was happy to see the patient and quickly prepared him for surgery. The surgery took around 20 hours. The liver of the 31-year-old donor was healthy. It was placed into a nearly 50-year-old man. The diseased liver, which had turned black, was replaced with a healthy pink liver.

虽然经过了一、二十个钟头的手术,但还是很成功的完成了,送入加护病房。在一天的时间之内,就可以把在病人身上安置的插管,一一拔下来,因为肝已经换到他的身上,肾脏也起作用了,排泄出来的东西很漂亮,所以身上的插管已经可以一根一根的拿下来。两天后,不到三天他就可以离开加护病房。很欢喜,恢复得很好,这位张先生充分的感恩。他说:「除了感恩慈济的医院有提供这么好的设备以外,也感恩医疗团队,医疗团对抢救回他的生命。」同时他也知道,在他身上输血一万多CC,他说: 「一个人如果捐血二百五十CC,这一万CC差不多要四十多人。」他还说:「有这么多的人捐血给我,说不定在街道上走,和我这样互相擦肩而过的那个人,说不定就是捐血给我的人。」

Although the surgery lasted almost 20 hours, it was a success and the patient was sent to the Intensive Care Unit. Within a day, some of the tubes in his body could be removed. With a healthy liver in his body, his kidneys began to function normally. Seeing that his waste discharges appeared normal, the doctors decided to remove his tubes. He was transferred out of ICU on the third day. ​​He was very happy and recovered very quickly. The patient, Mr. Zhang, was more than grateful . He said, "Aside from being grateful for these excellent medical facilities, I am also grateful for the medical team who worked to save my life". Furthermore, he knew that this body was infused with more than 10 liters of blood. He said , "If one person donates 250cc of blood,10 liters had to come from over 40 donors. So many people donated blood for me. Perhaps I will walk past one of them on the street".

的确人生的人与人之间,有很多像这种能生命共通,我身上有你的血,或是你的身上有我的骨髓。现在医疗发达,可以用好的设备、好的仪器,有好的人、好的医生,我们就可以及时救人。所以各位,医疗就可以抢救生命,有时救一条生命,就是就一个家庭。

Indeed, between human beings there are many such things that can be shared. I may have your blood flowing in my veins, or you may have my bone marrow in your body. With the advancements in medicine, with good facilities and equipment, and with good doctors and medical personnel, we can quickly save people. So medical care can save lives. Sometimes saving one life is equal to saving a whole family.

我还看到这位张先生他的妈妈,当她的孩子开刀之后,妈妈就提了一大堆行李过来,她打算可能需要很久的时间在这里陪她的儿子。但是当她到达医院之后,看到儿子已经可以和她说话了,身体健康情形很好。又听到医生说一个星期之后就可以出院了,妈妈就已经安心了。

After Mr. Zhang had his surgery, his mother brought a lot of luggage with her because she wanted to accompany her son. She thought he might have a long convalescence. When she arrived, her son could already talk and was recovering well. The doctor said that he should be discharged in a week. The mother was put at ease.

他还有妻子、小孩,他本身也是在一个医疗机构上班,他对社会还有贡献。人生的价值就是要有很多的因缘和合。医疗就是抢救生命、拔苦众生。这些要很多人的爱心来成就,这叫做大悲。

Mr. Zhang also has a wife and children. He himself worked at a medical facility. He still had a lot to contribute to society. For such a life to be saved depends on the convergence of many causes and conditions. The purpose of medical care is to save lives and relieve suffering. This requires the love of many people. This is called Great Compassion.

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转化烦恼
让人起肯定与欢喜心
即是「大喜」

Transform and eliminate afflictions, so you can evoke appreciation and joy in others. This is called Great Joy.

大喜就是文化。看看现在从平面的文化,已经做到立即立体的文化,黄金化清流能绕在全球。看到每天我们能立足台湾、宏观于天下,也是从电视上得到很多讯息。我们到底在台湾做什么?也很快传到全球去。

Great Joy is our Mission of Culture. See how our cultural efforts have expanded from paper publishing to multimedia that can reach the whole world in an instant. We can see the whole world from Taiwan. We get a lot of information from television. News of what we do in Taiwan can also spread quickly around the world.

如果听到有的人,在外面生活很苦闷、很烦恼,甚至想要自杀。看到大爱台之后,忽然清醒过来,然后去找慈济,然后他能去付出,现在活得很欢喜、很快乐。这样的个案很多,不断传回来。这就是启发大家的心,转化大家的烦恼,变成欢喜、安心。这是文化的工作。

I have heard of people who were depressed, afflicted, and even contemplating suicide, who came to their senses after watching Da Ai TV. They sought out Tzu Chi and began contributing to others, so now they lead happy and meaningful lives. There are many such cases that were reported back to us. The programs awaken people's minds and transform their afflictions into joy and peace. This is the Mission of Culture.

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无所求地为他人付出
即是「大舍」

Give unconditionally to others. This is Great Giving in Equanimity.

教育。看到孩子一个个长大了,看到孩子一个个成就,真的是社会希望的教育。人生的希望也同样是在教育。无论家庭、社会、人生都需要教育。教育要舍,的确,办教育是一件很辛苦的事。

As for our Mission of Education, when we see children grow up one by one and become accomplished, we realize that the hope of society lies in education. The future of each person also lies in education. Individuals, families, and society all need education . Teaching requires giving. Providing education is indeed a difficult mission.

各位,四大志业,「慈、悲、喜、舍」,必定要用无量心,这叫做四无量心。要有「大慈无量、大悲无量、大喜无量、大舍无量」,用这四无量心,去实行六波罗蜜——「布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、禅定、智慧」。

Tzu Chi's Four Missions encompass loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Our actions must arise from these 4 sentiments. These are the 4 Infinite Minds. We must have Infinite Loving-kindness, Infinite Compassion, Infinite Joy, and Infinite Equanimity. With these 4 Immeasurables, we practice the 6 Paramitas, which are Giving, Upholding Precepts, Patience, Diligence, Samadhi, and Wisdom.

四心、六度,这就是我们学菩萨法的正行道。正确,就是我们主要要去实行的道路。

The 4 Immeasurables and the 6 Perfections comprise the right path for learning the Bodhisattva's ways. We must practice on this proper path.

所以我们说过「六度万行」。六度─「布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、(禅定、智慧)」,有很多能够补助六度,六度扩散出去就是万行。所有的佛法,都是在这四心、六度里面。我们如果可以日日将心用在四心,行,行在六度。若能这样,我想所有的佛法、藏经所说的教法都在里面。

We have already discussed actualizing the Six Perfections in myriad actions. The 6 Perfections includes Giving, Upholding Precepts, Patience, Diligence. The 6 Perfections have many supporting practices and can be expanded to many actions. All Buddha-dharma is encompassed in the 4 Immeasurables and the 6 Perfections. If we can internalize the 4 Immeasurables and practice the Six Paramitas at all times, this encompasses all the teachings found in the Buddha-Dharma and in the Sutras.

人人学佛不必很复杂,实在是很简单就可以。加上了辅助,就是用三十七助道品来辅助,帮助我们坚固道心。

Learning Buddhism need not be complicated. It can really be quite simple. With assistance from the 37 Practices to Enlightenment, we will strengthen our will to practice.

对境、对人、对事,以三十七助道品时时提高警觉。如果能这样,这我们条菩萨道不难走,实在是很好走。

When we deal with people, matters, and conditions, we can use the 37 Practices to Enlightenment to constantly heighten our vigilance. If we can do this, walking the Bodhisattva-path will not be difficult. It will be an easy journey.

所以学佛,我们要用很简单的心,但是要用很纯真的信,信受奉行。我们一定要很简单、很单纯地信受奉行在四心、六度。这样三十七助道品,应该就在我们的日常生活中。

So we must use a simple mind to learn Buddhism. But we need genuine and pure faith to believe, accept, and practice Buddha's teachings. We must follow the teachings with simple and innocent minds. The 4 Immeasurables, the 6 Perfections, and the 37 Practices to Enlightenment should be applied to our daily living.

虽然反反覆覆(的说明),但是大家要记得。这样的反反覆覆(的提醒),到底我们有没有日日感受?所以要请大家时时多用心啊!

I have made these points repeatedly. But everyone must remember this: is this repetition having an impact on us? So everyone, please always be mindful!

出处:http://moya.iyard.org/bin/view/Blog/BlogEntry2311

30 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月30日 - 菩萨道上互牵引



视苦厄 思知足
【证严上人5月30日志工早会开示】


「想一想,现在(全球)已经有七十亿人口,同一秒钟唿出去的浊气,过去有大树可以吸纳,但是现在山河大地被破坏,不断盖起高楼大厦,土地该要有唿吸的地方都已经被铺了水泥、柏油……」

吸一口新鲜的空气,能感受到唿吸自在的珍贵吗?人的心念与行为,影响环境的调和,特别是在人口激增的现代环境中。证严上人在今日(30日)的志工早会上开示,面对频仍的天灾,人人要能知道灾难的源头,要能预防、戒慎,更要发心立愿不要再继续犯错下去。

修行非仅悟生死 付出人生真解脱

上人开示,「《法譬如水》中,『愿乐善好施不悭贪,难捨能捨道业成;愿恆持无染清净戒,不受色诱无淫想;愿了悟贪爱如桎梏,厌离五欲不受缚。』这都是我们的心灵要自我解脱,修行就是要解脱!」

上人开示,解脱不是了生脱死,而是能体会到人生的价值。上人以慈济于非洲衣索比亚的援助为例,歷史上的今天,2000年5月30日,距离衣索比亚首都130 公里远的亚岱柏柏罕镇公立医院正式揭碑启用,此为慈济与法国世界医师联盟(Medecins Du Monde,MDM)合作计画中由慈济所援建的医院,由于当地医疗资源缺乏,该院必须照顾的居民高达180万人,小小的一栋楼也是该区域中唯一一所具备开刀、产房的后送医院。

遥远国度如炼狱 平等大爱即驰援

回溯慈济与衣索比亚的因缘,始于1984、1985年间,当时媒体曾大幅报导衣索比亚因长期内战与干旱,造成粮食、医疗资源等缺乏的问题。1990年,慈济展开国际赈灾的脚步不久,1992年法国世界医师联盟来到花莲,向上人呈报衣索比亚的灾情,「他们将衣索比亚的苦难情景带到我的眼前,看了真的很不忍心,于是我们决定和他们签约!」

沿街弃置的报废装甲车与倾颓的墙面,处处是战乱后的痕迹,而因干旱而扬起的风沙,触目所及无一绿树或植被,更说明了衣索比亚居民久旱后的艰困处境。在93年的首次勘灾中,勘灾团即遇上难产的妇女爲求医疗,在村人扛了八个钟头后终于抵达简陋的医疗站的情景;除医疗资源缺乏外,因树木早已砍伐殆尽,居民的房舍更只好以牛粪涂墙,环境脏乱恶劣,令人不捨。

雨露甘霖无疆界 无缘大慈菩萨行

其后经过勘灾与评估后,在三年的援助计画中,慈济共援建两所医学中心、十六所医疗站,并且爲居民自山上引水,建设十个集水站;而法国世界医师联盟则培养三百位基础医事人员于各医疗院所爲居民服务。

回顾援建过程的种种艰辛与衣索比亚人民的生活景况,上人感恩不捨,但也开示人人要能知足、要能感恩,「我们在这个时候不知足,还要求什么呢?所以我们要常常心存感恩,人与人之间要互相善解,彼此之间互相牵引走入菩萨道,菩萨道才是人间净土,我们的社会才能祥和!」

当思身处天人境 自爱付出真价值

昨日(29 日)慈济大学医学院六年级学生于静思精舍进行入院实习前的人文营,学生们分享学习心得与挫折,上人叮咛,「有机会付出就要感恩,有这样的心态就不会有挫折感。」

上人开示,「总之,我们需要人与人回归生命的价值观,就如一位老师和学生说的,『价格』和『价值』的差别,到底什么比较重要?生命的价值观就是『报恩』与『感恩』,自爱是报恩,人人自爱社会祥和;能付出是感恩,有机会付出就要心存感恩。总之,我们是有福的人生啊!」

静思晨语 - 2011年5月30日 - 58 - 生善不起恶



Refrain from all Evil, Uphold all Good

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八正道:
正见、正思惟、正语
正业、正命、正精进
正念、正定

The Eightfold Noble Path: Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

八正道,前面已经说到第五「命的正道分」,现在应该就是「精进」,第六就是「精进」。

In the Eightfold Noble Path, we have already covered the first five. We left off with Right Livelihood. The next element is Right Diligence.

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「进」就是不退
修行不但要精进
还要知见正确
才不会偏差为邪

""Precise" means to be focused and not be scattered. "Advancement" means to not regress. Not only do we need to be diligent in our practice, we must have right knowledge & views, so we will not deviate and do evil.

「精」就是不杂,「进」就是不退。

The Chinese characters which make up "diligence" are "precise", which means to be focused and "advancement" which means to not regress.

我们在精进的时候,不能够缺少「正」,我们如果向前前进的时候,前进得快,但方向若不正确,就差毫厘失千里,就变为邪。所以学佛最重要,就是要防邪入心。

We cannot be diligent without being upright. If we move forward quickly, and the direction is incorrect, we will end up far off course and become deviant. So as we learn Buddhism, it is important to prevent evil from entering our minds.

邪会妨碍我们正确的思想、正确的方向,所以我们必定要顾好,不要让它偏差。而且要精,精得没有其他的杂,杂就是秽垢、就是烦恼,就是不单纯。

Evil will hinder correct thinking and block the correct direction. Therefore, we must take good care of our minds so our thoughts do not stray. Moreover, we must be focused and uncluttered. When our minds are cluttered, filled with impurity, this is affliction . This is no longer simple.

修行是一件很单纯的事情,每一时刻把这一念心顾好,不要偏差、不能错误,在人事物中,我们要好好对人、好好做事、好好惜物,这样就叫做修行。修行就是要在日常生活中,很单纯的生活。

Spiritual practice is a very simple thing. We should constantly take care of the mind and never let it deviate or make mistakes. In interacting with people and dealing with things, we should treat people well, work hard and appreciate what we have.

This is what spiritual practice is about. It is about living a very simple life.

假使我们对于「物」,起了一念占有爱欲,那就是邪念,那就偏差去了。修行人对于「物」不应该有占有的爱欲,要明白,非我所有,就不能起非分贪念的心。

If we become attached to and crave certain objects, those are deviant thoughts that show we have strayed. As practitioners, we should not desire something that does not belong to us.

对物是这样,对人也是这样。看世间多少的眷属是怨偶?刚开始两个人彼此欢喜、爱恋,所以结婚了。

This attitude toward objects s​​hould apply to people as well. Many spouses have antagonistic relationships. They were once happy and loving so they got married.

经过几年的时间,心变了就会变成外遇,有了外遇,家庭就会发生问题。这个外遇就是邪,不该爱而去爱,非分的爱而去贪,这就会造成家庭的不幸。那就称为不正,也就是邪。

But as the years passed, their minds changed and they began having affairs. When extramarital affairs occur, the family becomes dysfunctional. The extramarital affair is wrong. If people love inappropriately and crave what is not theirs, that will cause family problems. This is not right. It is wrongful.

对人是这样,对事也是一样。看看每一天的报纸新闻,很多都是八卦新闻,这些八卦新闻,就是因为人心不正,所做的事情就会逾越我们的规矩,所以就会有很多看起来很奇怪,很不应该有的事情,这就是因为我们的思想不正确,所做的事情有偏差。

This applies to people. It also applies to things. When reading the newspaper every day, much of what we see is gossip. Gossip arises when people's minds have strayed, so they violate the rules of common decency and their actions appear to be strange and inappropriate. When our thinking is not correct, our actions will be misguided.

虽然我们很用心的在做事情,但是倘若我们的用心不正确,这就是偏差。这种差毫厘就失千里。

Though we may act with great care, if we are not thinking correctly, our actions will still be wrong. A slight deviation will take us far off course.

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所以修行学佛
要有「正精进」
才能证得
无上正等正觉

So as we learn and practice Buddhism, we must have Right Diligence to attain the Unsurpassed Perfect Enlightenment.

所以我们修行,就是要用很正确的心来修,无论是处事、对人、对物,我们都要用很单纯、守规则,守好我们的本份,在日常生活中,这样也称为精进。

So when we practice, we must do so with the right mindset. In our interactions with people and things, we must always be simple and pure, and follow the rules, fulfilling our core responsibilities in our daily living. This is also called diligence.

想要「诸恶莫作」,那就要先守护好我们的心;而「众善奉行」,是对的,是好的事情,方向正确,我们就要向前精进,这叫做「正精进」。

Most importantly, we must refrain from all evils. To do so, we must safeguard our mind and do all good deeds. As long as it is the correct thing to do, and we are on the right course, we must proceed. This is Right Diligence.

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于事上
只生善念不起恶心
于理上
修一切善、不执一切善

In spiritual practice, only allow good thoughts. Don't allow evil thoughts to arise. In realizing the principle, carry out all good deeds without being attached to them.

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由有念归于无念
即是「正念」

Transform the busy mind into a quiet mind. This is Right Mindfulness.

接下来就是「正念」,正念就是要有一个正确的观念。我们刚才所说的精进,就是正念若不具足,向前前进就会偏差,所以和这个观念是非常的密切,所以我们必定要有非常正确的观念。

Next is Right Mindfulness, which means to maintain the right perspective. As I mentioned earlier, if our state of mind is not correct, we will advance in the wrong direction. So the two elements are closely interrelated. Therefore, we must have a very correct perspective.

人生有时候,我们会想到不正确的,不正确的意思就是说:「我们自己的人生就是这样,但我们总是去看别人的人生,要以别人的人生标准,来套在自己的人生,怎么套都套不上去。」

In life, sometimes incorrect thoughts arise in our minds. For instance, instead of accepting our lives, we constantly look at others and use them as a standard to measure ourselves. So we will always fall short.

何况我们凡夫,不断向上比,这就是让我们永远感到不足的人生。其实我们的人生观念,应该要能够时时保持一个感到满足的人生观,你如果改为往下看、往下比,一切都很满足。无论是在生活中,无论在人与人的相处中等等,要保持「比上不足,比下有余」,的知足人生观。

Moreover, as ordinary people, we always compare ourselves against someone better, so we constantly feel discontent. Actually, we can have another perspective that makes us always content. If we compare ourselves with those who have less, we will be satisfied. In our daily living and interactions, there may be people who are better off, but compared to many others, we have plenty.

不要总是在那边钻牛角尖想:「我们最爱的人,怎么这么早走?怎么这么早就离开人间?这是我最爱的。」

For instance, when a person closest to us passes away, we may wonder, "Why did this person pass away so soon? He or she was so dear to me."

我们应该换个角度去想:「莫道君行早,更有早行人。」生命有长也有短,都是由不得自己,我们若能透彻生命无常的观念,应该就懂得把握健康的时候、把握互相相处的时候,要互相合心、和气、互爱,这种互相疼爱的观念应该要有。等到病了,到了人生临终的关头才来说「情」难舍,就会很痛苦。

We should remember that "there is always someone younger who has died." How long people live varies and is beyond our control. If we can truly understand this perspective, we will take advantage of our health, treasure our time with our loved ones, and work together with unity, harmony & mutual love. We must know to cherish each other. If we wait until we are sick or dying to express our love, it will be too late.

印尼传回来的日志,看到他们写了一段,文化志工去雅加达市内的纪录。同样在那个市内,看起来市容有高楼大厦,非常堂皇的城市,大楼林立。

In a report I received from our volunteers in Indonesia, I read that when our cultural volunteers reached Jakarta, they saw a forest of imposing high-rise buildings.

但是往前走,过铁路之后,就可以看到很多违章建筑,这些违章建筑都盖在铁路边,只不过离开铁路边差不多一公尺的地方,那个地方就开始搭建违章建筑。

However, in the same city, as they crossed the railroad tracks, they saw many illegally constructed shacks on the side. They were built about one meter away from the tracks.

我们的人到了那里,站了差不多十分钟,十几班的火车,很快地一班接着一班的过去。火车的声音很吵杂,我们的人站在那里感受,还不到十分钟的时间,就有十几班的火车经过,平均起来,不到一分钟就有一班的火车经过。

The volunteers stood there for about ten minutes, during which more than 10 trains passed by in quick succession. It was very noisy. Our volunteers stood there to experience it. More than 10 trains passed by in less than 10 minutes. This averages out to more than a train a minute.

他们去感受看看,这要怎么住下去?如何生活下去?偏偏那个地方就是那样的生活,日夜住在那个地方。

After experiencing that, they wondered how people could live in such an environment. But that was indeed how they lived day and night, that was their home.

更不可思议的还有,我们都知道很多在铁轨旁边都是铺石头,都是一些打碎的大石头,都很尖、很粗。他们搭在铁路过去差不多一公尺的地方,怎么睡呢?就只用薄薄的破塑胶铺着,就睡了。

Even more unimaginable was, since they were about a meter away from the tracks, the ground was covered with rocks. The pieces of pulverized boulders were sharp and rough. How did people manage to sleep there? They put down a thin layer of plastic tarp and slept right on it.

还有,他们所租的房子,还不到三坪小小的屋子,竟然是三户分租,这三户在不到三坪的房子里面,要怎么住呢?他们用轮流的,三班轮流睡。

Moreover, the shacks they rented were very small. A place less than 10 square meters was rented to three families. Three households must share such a tiny space. How do they all fit in there? They take turns to sleep in three shifts.

所以在那个地方,你可以看到深夜的时候,小孩子还在外面踢球、在外面玩。警察巡逻到那个地方,问他:「怎么这么晚了还在那边玩?怎么不去睡呢?」他们就回答说:「轮到我们睡觉的时间还不到,要到四点才轮到我们睡觉。因为还没有轮到我们睡觉的时间,所以我们先在外面。」

That is why, late at night, we can see children playing and kicking balls outside. When the police patrolled the area, they asked, "It's late, why aren't you sleeping? Why are you playing here?" The children replied, "It is not our turn to sleep yet. Our turn comes at 4 am" They were playing outside because it is not their turn to sleep.

听到他们在描述,那里的人居住生活的形态,实在很可怜。所以也有企业家,陪着太太去看,看到那些贫困的人,就回头跟他太太说:「你如果少买几件衣服,就可以让这些人生活大半年了。」

Our volunteers' descriptions of their living conditions and lifestyle made me sad. Some entrepreneurs accompanied their wives as they visited these poor people. One of them said to his wife, "If you buy fewer outfits, that money could support these people for over half a year."

几个太太听到了,彼此之间互相看看,回答说:「我知道你的意思了。」是啊!就要来看,应机逗教,在这个地方及时让她们知道,她们如果可以少买几件衣服,就可以提供这些人过半年的生活。

The wives looked at one another, and replied at the same time, "I understand what you mean." Indeed, this was the right time to teach. At that point, one could promptly let them know, if they bought one less piece of clothing, they could support these people for half a year.

的确,人生要怎么比?所以说起来,我们的观念要正确,不必怎么比较,比较是会造成人生痛苦的事情。我们要知道如何生?就如何自然生活!我们要时时知足。

Indeed, how are we to compare with others? Therefore, we need the right perspective, which is that we do not need to compare our lives with others. Constant comparisons will only cause suffering. We need to learn how to just live according to the means we have. We should always be content.

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把心顾好
不受欲念所引诱
不被烦恼所染着
即是「正定」

Take good care of your mind so as not to be tempted by desires or defiled by afflictions. This is called Right Concentration.

再来就是「正定」,定就是心要正,选择了人生的方向之后,就不要再起心动念,凡夫难得能够找到正道,我们如果再起心动念,若在正道中又有心的动念,就容易放弃我们所选择的。

Next is Right Concentration. Concentration means that our minds are correct. After we choose a direction, we should not allow the mind to waver. If we, as ordinary people, allow the mind to waver even if we are on that rare right path, we will easily come to give up what we have chosen.

常常说「正定」,以为坐禅就是正定,其实,正定是在日常生活中,把心照顾好,不要受人间社会,种种不如意的事情,来动摇我们清净的心;也不要让世间的欲念来引诱,使我们方向偏差。

Many people consider Right Concentration to be a state that is achieved by sitting meditation. Actually, it is achieved by taking good care of our minds in daily living. Don't allow adversity in the world and society to influence your pure mindset and don' t let worldly desires tempt you to deviate in your direction.

以上,种共有三十七种帮助我们行菩提道的方法,从四念处、四正勤、四如意足、五根、五力、七菩提分、八圣道分,合起来总共有三十七条的方式,让我们每一条都能很清楚、很了解,守住日常生活中的规矩,这就是帮助我们坚定道心。

There are 37 Practices to Enlightenment: the Fourfold Mindfulness, 4 Right Efforts, 4 Bases of Spiritual Power, 5 Spiritual Roots, 5 Powers, 7 Factors of Bodhi and the Eightfold Noble Path All together, there are 37 methods. If we can understand each one of them clearly, and live by this code of ethics in daily living, we will strengthen our determination on the path.

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内修四无量心
外行六波罗蜜
以三十七助道品
坚固四心、坚定六度
为菩萨成就佛道之法

Cultivate the 4 lmmeasurables internally and practice the 6 Paramitas externally. Use the 37 Practices to Enlightenment to strengthen the 4 Immeasurables and 6 Perfections. That is the way Bodhisattvas attain Buddhahood.

所以上面还有四心、六度。四心就是四无量心—「慈、悲、喜、舍」。我们要有慈心、我们要有悲心、要有喜心、要有舍心,叫做四心。

Before, we had the 4 Immeasurables & 6 Perfections. The 4 lmmeasurables, as you all know, are kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. We must have loving-kindness and compassion. We must have joy and equanimity. Together these are the 4 lmmeasurables.

六度是以「布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、禅定、智慧」,这六种方法我们必定要实行,我们要当菩萨,一定要有四心、六度,好好助我们向前行,这就是菩萨。

The 6 Perfections are Giving, Upholding Precepts, Patience, Samadhi and Wisdom. We must cultivate these six practices. To be a Bodhisattva, we need to have the 4 Immeasurables and 6 Perfections to ensure a smooth transformation. These are the ways of a Bodhisattva .

接下来三十七助道品,这是帮助我们坚固我们的四心、坚定我们实行六度。所以这三十七种规矩的生活方法,就是用来帮助、辅助我们。我们若能运用四心、六度,我们若能生活在三十七条的规矩中,这样我们必定能完成。

The 37 Practices to Enlightenment help strengthen our practice of the 4 Immeasurables and 6 Perfections. These 37 practices are methods of living and can be used to help and guide us. If we can practice the 4 lmmeasurables and 6 Perfections and abide by the 37 Practices to Enlightenment in our daily living, we will certainly accomplish our spiritual path.

各位,这段用这么长的时间,只不过是要让大家知道,我们要如何完成,与佛同等的这念清净法身,所以有这么多的方式,我们要好好用心。

Everyone, I spend a long time talking about this so that you will all know how to attain a pure Dharma-body equal to the Buddha's. That is why I talk about all these methods. We must be always be very mindful.

其实说起来都很简单、很单纯,没有什么困难。只是在我们的日常生活中的举手投足、开口动舌,我们用心去付出,用心。无论说话也要用心,付出而说我们应该说的话,要做一件事情,也要用心在举手投足行的方向。

It sounds simple and straightforward, not difficult at all. We just need to pay close attention to every move we make and every word we say. Let us be mindful when we speak and say only what we should say. When we do something, we need to be mindful of doing it correctly.

一切我们若能用心,所做的一切就没有偏差。所以请大家要时时多用心啊!

If we can be mindful about everything, nothing we do will deviate from the path. So everyone, please always be mindful.

出处:http://moya.iyard.org/bin/view/Blog/BlogEntry2307

29 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月29日 - 实践生命的志愿



人生何价 以「假」修智慧
【证严上人5月29日志工早会开示】


「慈济是日不落的世界,它没有假期,而且假日永远就是慈济人最忙碌的时刻;这就是人生的生命价值观,分秒都是踏踏实实地用在与人群互动……」

慈济人分秒不空过,而全球慈济人的分秒相续,即见证了慈济「日不落的世界」。证严上人在今日(29日)志工早会上,感恩各地慈济人的踏实付出,以最诚恳的心、最坚定的愿力,将佛法落实在生活中,并鼓励在场即将进入医院见习的慈济大学医学院的学生们要转智识为智慧、体会生命的价值。

心诚意正勤济贫 以愿立志行人间

美国慈济人日前跨国前往墨西哥贫民区进行济贫关怀,虽然路途遥远,但跨国访贫之行却从未间断;加拿大本拿比市发生民宅大火,50多户受灾,慈济人即刻前往发放,当地的市长在参与发放过程时,赞叹慈济人的发放不是在救济物资,而是爱的交流!

上人透过大爱新闻看见各地慈济人的用心付出而感恩赞叹,「我常说,慈济人内修诚、正、信、实,我们对任何一个人、每一件事情,都是要很诚意的无虚、踏实,用最诚恳的心关怀受灾受难人;古人也说『诚意感动天』,这样的付出,每一次在大爱臺的报导中都能看到,我都很感恩很感动。」

除海外慈济人,台湾慈济人也不例外。莫拉克风灾后,全臺慈济人无不动员起来,除打扫、发放等等之外,关怀至今仍不间断,日前并陆续进行「安心助学计画」,爲受灾而无力缴交註册费的学生提供助学援助,慈济人诚恳的付出,感动许多学子与家属。

上人开示:「普天之下,天天都可以看到慈济人在不同的角落付出,让人与人之间更加温馨,也让社会更加亮丽。假如人世间都是那样冷漠,在人世间又有什么意义?所以我们人人要发心立愿……」

体佛智慧悟真理 众生无别唯一念

上人期许,人人的志愿应要从体会生命的价值与增长慧命为出发点,「生命的价值观就是要去体会无限量的智慧,因为在宇宙间,尤其是这一颗地球,除了人之外还有不同的生命,佛陀说蠢动含灵皆有佛性,猪、牛、狗、猫……同样的生命、不同的身体,生命价值是平等的吗?佛陀一直一直分析;分析后佛陀说,『心、佛、众生三无差别』,也就是说佛陀与所有的众生,不同身体型态的生命等等,都和佛陀是平等的,平等的什么?那就是那一念心。」

上人开示,动物同样有情有爱,母老虎再兇勐也有母性,然而生命佛性虽同,但却因为依报、正报而环境有异。畜牲因「依报」而成猪狗牛羊,又因「正报」不同而有生存环境的差异,有的畜牲飢饿待杀、有的则被主人捧为「宠」物。

佛陀以觉悟的智慧开示众生了悟因果,更期待众生能理解三千世界的宇宙宏观,「我现在慢慢体会到佛陀所说的道理,不只是人世间,还包括宇宙间……」

上人开示,「现在的科学已经慢慢证明佛陀的世界观和宇宙观,佛陀是宇宙的大觉者,所以各位菩萨们、大医王们,你们都是高知识份子,希望再更上一层楼是高智慧;智识和智慧差一点点,智慧可以通彻万理,希望大家要多用一点心!」

理法入心需力行 明愿晓志无怨心

法入心、法入行,人人听法行法才是真正身心入理,上人期许,人人要透过忏悔法门,在体会天地告急后,能发心立愿,社会能够调和则需从自己做起!

上人叮咛,「各位医师也是有志有愿而行医,而行医就是要救拔生命和生命对话,所以我们就要用生命走入生命,这就是使命。人人要很清楚明白自己的志愿,没有兴趣的事,做起来就会很辛苦,所以人人要当医生之前要看清楚方向,假如甘愿做,再多的辛苦都是很欢喜!」

苦难人间恆有情 清净之爱日不落

有志有愿、付出体会,就能慧命增长。上人举约旦志工为例,北非中东地区因「茉莉花革命」效应,各国纷纷发生暴动事件,日前约旦也有贫民起而抗议,好在约旦慈济人与贫民们长期互动已经有爱的存款。值此效应之际,慈济人加紧脚步进行每週发放,透过安心肤慰稳定贫民们的身心,「这都是在世间,不是做不得到,只是有没有耐心去做而已!」

上人开示,「总之,希望我们天天宏观天下,人间菩萨是一个日不落的世界,看看有五十几个国家都有慈济的分支会,日不落的慈济世界,每一天都是慈济日,每天有许许多多的人在为苦难人间付出;感恩,我天天不能不说感恩,慈济人的带动是那样欢喜,这就是我们爱的唿唤也是爱的肤慰。」

28 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月28日 - 回归圆形的菩萨道



郑李实先 情长缘深师徒缘

静思精舍的第一支电话由何而来?当时台湾的经济虽已开始好转,电话的普及率却不高。精舍对外联络,无论是白天晚上、刮风下雨,都要跨过农场和一条大马路去打公用电话。花莲地区的委员若是有事情向上人报告,也要特别搭计程车,花费不少。

郑柏、李实先两夫妻觉得师父需要一只电话,因此开始打听装设之事。由于当时精舍四周都是田,又是附近第一个要装电话的地方,线路得从大马路那拉过来,还要架设十几根电线桿,费用非常昂贵。两夫妻与上人的大弟子德慈师父起了个会,又藉着郑柏职务之便,终于将电话在很短的时间内装好。

第一通电话由上人亲自打进来,电话号码是“二六六七七九”。上人说这个号码的谐音是“你落难,去去救”;有了这支电话,要多多去救人 、帮助人。

不少你我 愿力而行

「我们是一群快乐的志工,散布在马里兰州、维吉尼亚州及华盛顿特区。虽然我们来自各行各业,有不同的兴趣、背景、甚至宗教信仰。但是,和您一样,我们都有一颗炽热的心,想要回馈社会……」开启美国华府慈济联络处的网页,招唿着有心人参与慈善访视个案、机构关怀、癌友关怀、慈济人文学校、环保──当地志工服务内容多样化而稳定;而它的缘起,是1989年移居至此的郑李实先,从小型茶会迈出了第一步……

郑李实先和夫婿郑柏在1971年、慈济成立第五年的时候成为慈济委员,静思精舍的第一支电话、常住众赖以营生的婴儿纸尿裤机器和慈济在台北的第一个固定聚会场所,都是他们伉俪提供的。由于子女先后到美国留学、就业,当郑柏退休后,夫妻俩于1989年移居美国华盛顿特区和子女团聚。

1990年,她自美返台,回静思精舍探访证严上人,几位海外的志工正在报告会务,上人看看郑李实先,说:「妳呢?」她随意回了一句:「师父!您身边人很多啊!」

「谁说我身边人很多?」上人以严肃的目光看着她。郑李实先立刻忏悔自己的失言,赶紧补上一句:「师父!我去华府播种,多我一分力量,让慈济的精神发扬光大。」

就这么一句话,开启了郑李实先的播种之路。

既已发愿,郑李实先即刻准备返美,怎知两个考验接踵而来──首先是健康检查报告出来,她的血糖、血压都不适合长途旅行。「若再拖延下去,不知几时才能到美国播种?」她决定按照既定的日期出发。

没想到飞机起飞没多久,引擎就着火了!原定行程是飞往东京再转飞美国,但紧急在琉球迫降,之后转机多次。「那一趟二十几个小时的飞行,真教人胆战心惊!我一直告诉自己要镇静,既然想往前走,就不要怕逆境考验。」

从心出发 从零开始

在美国推展慈济,全凭几本文宣和一张嘴巴从零开始。「虽有语言、文化等障碍,但只要有心,还是可以做得起来,最重要是以『诚』服人。」郑李实先说,爱心人人有,但要如何启发,就需靠一点智慧。

她在华府佛教会的共修活动中募款,四处举办小型茶会,找到机会就发送文宣,获得不少襄贊。其中,长她几岁的黄陈玉桂不但加入会员,还请先生开车载她们向朋友宣介慈济。黄陈玉桂擅长烹饪,吸引不少会众前来参加茶会,郑李实先说:「在美国能吃到中国味的餐点,大家都很喜欢,也能藉此解解乡愁。」

起初茶会设在郑李实先家裏,虽然规模不大,但不到一年,即有一百六十多人加入慈济会员,这在华人不多的华府,已属难得;1994年7月,又有宋笃志夫妇提供房子作为会所,使得华府会务推展更为顺遂。

「郑妈妈!我也想发心当会员,可是钱不是很多呢!」「没关系!有爱心最重要!当初慈济也是靠一群家庭主妇每天捐五毛钱开始做起的啊!」也有人问郑李实先:「妳年纪那么大了,还在做慈济啊?」「做慈济没有退休制度!」

克难济贫 见苦知福

郑李实先说,早年委员数不多,北自宜兰、南至新竹都是台北委员访视的范围,「当时大家真是克难在做慈济,为劝募善款、为访视个案,再高再远的地方也愿意去。」

当时,以她一位外省籍妇人,不懂闽南语,却要跟着台北几位委员去访贫,言语沟通上确实有点障碍;不过,她很诚心学习,很快就与大家融为一体。「早期三重那几位委员都很纯朴,他们讲闽南语,我讲国语,刚开始有点鸡同鸭讲,但合作久了,自然就能通了!」也因郑李实先受过高等教育,国语又流利,才能在公务单位沟通个案问题时,讲得明、办得快。

对于当年参与救助的第一件个案,郑李实先仍记忆犹新。那位患者胃出血送医急救,却欠缺手术费用;郑李实先立即请託友人相助,让患者办妥住院手续。之后郑李实先走访邻长、里长处为他申请贫户证明,继而再转往区公所、市政府社会局申请补助款,连同慈济功德会补助一半医疗费用,把一条生命拯救回来。

在此之前,当上人要她跟着台北委员去访贫时,向来生活优渥的她还率真地说:「台北没有穷人啦!」但办完这件个案后,她发现原来在繁华的台北都会裏,仍隐藏了很多穷苦民众。「上人让我去看个案,无形中就是要启发我的悲心,也藉机教育我要知足。」

师徒之缘 情长缘深

1997年8月,李实先早晨在家礼佛时,觉得胸口痛想吐,女儿叫救护车将她送到医院,医生说是心肌梗塞,必须马上住院。她在加护病房住了八天,一共急救了三次才回过来;她自己是后来从一位师姊口中,才知道当时的情况有多严重,上人差点要叫师姊们为李实先“办事 ”了!

郑李实先说,过去她对父亲突发心肌梗塞往生的事情抱憾不已;直到遇到上人,知道上人也有相同的经歷,却能把对父亲的爱扩及到普天下众生,那种无私的大爱襟怀,令她深为感佩,也因此决定追随上人行善。从三十七岁直到七十八岁,郑李实先不改其志,一生和慈济都分不开。

这一念悲心,一路跟随郑李实先从台北、美国绕了一圈后,又回到台北,如今她已在5月18日早晨安详离世;生命殒逝,但慧命长存,精神亦歷久而不衰;她用生命做慈济,也为慈济、为人间留下美善的篇章。

27 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月27日 - 生命循环难思议



善念种子布 乘愿人间度
【证严上人5月27日志工早会开示】


「时间就是这样过,人的一生也堪嘆是短暂。」美国慈济人医会医师林慧如,昨天晚间于花莲慈济医院往生,今日的志工早会上,证严上人忆及慧如于美国九一一事件时的菩萨身影,不捨的说:「国际赈灾她都不缺席,她的爱心不只是救贫;救急,她都是动得很快,非常的热心,在慈济志业上道心坚固。」

生命剧本终有尽 愿力不灭乘愿来

然而生命剧本写得太短,慧如于五十八的年岁离开了人世间,离开了师父,上人感嘆人世间的因缘难以预测,生命长短,实由不得自己。过去生中写的剧本,总是到了末端出现警讯;然而慧如面对师父的劝告,仍矢言使命还未了,仍要负载师父的心愿。上人当时劝慰她:「妳要好好地保重,才能真正(力行)我的心愿、妳的使命,才能更长、更广、更大。」

这样的使命,在5月26日划下休止符,上人祝福她如愿归来,亦赞叹其丈夫朱居士,与太太同心、同道、同志愿,都是师父的弟子。「她那一边的因缘成熟,这一边的因缘尽了,乘愿而去,而且又来了。」

灌溉善苗护自性 养慈长悲断恶根

脑海浮现小菩萨可爱的身影,上人开示,人生来去的,生老病死自然法则,因缘总是不可思议。上人举《法譬如水》偈文「红尘滚滚迷自性」,言及人人来人世之初本具有佛性,出生后,于此红尘滚滚中迷失掉了自性,慢慢地「三心蔽障烦恼生」,由着「贪、瞋、痴」三心,蒙蔽了自性,烦恼不断地产生。

而之所以人人会忘掉本具有的佛性,都因「三业荒唐起无明」,上人开示:「三业就是身、口、意,在滚滚红尘中不断受污染,所以『意』念就会被蒙蔽,而起如此的荒唐无明。」现今,慈济的教育志业,许多老师肩负使命,要传道授业,从幼教的幼苗开始就播种灌溉善念,养成了菩萨心,因此孩子身心都会健康。「紧接着小学、中学等等,保护好孩子的生活习惯,让他身、口、意都要善良的循环;恶念不生,善念不断地成长。」

境界育善菩萨心 引度父母入善门

上人举中国大陆福建一位小学四年级的孩子为例。

读《静思语》多年而颇有心得,即使面对同学偷他的铅笔盒,他选择原谅他人来善待自己。上人欣言:「这都是很有希望,他从小以来,虽然离开我们臺湾这么遥远,可是他听到了慈济,读了静思语,就有那样的心得。」

「这都是在这大团体里培养出来的,捨此投彼,本性不增减,带着菩萨的种子,从慈济的宗门出去,引度父母再进来;这都是不可思议的生命循环。」

永离怨瞋不杀生 斋戒护生结善缘

上人再回首弟子林慧如的菩萨足迹,救生、护生,不顾身地投入国际赈灾、义诊,实是人间勇勐的菩萨。「她还有一个心愿,生生世世持斋戒。」上人叮咛,因缘果报的真理,人人必须信受,且要「永离怨瞋不杀生」。「若众生的肉,进了你的口,一样会有杀生因缘,跟众生生命群结上了那一分的恶缘,就会有恶报。所以要发心立愿不杀生,还要救生、护生。」

而生生世世持斋戒的愿,在慈济的教育志业体,如实地被执行着。上人开示:「那都是期待守护着善根,持斋戒,希望这种教育是一个希望教育,从幼苗开始培养他的善根,再慢慢成长。」

一念善生百千万 调和人心天地安

上人开示,一念善因,就是一颗善的种子。千万个善的种子,来自于一念善的出发,再扩及很多人,而万恶也是从一念无明起。故人人需好好地呵护每一颗再来的善种子,让它不受污染。

举臺南慈小一位孩子,本身茹素也推广素食,另一位孩子则表示无肉不吃,然而经由大环境中的教育,他开始自我反省、警惕,启发爱心,亦带动父母茹素。上人开示:「真的,只要一个人吃的习惯改变过来,对大地都是帮助很大,同时能够培养爱心。而有善良的爱心,社会才能祥和,人心净化,大地净化,那就天下无灾难。」

转而看见新闻报导,桑达颱风在海面上形成,风速转为强度,上人唿吁人人应当提高警觉,戒慎虔诚,但愿这样大自然的风与雨,能够顺调。上人说:「调和就是平安。人生本来生命就是短暂,不过,想到了可爱的菩萨又来到人间,要度化更多的人,我就心安了。」

静思晨语 - 2011年5月27日 - 57 - 利益人群当清净



Benefit Humanity Through Acts of Purity

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时间无常,人命也是一样无常,时间可以成就一切,但是人命也可以成就道业。

Time never stands still. Human life is also impermanent. Anything can be accomplished with time. We can also accomplish our spiritual cultivati​​on.

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八正道:
正见、正思惟、正语
正业、正命、正精进
正念、正定

我们若是能好好把握时间,分秒都在「正精进」当中,无论是「正见、正思惟、正语、正业、正命、正精进、正念、正定」,我们都在一个正字中来使用时间,我们的生命就可以成就道业。

If we can make good use of time, we can practice Right Diligence at every moment. Whether with Right view, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Diligence, Right Mindfulness or Right Concentration, we make ”right use of time and we can become accomplished in spiritual practice.

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从事正当清净
不违因果
利益人群的职业
称之「正命」

Be upright and pure in your work and do not disregard the law of cause and effect. Engage in an occupation that benefits humanity. This is called Right Livelihood.

今天说的「正命」,命就是在呼吸间,是不是光有呼吸就算有生命?人活着和呼吸,分秒都不能有差错,一个呼吸「出」和「入」是在几秒中,我们如果能协调、顺畅,我们的生命就算是健康。

Today's topic is Right Livelihood. Life exists between breaths. Is life just about being able to breathe? Of course, to stay alive, we must breathe properly. Inhalation and exhalation occur in seconds. If nothing goes wrong and this process is smooth, it means we are healthy.

不过健康的生命,到底要如何去利用它?就是因为有健康的生命,若是没有健康的思想,生命和时间愈长,我们的业就愈重。假使如果生命和时间能够长,我们如果能有正确的利用,当然这就能成就道业。

However, how are we going to make use of this healthy life? If we have a healthy life with an unhealthy mentality, the longer we live, the more karma we accumulate. If our life lasts a long time and we use it correctly, then we can be successful in our spiritual cultivati​​on.

但是我们人往往就是会,疏忽掉生命的使用方向。看到我们社会在做的事业、从事的职业,看起来,很多人为了生活不顾一切,很多都是损害生灵,这生命应该如何活?若能在这个大地上和平共存,看大地上有很多的生命,看起来就很精彩。

However, as humans, we often neglect to think about how we use our lives. Look at the different businesses in our socially. From the different occupations we can see that many people in order to make a living, engage in work that harms other living creatures. How should we live in this world? We should harmoniously coexist with all beings. Look at how wonderful and delightful it is to see many different species living on the land.

我们有时候看有很多的影片,在介绍地理、看动物。你们去看,有很多山、水、树木,很美的境界。你看到鹿在那边走、看到牛在那里吃草,看到小动物在土地上、草地上,哪怕只是一只虫在树叶上面爬。

Sometimes, we may see nature footage showing various parts of the world and their animals. The mountains, rivers and trees of those places are beautiful. See the dear trotting around, the cows grazing in the pastures, and tiny animals on the land and in the grass. Even a bug crawling on a leaf can add so much beauty to our world.

你们看,这个世间增添了多少美的境界。看我们坐在这里,我在说话,鸟儿在叫。看,增添多少生气啊!多么美的内容呢?所以人,若能和一切生命物和平共处,那就是净土了。

As we sit here, I am speaking and the birds are chirping. Their sounds create much vitality and truly enrich the world. So if mankind can peacefully coexist with all living creatures, the world will be a Pure Land, with the waters of Eight Merits & Virtues, Trees of the Seven Gems and sounds from all kinds of birds. This is how Pure Lands are described.

就像八功德水,还有七宝行树,还有各种鸟在叫,这就叫做净土。人间也能这样,很多生灵共处一起多好啊!

Our world can be like this, a wonderful place where everything coexists.

所以佛经里面,有这么一段的故事,那就是:波耶王在他的国家,以他的德来领导这个国家,使他的国境人民,都生活得非常的安详,全国都是持斋素食,没有杀生的。

There is a story in the Sutras about King Payas, who reigned over his kingdom with virtue. His people enjoyed very peaceful lives. They were all vegetarians, no one killed any animals.

所以全国真的是生命共同体,所以他的国家能够不治而安。他不用治理,全国就可以非常平安,人与人之间互爱、人与动物之间疼爱,十分和气,所以无论是「士、农、工、商」都非常祥和的社会。

So, in this kingdom, all living creatures coexisted in harmony. Thus he reigned peacefully and effortlessly. Without needing management, the country was peaceful and safe. Humans loved one another and cherished the animals. It was very harmonious. People from all walks of life worked well together.

其他有一个国家,另外一个国家,觉得波耶王所领导的国家,怎么能那么的丰饶?风调雨顺、物丰民安?这个国家怎么会那么美呢?国王就和他的大臣说:「我很羡慕这种国家,我若能取得这个国家不知道有多好!」

There was a king from another kingdom who saw how king Payas was able to lead his country to enjoy such abundance. With good weather, abundance and peace, the country was so beautiful. So this other king told his ministers, "I really envy this kingdom. It would be great if it could be mine."

有的大臣就附和那位国王,有的大臣则进谏说不可以,应该要和平共处。国王听了之后,还是觉得那个国家实在是很让人向往,所以他决定要去取得那个国家。

Some of the ministers supported the king. Others cautioned him against it and suggested that they coexist peacefully. After hearing their opinions, the king still yearned to own that country so he decided to conquer it.

当这个消息透露出去之后,那些向应国王的大臣就开始准备。而波耶王所拥有的波罗奈国的人民,一开始听到就怕了,就报告国王。国王听到这个消息,他觉得:「为什么要这样争夺呢?扰乱人心,让国民人人惶恐!只要有战争,老百姓必定有伤害,何况劳军动众,是一定会有损伤的。」

With that the ministers who agreed with him began to prepare for an invasion. In the kingdom of Varanasi ruled by king Payas, the citizens were terrified when they heard this. When the king heard the news, he felt, "Why fight like this? It disturbs the people and puts them in a state of fear. When there is war, the citizens will most certainly suffer. When troops are mobilized to fight, there will inevitably be loss of life."

所以他自己就这样想:「何必呢?何必与人争?何必与国争?无论是这个国家、那个国家,同样是生命共存的地方,何必起争端?一个人一张嘴一个口,无法同时吃几样东西。一个身体也无法同时穿很多衣服,还有什么好争的呢?」所以他决定离开这个国家,他觉得自己如果离开,大家自然不会为了国王,想要守住这个国家而和对方敌对。

So he thought to himself, "Why do this? Why fight with other people? Why fight with other countries? No matter which kingdom we are part of, we all coexist on the same piece of land. Why be embroiled in conflict? Each person has one mouth and can only take one bite of food at a time. Each person has one body and can only wear one set of clothes at a time. So what is there to fight over?" So he decided to leave his country. He felt that if he left, the people would not have to fight to defend the kingdom on his behalf.

最后他留下了一封信,向他的大臣说:「一定要保持全国人民的平安,不可动兵、不可动兵器。要以人民的平安为重。」接着他就跑到深山里面去,想要好好过一生平静的日子,与天地共处。

So he left a letter instructing his ministers to ensure the citizens' safety. They were not to mobilize the army or any weapons. The citizens' safety was their priority. With that he went deep into the mountains to lead a peaceful and quiet life, and be one with nature.

但是过了一段平静的日子之后,有一天有一位老人,非常年老了,从山里面经过。他全身好像很疲倦,很累的样子,好像很饿,也好像很贫穷。波耶王看到了之后就主动前去关心:「老人家你是从哪里来的?你看起来很累,来,在这里休息一下。」老人家就说:「是啊!我是很累。请问,从这里要到波罗奈城有多远?你知道吗?」王说:「知道啊!从这里再过去,起码要十几天的路程。」这位老人就说:「现在国王怎么样?平安吗?健康吗?」这位国王说:「他人现在很好,很平安、很健康。」老人家说:「这样我安心了。」

After a peaceful period of time, one day, a very old man passed through this part of the mountain. The king saw that the man looked very tired and hungry, and appeared to be poor. So king payas asked him, "Where are you from? You look very tired. Come, rest here for a while." The old man replied, "Yes, I”m tired, Do you know how far it is from here to the City of Variance?" "Yes, the journey will take over ten days." The old man asked, "How is the king doing? Is he safe and healthy?" The king replied, "He is safe and well, and also in good health." The old man said, " I feel at ease now."

国王就问说:「你怎么会那么关心国王呢?」老人说:「是啊!国王是好人,他不忍心人民受苦难,有求必应,我这回就是要去求国王。」国王就说:「你要去求国王什么事情呢?」老人说:「我已经很累了,我的一生都很贫穷。我还有孩子,我的孩子也要跟着我,过着这么贫穷的生活。我很期待贫穷到我这代就可以结束,让我的子孙能够富有。这是我的心愿,所以我要去求国王,让我能够脱离贫困。」

The king asked, "Why are you so concerned about the king?" The old man said, "The king is a good man, He could never bear to see people suffer and always helped fulfill their needs. I have a request for him. " The king asked, "What will you ask for?" He said, "I am very tired. My whole life, I have been poor. I have a child who lives in hardship with me. I pray that poverty will and with my generation, so my descendants can live in prosperity. This is my heart's wish. So I want to ask the king to lift us out of poverty."

国王听了之后想:「这位老人有这样的愿望,想要让他的子孙脱离贫困,所以这个时候应该是要再利用生命的时候了。」当他在做国王的时候,他有财物可以帮助人民,现在已经弃国了,把国家舍弃了,现在只剩下这个身体,这一生就只是在这里生活下去,无法利益人群,觉得这就是机会。

When the king heard that this old man hoped for his descendants to transcend poverty, he felt that it was time for him to put his life to good use again. When he was king, he had the wealth to help his people. Once he gave up his throne, all he had left was his body. If he were to continue living such a life, he could not benefit people in any way. He felt this was his opportunity.

所以他就跟老人说:「来!我跟你说,我就是啊!我就是那位国王。」他就把外国要来侵占他的国家,他为了国家、人民、大家的平安,所以他离开的这个因缘说给他听。

He said to the old man, "Come, let me tell you, I am the king you are looking for." He told the old man about how the other king planned to invade his kingdom and how he left for his people's sake.

然后他就和老人说:「但是现在我的这个身体还有价值,你把我的头拿去,送到国王面前,他绝对会有赏的。因为现在那位国王一直在找我,我还在时他不能安心。你把我的头拿去,他就会安心,他会送你很多东西。」

After he explained this, he told the old man, "But now, this body of mine still has some value. Take my head to the new king. He will surely reward you handsomely, because he has been searching for me. His mind cannot be at ease knowing that I am alive. If you bring him my head he will finally rest easy and give you a great reward."

这位老人说:「不行,绝对不行,我也一定要保护国王你,你有这样的德,对待人民这么隆高浓厚的德,我不能违背天命来杀害国王。」国王就说:「这是我的心愿,你若不敢下手,我自己来。但是你要记得拿去领赏。」说完之后,拿起刀,就把自己的头割断了。

The old man said, "No, absolutely not! I must protect you my king. You treat your people with such virtue. I can't go against heaven's will and kill a king." The king insisted, "This is my wish. If you dare not do this, I will do it myself. But remember what I told you." After he said this, the king took out his sword and beheaded himself.

老人十分悲痛,但是国王这分心意,这位老人也真的将国王的头包起来,非常恭敬走到城里,向城里的人说:「我要送给现在的国王,以前国王的一样礼物。」

The old man mourned, but since it was the king's last wish, he wrapped the head and brought it reverently into the city. He told the people of the city, "I have a gift for the king from the old king."

到底过去的国王在哪里呢?大家听到这个消息,赶紧把这位老人送到现在这位国王面前。现在这位国王就问说:「到底是什么东西呢?」老人就说:「是国王的首级。就是头!」打开来看,叫过去的大臣来认是不是?过去的大臣一认出来,呼天叩地,满朝文武官员看到国王的头,大家哭得死去活来。

The people had been wondering where the old king was, so when they heard this, they quickly brought the old man to the new king. "What is the gift?" "It is king Payas's head." The new king called. King Payas's ministers to identify the head. The ministers wailed in grief when they recognized him. Both civilians and military officials wept profusely and were ravaged by grief.

这位新的国王觉得:「这位国王如此得人心,我错了。」这个消息传到城外去之后,又听到城外所有的人民也已经全部聚集到皇宫来了,这种举国悲恸,可以证明这位国王深入民心,所以这位新国王他觉得后悔了,做了一件逆天命的事情。

When the new king saw how beloved king Payas was he thought, "I made a mistake!" Once the news spread outside of the city, all the citizens gathered at the palace. This nationwide display of sorrow proved how the people deeply loved king Payas . The new king was filled with regret and realized he had acted against the will of heaven.

所以他就赶紧捧起这个首级,赶快叫老人带路到过世的这位国王的地方,赶快叫人,把他的身体和头接起来,用金、银、蜡,让他的身体恢复完整。

So he quickly asked the old man to take them to where the king lived and quickly instructed people to sew the king's head back ont​​o his body. Then they embalmed the body using gold, silver, and wax and put it in order.

整理好身体,把身体请回皇宫,又让他好像坐在帝位一般,三十二年之久。等到这位国王的太子已经成熟了、长大了,那个时候能够掌领国政,就让那位太子登基。

They brought the body back to the palace and placed it on the throne. It remained there for 32 years until king Payas's son came of age and took over the throne to rule the country.

这段经文佛陀这么说:「你们可知道,在过去生中,我利用生命,在人间来来回回修行,利用生命利益人群,以生命来教导众生,这就是过去修行过程中的一世。」

In the Sutra, the Buddha said, "Do you know that in my previous lives, I used my life in this world to practice, to benefit people, to teach and guide sentient beings? This was one of my lives in that process."

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正命者能成道业
发挥生命的价值
反之则造恶业

People with Right Livelihood can accomplish their spiritual cultivati​​on, and fully realize the value of their lives. Otherwise, they will create bad karma.

所以人生,一段一段人生生命的过程,我们到底要如何活?要如何活得真正有意义?活得真正有生命的价值?我们从佛的经典中,我们可以处处看到生命的价值观。

So how do we want to live each of our lives throughout our lifetimes of practice? How can we live meaningfully? How can we bring value to our lives? In the Buddhist sutras, we see many teachings about the true value of life.

所以生命、生活的价值若是看得透,其实没有什么,只是在呼吸间而已。

If we can see through the value of life, we see there is nothing to it, it simply exists between breaths.

各位,利用生命,在时间中能够成就道业,我们的生命若不是正命,思惟、思想、造业若是偏差了,再长的时间同样也是在造业。

Everyone, if we make use of our lives, we can advance in our practice over time. But if we do not have Right Livelihood and stray in our thoughts & actions, then no matter how long we live, we are just creating karma.

所以大家要利用生命存在的时间,要赶紧把握时间,要善用我们的生命。所以请大家要多用心。

So everyone, while we are still alive, we must seize the moment and make good use of our lives. So please always be mindful.

出处:http://moya.iyard.org/bin/view/Blog/BlogEntry2305

26 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月26日 - 勿求美味贪口欲



自爱八分饱 爱人二分施
【证严上人5月26日志工早会开示】


「佛陀说,反观自性,自我检讨一下,有时虽然没有做伤害他人的事,可是却做了伤害自己的事!现代人的日常饮食中,自贪口味,不知自己吃的健不健康,或是有没有害处,所以在生活中真的要戒慎虔诚,对自己的生命也要自爱……」

口欲贪味伤身心 耗损资源乱干坤

古谚「民以食为天」,中国人重视饮食生活,但若只是偏好于口味贪欲的满足,则可能伤身害己。今日(26日)志工早会上,证严上人以「饮食」宜检朴淡泊,八分饱可保健康,是为自爱报恩;其他二分,还可以感恩心布施爱人。

「饮」与「食」滋养人的生命与能量,其中「水」更是大小干坤皆不可欠缺的物质,上人开示,水能净身体、养生命,一日的辛劳过后,若能清理身体是最为轻安自在的时刻,而人体无水则更是难以存活。

「人七天不吃还可以,但是不能没有水。可惜我们人啊!不知健康就是来自清淡的水,所以我们看到水应该要感恩,当你手伸出去要洗手的时候,听到噼哩啪啦的声音,就要把水关小一点,不要糟蹋水、浪费它,大家要珍惜水资源!」

味尘染心不自爱 不度自身何生度

以感恩心惜水,更要用戒慎心饮水,上人叮咛,水是最养生的物质,但是爲了贪口味加料,就成了六根中「味尘」的诱惑,「『味尘』口业就是喝也要要求喝的口味,不同的口味,就是不同的食品添加物;贪的不只是口,还有眼睛也是贪,这一杯要看起来喜欢,就要有各式各样的颜色,颜色也是色料,再加上许许多多的口味,这些化学饮料就会有损人体。」

上人开示:「味尘诱惑了我们的饮食、会损身,所以我们喝的、吃的要非常的谨慎!可要知道,人身得来不易,我们要好好珍惜,希望人人要天天好好地思量,去想一想如何才是养生之道,六道中,可以出生为人,多么难得,我们要知道如何让身体健康,健康就是懂得自爱。」

「此身不向今生度,又向何生度此身」,上人开示,我们已经难得人身,如果没有利用自己的身体自我度化,难道还要等别人来度吗?「要用这一生赶快好好度己,就是自爱,所以我常说『自爱是报恩,付出是感恩』,我们要报父母恩、报天地之恩,就是要把自己的身体照顾好,并且利用自己的身体多做好事。」

布施只待十分足 错失造福苦苍生

上人恺示:「有些人会想,等多累积一些的时候再布施,但是人心贪念有一缺九,何时才有余?不要自己的心里有了污垢,去做了污染大地、污染天空的事情,这是自爱;但是更要感恩,让我们身体健康,可以用有限短暂的身体帮助别人,布施于人。」

自爱健康且能布施助人的方法,可从饮食之道做起,上人叮咛,吃八分饱就是养生,全球七十亿人口里,近二十亿人仍在飢饿中,因此少吃一点,避免外食浪费,将多余的粮食帮助更需要的人也是造福。

「各位菩萨,我们要帮助人并不困难。」上人开示,「日常生活就是少一点点,对生活有益、对人世间可以造福,吃八分饱不要浪费,省下来的两分,那么现在飢饿的人不就会温饱了吗?所以我们用饮食自养身体,也可以布施养慧命,何乐而不为?吃,刚刚好就好!」

前世造福或造业 今生天人或鬼身

上人举一佛经故事为喻。

一位乡下人天色昏暗时,看见一位鬼身在鞭打一具尸体, 他壮起胆子去问鬼,「你为什么要鞭打尸体?你和他有什么深仇大恨?他死了你还要鞭打他。」鬼说,「这个尸体就是我的前生,他为人的时候不孝父母、为非作歹,害我受尽苦报,我苦啊!我怨啊!我恨啊!所以我要鞭打他,都是这个身体所造的恶……」

乡下人再往前走,远远看见一位天人,恭敬礼拜一具已腐烂的尸体,他也问了天人,「你是很庄严的天人,这具腐烂的尸体给你什么恩泽,你要恭敬对待他?」「他给的恩泽很重,生时孝顺父母、信仰三宝,布施做好事,所以我现在才能生在天堂!」

再往前走,同样看到一位天人,这位天人在酸枣树下,摘酸果来吃,乡下人问他,「你是天人这么富贵,为什么要不吃好的?为什么摘酸枣?」他很感慨地说,「是啊!我能享天福,是因为我在生时,孝顺父母、信仰三宝,可是我不相信布施得福,我只是赞叹……」

布施为悲自爱智 悲智双运福慧人

果报分明、歷歷不爽,上人开示,「这段故事是要我们能理解,人世间真的要把握这一生,更要把握有限的物资及时付出;不然的话,看看现在人,生活很富有但还要挑剔吃的口味,结果就会害了自己。」

上人叮咛,布施并不难,就从减少浪费做起,自备便当、料理饮食,简单的水就是最好饮品,健康卫生、自爱爱人。

上人开示,「各位菩萨,家里的饭最好吃、最健康,家里烧出来的开水最干净,希望大家要好好爱惜自己叫做报恩,还要付出就是感恩,这么简单轻易可以做的,没有困难吧?没有困难又可以造大福就是悲智双运。感恩大家,希望大家要时时多用心!」

静思晨语 - 2011年5月26日 - 56 - 认清生命价值



Appreciate the Value of Life

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我们每一天都有一天的开始,人生每一天的开始,我们应该要珍惜。健康就是我们的人生,所以佛陀告诉我们,生命在呼吸间,生命,我们的气、呼吸可以很顺畅,出去、进来,可以这样顺畅,这就表示今天生命健康。

Every day is a new beginning, at the start of each day, we must cherish our health. As the Buddha told us, Life exists between breaths, When we breathe, if we can inhale and exhale smoothly, it means that we are still alive and well.

所以我常说:「每一天眼睛睁开、醒了,动动我的手、动动我的脚。呼吸自由顺畅,手脚自如,感恩啊!」今天还能有健康的身体,开始今天这一天的人生,

I often say , Every day when I wake up and open my eyes, I move my hands and I move my feet , Aside from breathing smoothly, if my limbs can move about easily, I am grateful for still having healthy body as I begin my life today.

所以我们一定要认清楚我们人生的生命的价值。

Thus we must clearly recognize the value of our lives.

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众生多为烦恼所苦
唯以法水洗心
方能涤除重重垢秽
回归清净本性

Generally, sentient beings suffer from afflictions. Only by cleansing the mind with Dharma-water, can we eliminate the accumulated filth and return to our pure, intrinsic nature.

佛陀对我们的教育是循循善诱。众生烦恼偏多,八万四千无量无数烦恼,这么多的烦恼等于是污秽。

The Buddha guides and educates us with patience and skill. Sentient begins have many afflictions countless, innumerable afflictions . The afflictions we have are just like filth.

这么多的污垢脏秽要如何清除?唯有水,水才能清除一切污垢。众生的烦恼这么多,用什么烦恼才能消除?法,唯有法才能对治众生的烦恼。

How can we wash away all this filth? With water , Only water can eliminate all defilements. Sentient begins have so many afflictions, How can afflictions be eliminated ? With Dharma. Only Dharma can treat afflictions.

所以有这么多法来让我们对治,我们也要真正地以诚心、信心来接受法,就像病人接受治疗。

It gives us many methods to counteract out afflictions. We must honestly accept Dharma with sincerity and faith, just like a patient accepting treatment.

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八正道:
正见、正思惟、正语
正业、正命、正精进
正念、正定

我们昨天说过,三十七助道品里面的八正道,有:正见、正思惟、正语、正业、正命、正精进、正念、正定。昨天说到「正业」。

Yesterday I spoke of the Eightfold Noble Path in the 37 Practices of Enlightenment. I have covered Right Views, Right Thought, Right Speech and Right Action.

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南阎浮提众生
举止动念
无不是业
无不是罪
如来赞叹品第六

业就是造作,我们一切的造作无不是心地的种子,也就是八识田中的一粒种子,

Every single act creates karma, Everything we do sows seeds in out minds, or more specifically, in our Eight Consciousness.

所以《地藏经》里面也这么说:「开口动舌,举步动足,无不是业,无不是罪。」

In the Earth Treasury Sutra, it is written that each time we open our mouths or move our limbs we create karma.

常常要跟大家说,我们要很用心,照顾我们的起心动念,照顾我们的举步动足。人的一生能有多长?时间长短不重要,最重要的是在我们的日常生活中,我们的身心所做的是福、福业呢?或是恶的恶业?

So I constantly remind you to be mindful and look after your every thought and action . How long we live is not important. What is important is the type of karma we create with our bodies and minds in our daily living , Is it good or bad karma?

这都是在我们一生的时间中所累积的业。所以,「业」我们要很敬畏,我们要怕,怕我们不小心造了罪业,所以我们每天要很用心。

Throughout our lives, we continuously create and accumulate karma. Therefore, karma must be held in awe, we must be afraid of accidentally creating bad karma. So we must be very mindful each day .

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一切行为举止
皆是清净无邪
自利利他
谓之「正业」

If all our conduct is pure, without evil, we can benefit ourselves as well as others. This is called Right Action.

有福的人,他付出的力量大。就如昨天说过的,在印尼的这群企业家,他们能够上达总统,能够下通人民,他们以这股力量付出,让整个国家,都能受到他们的泽披。因为汇聚了他们这群有爱心的人、有力量的人、有心的人,所以推动起来的力量就大。所以「业力」的力量很大。

People with great blessings can make great contributions. For example, yesterday I mentioned the group of entrepreneurs in Indonesia, They could influence the president as well as the people, They used that power to help their entire country. This group of kind hearted individuals had tremendous strength and will , so their endorsement and actions had a great impact

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具足「正业」
则身业清净

When Right Action is perfected, we will create pure karma with the body.

我们若是正确,这股业力一推,造福人群就很多、很大,这股业若是偏差,多数的人造做,合起来的力量也一样很大,就使国家、家庭、社会、人生都混乱、破坏,所以业要「正业」。大家要很用心。

If our direction is correct, our actions can bring tremendous benefits to the people. But if the direction is wrong, the power of many people working together will likewise be tremendous. It will bring chaos to ourselves, our families, our society and country. So we should be mindful and practice Right Action

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依正法活命
从事正当的职业
用正确的方法
求取生活所需
谓之「正命」

Rely on upright methods to make a living. When one engages in a proper career and uses the right means to obtain what one needs to live, that is called Right Livelihood.

再来就是「正命」,正命就是我们的生命。很多人为了生命而造业,看到别人的「事业、名利、地位」种种都让人很羡慕,一直要向名利地位去追求,所以他就会做出很多,有时就是错误的人生,这种生命在世间愈长,恶业愈造愈多。

Next is Right Livelihood. Livelihood is how we make a living. Many create karma because of their livelihood, Some people see others success in business, fame, wealth, or status and become envious, so they continuously seek these things. In the process, they will commit many wrongs. Such people create more negative karma the longer they live.

偏差的人生称为「邪命」,就使人往偏差的方向愈走愈深,这就是陷入陷阱的「邪命」。

When people engage in deviant ways for their livelihood they will go further astray falling into the traps of evil ways.

但是我们信仰了佛法,我们要改邪归正,无论是为了生活,或做什么事情,我们都要选择正确,有的人诈欺、骗取等等,这就不对了。

Since we have taken refuge in the Buddha-Dharma , we must turn from wrong to right. Whether we do something to make a living or any other reason, we must always choose ways that are upright. Some people earn a living through fraud, etc . That is wrong.

为了生活努力是很好,但是要[靠]正当的职业、正当的事业来营生,来经营我们的生活,应该是要这样。假如只是为了生活而方向偏差,那会很错误。

It is good to work hard to provide for ourselves yet we must do so by engaging in proper occupations or decent business. This is what we should do. If we depart from our values​​ just to earn a living, we are making a grave mistake.

所以「正命」是指「为了我们的生活而谋生,方法要很正确,不要犯错。」

Right Livelihood means that we must sustain our living through upright means and not through improper acts.

世间人的生命,长的很长、短的很短,长长短短。有的人说还太早,其实我们要知道「莫道君行早,更有早行人。」

Some people live very long lives, while others live very short ones. Sometimes we say that people died too young. However, we should know that "there is always someone younger who has died".

为了生命,有的人一生病就是害怕惶恐,不敢面对现实,有[了]生命病痛就会去问神。有时候乩童就会指点他:「你几月的时候不能开刀。」「你什么方向不能去。」「你应该要吃什么药。或是吃炉丹、符咒」等等…结果反而延误了很好的治疗时机。

When some people get sick, they are fearful, anxious and afraid to face reality. Some people seek answers from deities when they are ill, and sometimes the medium will say "Do not have surgery in certain months, Do not travel in certain directions , You should take certain medicine" which is often incense ash or a water-soaked glyph, etc. Listening to them can delay timely treatment.

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命长不如命好
此生能会遇佛法
精进于菩萨道中

A good life is better than a long life in the life we​​ have encountered Buddha-Dharma and can diligently walk the Bodhisattva-path.

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立愿为众生付出
开阔生命的价值
才是真正的好命人

If we vow to contribute to sentient beings and widely share the value of our lives, then we are indeed the most fortunate people .

人云:「命长不如命好。」什么命是最好的?方向正确的生命就是最好的命。 「万般带不去,唯有业随身」,难得这一生能够会遇佛法,这就是最好命的人。会遇了佛法能身体力行,行在菩萨道中,这就是最好命的人。

People say a good life is better than a long life. What kind of life is the best? A life that is headed in the right direction. That is the best kind of life. When we die, karma is the only thing we take with us. We are fortunate because we have encountered Buddha-Dharma in this life. We are also most fortunate to practice Dharma and walk the Bodhisattva-path.

所以,如果能够把我们的这一生的生命价值,不只是一个人享用,而能够把生命的价值普遍到人人都能够享用,对人群、对社会、对国家有贡献,这才是真正的好命人。

By practicing the teachings of the Buddha, we can dedicate our live to benefitting others as well as ourselves. The value of our lives is something that should be shared and enjoyed widely. We are must fortunate if we can contribute to our society, country and to humanity.

长寿固然好,若是长得人生没有意义,长也没有用。

Some people seek longevity, but a long and meaningless life is of no use.

我们看到名利、地位很高的人往生去了,我们去看他身后是否有带了什么东西走?结果是什么都没有带走。这是不是证明了万般带不去?

When people with great fame, wealth and status pass away, what can they take with them? Nothing, Doesn't this prove that we cannot take anything with us?

我们看到有很多可爱的人生,能运用他的生命,能为人群付出,结果当他离去的时候,能让多少人在心中留下他的形象?

We have met many admirable people who devoted their lives to benefiting others. When they pass on, they leave lasting impressions in many people's minds?

有的人说:「我要刚好人生到了行善最好的时候结束,永远留下很美的形象。」多美啊!就像杏芬、慈迎。

Some say, "I want to pass away right when I am at my best, Then I can leave behind the best impression." That is beautiful ! Our Commissioner, Tzu Ying , is one such person.

我一提起慈迎,相信各位脑海中,已经浮现一位很活泼、很亮丽、很漂亮的一位菩萨,在七年的时间,她的人生真的是很亮丽。

I am sure that when I mention her name, the image of an energetic, brilliant and beautiful Bodhisattva arises in your minds. The last seven years of her life we​​re very bright and beautiful.

凡事都有因缘,有些人是在欢乐中接受到因缘,有些人是在生命的考验中接受因缘。其实慈迎她是在生命的苦难中体会到生命的真理,从屋顶跌下来,所以让她的骨盆、骨头受了很严重的伤。三个月的时间养病,我们真的能想像,那一段时间多辛苦啊!

Everything happens due to causes and conditions, Some people encounter Tzu Chi while thing are going well for them. But for others, it is during a time of adversity. Tzu Ying was one who realized the truth of life in suffering. She fell from her roof and broke, her pelvic bone and other bones Because of her severe injuries, she was incapacitated for three months. We can easily picture how painful those months must have been.

在台湾已经投入慈济,名称叫委员的姊姊,她就是委员、慈济的菩萨,听到妹妹受伤,从台湾专程到美国去。她送给妹妹的是师父的录音带,在哪里,一方面陪伴妹妹,一方面就是陪她听录音带,这个时候她才有时间听。

At that time, her older sister in Taiwan had already joined Tzu Chi and was a Commissioner, a Tzu Chi Bodhisattva. When her older sister heard about her injury, she flew to the US to take care of her and gave her cassette tapes of my teachings. As she took care of her, they would listen to the tapes together. During that period she had free time.

当她还健健康康的时候,姊姊也跟她说:「来做慈济很好。」她都说:「那是妳们有时间、妳们有钱、妳们有什么…等等,所以你们做得到。」

Previously, before she was injured, she told her sister, "Participating in Tzu Chi is good, but you can do it because you have the time & money to do whatever you want."

但是这段时间她才知道,知道生命可以发挥利用时,是多么有价值。人生是这么的无常,只不过是这么一摔,给她这种痛、这种苦的拖磨。

But during that period of time, she realized how valuable life can be if it is fully utilized. Life is impermanent. A simple fall caused her so much pain and suffering.

所以她在录音带中听到师父这样说:「你们大家都有家庭、事业,师父什么都没有,只有一条命。」这句话她体会到了,她有事业、有家业、有能力可以付出,但是师父什么都没有,师父只有命一条而已。 「我只能够把这条生命尽形寿,奉献出去。」所以当她听到这句话,她就体会到了,很快地她接受了。

When she was listening to the tapes, she heard me say, "All of you have families and careers, I have nothing, just this life." At that moment, she realized that since she had a family and a business, she had the ability to give , She also heard me say, "I have nothing, just this life. I can only dedicate this physical body to benefit others while it is still alive." She realized and quickly accepted what I said. She realized and quickly accepted what I said.

本来医生要她休息六个月,但是她只不过三个月的时间就回到台湾,坐上慈济列车回花莲来见到师父,之后开始夫妻同修,甚至一家人,儿子、女儿都进来,在慈济的菩萨道中。说起来她的人生故事也很长,我也已经请她,把这段人生的过程,好好地整理起来,让她列入慈济,千年不朽的大藏经里面。

The doctor wanted her to rest for six months, But after just three months, she returned to Taiwan to see me. Since then, her husband and children have joined her on the Tzu Chi Bodhisattva-path. The story of her life will take too long to tell. So I h​​ave asked our volunteers to compile her life story and include it in the permanent Tzu Chi Archive.

现在她的一生已经落下句点,但是她还有她的福,这七年的时间造了很多的福。你们可知道,当她从台湾过去到了美国,从美国投入慈济之后,跨出了十五个国家。十五个不同的国家、不同的肤色、不同的民族、不同的宗教,在这十五个国家她去付出,她很欢喜结了很多的好缘,而且是福缘。

Although she has passed away, she left with a lot of blessings. In those seven years she created many blessings. When she returned to the US after her first visit, she joined the local Tzu Chi chapter, and took part in international relief missions in 15 different countries to help people of different skin colors, different ethnicities and different religions. She happily did what she could in those countries and created many blessed and good affinities.

所以我相信这个福的种子,在她的心地、八识田中,已经是非常的成熟。相信她再来的人生,会是福慧双俱的人生,就是随心如意的人生。一定是一位,未来最年轻的菩萨。

I believe that those blessed seeds were sown in her Store-Consciousness and have already matured. I am sure that her next life will be filled with blessings and wisdom Her life will be smooth and successful. She will definitely become one of the youngest Bodhisattvas in the future.

现在再来的菩萨道路会很长,从一开始来人间,她就能度她的父母,能开始对人群有益。你们想,舍去现在这个人生,换个更好的人生,我们应该要为她欢喜、要为她祝福。

She will have more time to walk the path, When she returns, She will tr​​ansform her parents and benefit many others. Just think, didn't she exchange this life for better one ? So we should be happy for her and give her our best wishes.

所以虽然年纪是五十岁,但是她的慧命的成长,是七年的时间。看,在这个地方生长了很美、很茂盛的慧命,生命的价值应该是这样。

Although she passed away at 50, her Wisdom-life grew a great deal in those 7 years. Her Wisdom-life grew and flourished beautifully in Tzu Chi, This is the way we can bring out the value of life .

所以我们不但要为了生命而生活,要怎么创造一个很好的命。所以好命,就要看我们自己怎么做。

We should ponder how to make our life a truly good one. Whether or not we can lead a good life depends on what we do.

我常说生命很长,但是长得窄窄的、薄薄的,这样的生命没有用,多造业而已。生命要让它宽阔,不只是宽和阔而已,还要「厚」——基础要打稳。我们还要深入,真的,生命的价值观我们要深入,所以大家要时时多用心。

I have often said that a long, narrow life with no depth is useless and just creates karma. We should add breadth to our lives. Moreover, we should also give it depth. Moreover, we should also give it depth. Aside from laying a firm foundation, we must live a life with depth. Indeed, we must have a deep sense of life's value. To do so, we must always be mindful.

难得我们能够有人身来到人间,不要因为生命,迷失了我们的本性。所以「命」,既然我们这一生有了生命,来到人间,要好好利用。大家要多用心啊!

Being born as a human is a rare opportunity. Do not go astray and lose your intrinsic nature for the sake of making a living. Since we are blessed with this human life, we must make the most of it. Alright everyone, please always be mindful.

出处:http://moya.iyard.org/bin/view/Blog/BlogEntry2303

25 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月25日 - 人人集福缘、时时聚善念



守分固本 节约用度
【证严上人5月25日志工早会开示】


清晨两点半,花莲外海发生四点七规模的地震,在睡梦中的众人多无感觉,五月廿五日志工早会证严上人开示,能在不知不觉中的过每天的日子,叫做「平安」。「平安的时候,也许感觉天下事都与我无关;但是平安啊!后面要有一个心念,就是要感恩,就叫做平安。」

天灾无常瞬息变 守分固本福所至

「人生不平安的事,也是有歷史的。」歷史上的今天,是 2002年的5月25日,一架飞往香港的班机在澎湖上空发生空难,震惊了臺湾社会。臺湾南部的慈济人紧急动员准备热食,北部的慈济人则经由搭船或搭机的方式,前往澎湖与当地慈济人结合,进行关怀、肤慰与助念;佛光山、法鼓山等佛教团体也动员,彼此之间互动,发挥爱的良能。

回想当初搭机的人们,目的不同,却在瞬间同时发生事故,上人感嘆人生无法得知下一秒钟,还需要计较吗?上人说:「社会的平安就是人民的福,大地的平安就是人类的福,所以每一个人不管在哪里,总是要把自己的本分、生活都照顾好。」

地水不调心躁动 善福匯聚气祥瑞

社会动盪在全球,如中东原本平和的国家约旦,受年初的「茉莉花革命」效应影响,也开始动盪不安。难民种族偏多的当地,慈济人长期关怀有二十多户,动盪引起物价上涨,穷者更穷,致需要发放的户数,瞬间增至二百多户。

上人开示大环境之于人类非常重要,大地已频频不安,社会假如再不安,对普天下地球上任何一个人,任何一个国家都是危机。「危机来自于气候异常。」举冰岛的火山爆发,将如媒体所报导可能导致冰层融化,导致水涨淹没陆地,再提及美国的风大不调、水大不调,造成强盛国家的生活机能也减弱,上人开示「家」与「国」这种的「本」要顾好,巩固的机制要从每一个人的身、心顾好做起,三纲五常若能顾好,才能让社会平安。

「同样的,一个国家的福缘、福因,善念缘,普天之下人人都这样,就是共福报,整个地球铺天盖地就都是祥和的瑞气。」上人开示,瑞气,要看人类,人人要自爱,彼此之间合和互协,就是共造善因,否则,就是共造恶业,就会同受恶果。

累世依报如影随 齐共善业爱无疆

「世界上虽然有国家、国界之限,名称的不同,但都是共同在这个地球里,在同一片土地上,只是人间的名相,割界为国。」上人举几年前赖索托的动乱,由临近的南非慈济人前往赈济,小小的国界走路即可通过说明,纵然山高地深为界限,其实是没有界限的。

而非洲的另个国度衣索比亚,当地穷到孩子只剩皮包骨,苦到极尽的时候,一分不平的心就起,因而演变成整个国家的穷困与苦难。上人开示因为人心的不平衡,造成家庭、社会、国家的动乱;所以我们要知道善恶业因缘果报如影随形。

「为什么共业呢?就是不断累积、不断累积,累积到因缘成熟在这样的时代,在这样的生活圈子......」如同衣索比亚及赖索托等国家的人民,因缘聚会依报在此穷困的国家,上人开示你我也相同,累生累世有缘同生在这个时代,依报在臺湾这里生活,面对同时代中多少人的国度动乱不安,多少的国度在自然的灾难里受苦难,我们实应该要感恩。

临灾不分贫与富 当思天下一家人

而大自然的灾难,不分国度、贫或富,如同美国密苏里州遭遇龙捲风侵击,连市长豪华的房子,也在劫难逃,上人开示:「贫富平齐,这就是大自然的威力,再怎么有福,也会在共业环境中受损。」

上人强调不要以为天灾离我们很远,人祸不关我事,诚如天下众生都是共业的,各有福或恶的业,依报而生。地方恶报较强盛的,就是多重灾难,由不得自己;然而上人也提醒众人不要消极面对,不为今生,也要为来生。

再举二00七年辛巴威国内通货膨胀不可控制,导致物价直线上涨,一日数变,一条面包开价从一百万跳升至一千万;如同台湾刚刚光復时,也是四万旧台币换一块新台币......面对物价的不能调顺,上人开示民生生活很重要,我们的生活实应该要省思。

见现今人们生活厨余过剩,上人开示地球受飢饿者几亿,我们实应该反省、忏悔浪费的无度,「臺湾人的农作机能渐渐消弱,整片大地又在沙漠化,四大不调和,我们要赶快调养自己的体质,从生活开始不要浪费。」上人开示普天之下飢饿的人偏多,所以我们也不用吃得太饱,留着二分,就可以救济贫穷困苦的人。

「总而言之,一切要从每一个人的自己做起。我们大家眼光要放远一点,心真的要开阔一点,想想别人检讨自己,请大家要时时多用心啊!」

静思晨语 - 2011年5月25日 - 55 - 清净无邪自利利他



Follow the Right Path, Benefit Yourself & Others

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日子这样地过,但是每天都期待我们的心要心静念定,但这谈何容易啊?所以我们必定要下功夫。

Time passes, and every day we hope that our minds can remain calm with our thoughts composed. this is easier said than done. This takes a lot of effort.

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所谓「正道」者
可令众生苦集永尽
达于涅槃寂静的圣贤境界
故八正道亦称八圣道

The Right Path can forever eliminate all our sufferings, so we attain Nirvana, the state of ultimate peace and tranquility, the realm of the sages. So the Eightfold Right Path is also called the Eightfold Noble Path.

佛陀期待我们能从「名相」下功夫而体会道理,所以已经为我们分门别类「四心、六度」,这大家都已经知道了。 「五根、五力、七菩提分」也都解释过了。接下来就是「八正道」。

The Buddha wanted to enable us to realize the Truth through terminology, so He categorized the teachings. We already know about the Four Immeasurables and Six Perfections. I have also explained 5 Spiritual Roots, 5 Powers and the 7 Factors of Bodhi. Next is the Eightfold Noble Path.

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八正道:
正见、正思惟、正语
正业、正命、正精进
正念、正定

The Eightfold Right Path: Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

八正道那就是要有「正见」。正见大家都知道,我们学佛不能没有正见,见解若是偏差了,方向有了一点错误,正就会反为邪。所以我们见解如果有一些微的差,方向有一点点的错误,就会变成邪知、邪见,所以正见是很重要的。

The Eightfold Right Path begins with Right View. We all know we cannot learn Buddhism without the right views. If our understanding is slightly off or our direction is slightly erroneous, right will become wrong. If one thought strays or if our direction is even a little off, our understandings and views will be deviant. So Right View is very important.

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凡有所思
不离佛法
持守正念
即为「正思惟」

When all our thoughts never leave the Dharma, we uphold Right Mindfulness. This is called Right Thought.

第二就是「正思惟」。我们要好好的用心,日常生活中对人、对事,或是处在这个境界等等…我们必定对周围的境界,人、事、物要细心地思惟。我们若能够好好地思惟,一草一木无不是清净的世界,清净就是明朗的世界。

Second is Right Thought. In our daily living, in interacting with people and dealing with things, no matter what the conditions are, we must carefully contemplate the surrounding conditions, people and things. If we can think deeply about them, everything in the world , be it a blade of grass or a tree, will clearly show the Dharma to us.

或是这个见解若是偏差了,我们很容易思考,观念就完全错误了,所以思惟必定要正确。

If our thinking is misguided, the perspectives we develop will be completely wrong. So our thoughts must be correct.

世间有很多是求不得的。求不得是苦,但是偏偏明知道求不得又想要强求,为了这个身体的感受,思想偏差,就常常在那里求啊求!一点不称心、不如意就起烦恼心。

In this world, much of what people seek cannot be obtained. So they experience suffering. Even though we know this, we still insist on seeking what is unattainable. Seeking pleasurable experiences for this body leads our thinking to go astray, which then leads us to seek more. When things don't go our way, afflictions arise.

所以我们应该要好好思惟,天地万物,无论是小如草木,或是沙尘,或是动物的世界,我们都能去透彻、去了解其中所包含的真谛,何况是一个人的身体!所以必定要用心来思考,身心境界的世界,所以这一定都需要有正思惟。

Hence, we should carefully contemplate everything in this world, be it a blade of grass, a tree, a grain of sand, or the animal world. We must comprehend them and the Truth contained in them. We must really ponder the states of our minds and bodies. This takes Right Thought.

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具足「正思惟」
则意业自然清净

When the practice of Right Thoughts is perfected, naturally we will create pure karma with the mind.

我们若能常常以真正宁静的心,来看待天地万物,和我们身体的关系,我们若是能用心、静心,自然就是「静寂清澄」的世界。

If we can observe how everything relates to our bodies with mindfulness and serenity, we will naturally be in tranquil and pure state.

常常跟大家说「静寂清澄」,其实这般的世界,离我们并不远,就在我们的心中。心对着一切的境界,在我们的思惟中正确,即时心地就是一个「静寂清澄」的世界。

I often say that a state of tranquility and purity is not far out of our reach. It is within our minds. When facing all external conditions, if we can remain correct in our thinking, then at that very moment, our minds are in a state of tranquility and purity.

只要我们观念见解正确,自然就能「志玄虚漠」,我们的发心立志能坚定,就能「守之不动,亿百千劫」。这都是在一念的思惟,只要这一念的思惟观念都正确,那就能够一切都对了;思惟观念如果不正确,那就一切都错了。

If our perspectives and views are correct, our vows will be as vast as the universe. We will be firm in our resolve and mission. We will remain unwavering for countless eons. It all depends on a single thought. If each thought is right, everything will be right. If our thoughts are wrong, everything will be incorrect.

错叫做「邪」,正确就是正思。所以对的事情,就是从我们的正思惟开始。

That's called "wrong". "Right" is when our thinking is correct. So doing correct deeds starts with having Right Thought.

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不说损人的话
只言利益人群之语
就叫做「正语」

Do not say anything that damages others. Only say words that benefit everyone. This is called Right Speech.

我们若有正确的观念、思想,就能「正语」,正语很重要,开口动舌能造福人群,也能去除人人心中的烦恼,能导正人心。在学校的教育,老师从他的思想中,他的口说出来的话,学生接受,灌入学生的思想,做老师的也要正语。

If we have Right Views and Right Thoughts, we can practice Right Speech. Right Speech is very important. Through our words, we can benefit others. It can also eliminate their afflictions and guide people onto the right path. At school, teacher pass on their knowledge with the words they speak. The students accept and assimilate the words into their thinking. So teachers must use Right Speech.

除了学校以外,在人群中,人与人相处,人人都要学正语。若是损人的话,就叫做「邪」。我们不说损人的话,反过来能利益人群,这种语言叫做正语。

Aside from school, we also need to use Right Speech when we interact with others. Words that hurt or harm others are evil. Instead of speaking harmful words to others, we should use our words to benefit them. This is called Right Speech.

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具足「正语」
则口业清净
凡所言语无诸过失

When our practice of Right Speech is perfected, we will create pure karma with our speech and we will not make mistake in what we say.

有的时候,有些人的家庭,有什么不如意的事情,或是有病痛,或是有感情的问题。过去的民间信仰,遇到有感情的问题,就会说:「你先生就是犯了桃花运,这可以祭。」就把她带去祭,花了很多钱,画了很多符咒,这种都是引导人的心,往偏差的道路。我们若是知道,哪个家庭有夫妻感情的问题,我们应该要以智慧辅导。

We see families that suffer from misfortunes, suffer from illnesses or suffer from relationships. According to folk beliefs of the past, the infidelity of a husband can be ended by the ritual of making an offering. Some will spend a lot of money on having offerings and spells performed. These misguided beliefs lead people astray. If we know of a family with marital problems, we should guide them with wisdom.

在佛教中关于妇女的教导,也有像《玉耶女经》。 《玉耶女经》是佛陀为给孤独长者的媳妇,施以教育时所说的话,这也能拿来作为,如何调适一个贤淑妇女的范本。若是能够身为一个贤妻良母,自然感情就能和睦。人就是感情上如何相对待,同样能影响另外一个人,所以思想,要如何说话很重要。

In Buddhism, teachings for women can be found in the Lady Yuye Sutra. It is the teaching Buddha gave to the daughter-in-law of Anathapindika. It may also be used as a guide on how to be a virtuous woman. By being a good wife and a caring mother, she will naturally have harmonious relationships. How we relate to and treat others can affect their behavior, too. So thinking about how we speak is very important.

我们如果只是乱传:「这可能是走了什么运,要到哪里去祭一祭,要怎样作法。」这都是邪思邪语。

We may say unfounded things, such as, "You must have run into bad luck. You need to make offerings or perform certain rituals." These are all incorrect thoughts and speech.

我们要能以诚恳的心,以智慧作为引导,所以说学校的教育需要正语、家庭的教育需要正语,其实社会的教育更需要。所以我们常常说:「说好话、做好事,想好的念头。」我们的念头如果好,开口动舌就很正确,所以正语也很重要。

We should use sincerity and wisdom as our guides. Thus. Right Speech should be used to teach in school and at home, and most importantly, to teach in society. That is why I often say, "Speak good words, do good deeds, and think good thoughts." if our thoughts are good, what we say will be correct. So Right Speech is very important.

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一切行为举止
皆是清净无邪
自利利他
谓之「正业」

If all our conduct is pure and without evil, we can benefit ourselves as well as others. This is called Right Action.

再来就是「正业」,正业就是要有正当的行为。常常说一句话:「举步动作无不是业。举步动足,你的脚步如何走,双手做什么事情,一切举动无不是在业中。」所以我们平常的动作、行为要很小心。

Next is Right Action, which is proper behavior. As I often say, "Our every action creates karma. Every move we make, from how we walk to what we do with our hands, creates karma." Thus we must be very careful with our usual actions and behaviors.

你看,在印尼,我们常常很赞叹,在雅加达这个地方,有这群富有爱心的人,把他们的时间、力量,拨一些来做志业。整个雅加达真的是亮了起来。

I often praise the accomplishments of Tzu Chi volunteers in Indonesia. There is a group of people in Jakarta who are filled with love. They divert time and energy to focus on Tzu Chi missions. Jakarta now shines bright with promise.

过去囤积着垃圾的红溪河,过去这条河上,看到的是一望无际的垃圾,我们能看到这些住在违章建筑当中,在这一条河上生活的人,他们连那间房子,要盖得土地都没有,所以他们就与河争,不是在土地上盖房子,而是在河的上面,盖违章建筑居住。

The Angke River was once filled with garbage. It used to be covered with trash. There were many illegal dwellings and squatters who lived by the river. They did not even have solid ground on which to build, so they constructed stilt houses on the river .

违章的建筑我们可以想像,墙壁也不是真的墙,他们连称得上是「家徒四壁」的墙都没有,真的可以说是一无所有。

These illegal structures did not have solid walls. They were beyond destitute, they had nothing.

看这些人日常的生活,水要如何取用呢?在我们这里可以很简单,只要水龙头打开就有水,但是他们都没有权利能够使用自来水。因为那是违章,因为那是在河上。

In their daily living, how did they get water. Even tap water, which is so easily accessible to us, was not available to them because their houses were illegally built on the river.

我们常常说:「饮水要干净、水质要好,人不能缺水。」这些大家都知道。但是这群贫穷的人,他们住的是在河上,看的是河水,河水上面漂浮的都是垃圾,他们的水要从哪里来呢?就是上面飘着垃圾,下面很肮脏污秽的水,这就是他们所要喝的,这就是他们在洗的,这就是他们在用的水。这群贫穷苦难人,他们在河上几十年了,而且除了那条河肮脏,水污浊以外,每天所闻到的,都是臭不可闻、很臭。

We often say that clean drinking water is important and people cannot live without water. Everyone knows this. But these impoverished people lived on the river, the water they saw was all covered with garbage. Where did they get water? From the filthy river under the layer of garbage, that was the water they used for drinking and washing. These impoverished , suffering people have lived on the river for decades. Aside from the living on a river filled with garbage and filthy water, they had to endure the bearable stench each day.

在印尼,就是这一群的企业家,有因缘去看到那个地方,本来有心要做,只是缘还没有到。既然因缘成熟了,大家和慈济接触,这应该就是最好的因缘,这颗种子落入他们的心地,很快,他们就能够用很精进认真,将他们的力量,借助他们事业的力量,贡献出来。因为他们每一位企业家都是真正的大企业,他们的员工动不动就是二十几万员工、十几万的员工,都是上万以上员工的大企业家。他们过去很用心,在经营他们的事业,现在只是他们的心念一正,把这分爱的力量汇集起来,你看,力量有多大啊!

This group of entrepreneurs in Indonesia had an opportunities to visit the place. They had thought about doing something, but the conditions were never suitable. When they encountered Tzu Chi, everything came together and created the most wonderful affinity. Once this seed of compassion entered their minds, they quickly became diligent and focused. They used their power and the resources of their respective enterprises. Each of them ran a very large enterprise. Each of them easily had over 1000,000, or even 200,000 employees. In the past, they focused on managing their business. Now their focus has shifted and the strength of love has been awakened. Look at how powerful they are.

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具足「正业」
则身业清净

When the practice of Right Action is perfected, we will create pure karma with the body.

这股力量,能够帮助地方政府,将红溪河上所有的违章都拆除,将红溪河上的垃圾清除,将浊流变成清流。你看,这样的力量有多大呢?河清了,水能流了,垃圾消除了,我们又为他们盖大爱屋,整个慈济村都建立了起来。那个慈济村,我们已经看到那个建筑物,好像从土地中所涌现出来的作品,每一排建筑物中间的巷道,巷道很开阔,巷路的尽头还有很美丽的房子,看起来两排,在尽头又有一排。

Their love and strength helped to clear the river of illegal dwellings and remove the garbage so the turbid river is now clean. Look how much they have achieved. Once the river was clean, the water flowed again. The trash was removed. We also built housing for the locals and established a Tzu Chi village. Upon completion, those buildings were like works of art that emerged from the ground. The walkway between each row of buildings is very wide and spacious. There are beautiful houses at the end of the roads . At the end of two rows, lies another row of apartments.

之后我就说:「我好像在看北京城一般,那种走入北京城中的古色古香,那种好像宫殿摆设的建筑,看了实在是很欢喜。」一千户的建筑物,非常堂皇地建筑起来。在那块土地上,还有学校、中学,又有义诊中心,那个义诊中心好像一间大医院。那块土地现在已经是,非常壮观的一个社区,这就是正业。

Later, I commented that it was like looking at old Beijing. It felt like we had entered ancient times with buildings arranged like those in palaces. Seeing it filled me with joy. These housing for a thousand households, once built, was very impressive. Within the complex, there are a primary school, a secondary school, and a free clinic. The free clinic is like a full-scale hospital. That place has already become a very impressive housing community. This is an example of Right Action.

他们有这分的力量,从行为上发挥出来,就能够帮助那么多人,让那个国家能有一个真正干净的都会区。

The entrepreneurs had the ability, and used it to help so many people, allowing their country to have a truly clean metropolitan area.

所以各位,正业,就是我们的动作。我们的行为若是能够正确,就能帮助很多人,不只是帮助别人,也能帮助整个社会、整个国家,所以这个行为很重要。

So Right Action has to do with our deeds. If we behave correctly we can help many people. Not only can we help others, we can even uplift an entire society and country. Thus, our actions are very crucial.

所以我们已经在学佛了,就应该要知道:「一切动作无不是在业中。」这个业要怎么造要看自己。所以我们每一个人不要轻视善小而不为,小小的善累积起来,也是很大的力量。

As we learn the Buddha's way, we know that all our actions create karma. The karma we create is dependent on ourselves. Therefore, each one of us must not overlook or avoid small good deeds. The accumulation of such deeds can become a great strength .

所以大家平时要多用心啊!

So everyone, please always be mindful.

出处:http://moya.iyard.org/bin/view/Blog/BlogEntry2301

24 May 2011

人间菩提 - 2011年5月24日 - 当观知足‧心​​常富乐



知足灭贪 清平聚福天地安
【证严上人5月24日志工早会开示】


轻颱桑达颱风已经在海面上形成,24日志工早会上,证严上人叮咛「人人戒慎虔诚,好好地虔诚祈祷,福业匯聚才能消弭灾难。」目前颱风预定往菲律宾方向,但仍有偏北机会进而影响台湾;颱风结构扎实,距离台湾还有1800公里,有发展为强烈颱风的可能。

上人提醒大家,普天下四大不调,23日晚上花莲太鲁阁才传出规模3.7的地震,而这一个颱风持续增强,人人应该要戒慎虔诚祈祷,但愿这一波只带来丰沛的雨水。

水风不调殃大国 遍灾亟需引众力

而仅只是少数人提高警觉力量不够;风大不调的现象,22日在美国就发生了六十年来最严重的龙捲风,密苏里州南部小城贾普林镇,整个镇几乎被夷平,造成百余人死伤。根据奥克拉荷马州强烈风暴实验室提出的数据,四月份有近600个龙捲风形成。

在美国,除了风大不调,水大不调的情况更是严重,从四月开始雨下得密集,雨量持续累积,直到五月便泛滥成灾。美国中部密西西比河堪称全美最长的河,河水暴涨,从北部一路往南漫延跨过八个州,灾情面积如义大利之大;洪水所及农田淹没,水面漂浮着垃圾及木材,底下还隐藏毒蛇及鳄鱼,令人憷目惊心。

对于美国所发生的灾情,上人提醒人人应该要大忏悔,也要人间菩萨大招生;上人开示:「在美国,虽然慈济人都很精进,但美国的慈济人跟那一大片土地的人口比起来,就如须弥山下的蚂蚁,实在太少了!」每当灾难发生,由于距离遥远、勘灾不便,离最近的灾区往往数百公里、三个钟头以上车程,美国慈济人常感力不从心,上人唿吁慈济人要人间菩萨大招生。

知足心平甚妙法 集善聚福灾方息

人间菩萨如何招生呢?首先,要照顾好自己的身、口、意,上人提醒,讲话要很小心,不要无心伤到别人;也许有人开始要发愿,却因为一句无心之言,伤到刚萌芽的道心。「唯有时时自我提高警觉,在开口动舌、举手动足间,对自己的行为负起责任,人人匯聚起来就是一股很大的力量。」人人依教奉行、调和身口意,才能做到人间菩萨大招生。

调和身口意,则人心清平,但还要「当观知足」,就如过去慈济人推动「四神汤」-知足、感恩、善解、包容,不仅会背,而是真正落实在生活中;大多数凡夫不知足,有一缺九,「唯有以六根对治六尘,真正做到当观知足、心常富乐,所以知足、感恩、善解、包容,是修养品德最好的妙法」。

善用妙法,致力于人间菩萨招生,才能匯聚善的力量。上人开示:「唯有福气匯聚,福要旺盛才能逃过灾难;反观,恶业的业力气候形成,也是一股气的匯聚,威力强大,假如能够将它转过来,就是福;人人都要造福,唯有福这股力量,才能真正平息灾难,这是佛陀所说的真理。」

贪婪外求渊无底 天灾威逼势臣服

上人提醒,假如人心不知足,就会贪求无厌,而不断不断地向外求,求再多也不够;为了商业的发展从小集团一直扩展到国际连锁,家业大但仍不满足,就如自诩为世界强权的美国,在面对天灾来袭时,也只能徒唿奈何。

「天灾威力强大,人如何能敌过天灾的威力,就如美国中部密西西比河洪水泛滥,现在人都开始要退让,国家已开始宣导『弃小保大』炸开提坊,让河水往其他空旷的地方流,牺牲小镇保护大城。」

上人开示:「多重式的灾难在美国不断发生,所影响的面积之大、灾情之广,人类不要以为人力定能胜天;业力不断累积,即使国家再富强,也经不起大自然的威力。」

祈福天地共一念 同消共业处安稳

天地告急,灾难四起,诸如泰国南部四月份水灾,到现在慈济人仍持续关怀中;普天下灾难偏多,人人应该要提高警觉,就如现在在太平洋海面上的桑达颱风,人人应该戒慎虔诚,密切注意颱风警报。

众生与大地共生息,人人要虔诚为大地祝福,上人开示:「人人心要平,才能为大地平息灾难,这种拔河式(善业、恶业拔河),有时也有无奈的时刻,人人要时时虔诚,每一秒钟都要大忏悔,唯有把心顾好,天地才能平安。」

静思晨语 - 2011年5月24日 - 54 - 将人间当作修行道场



Treat This World as a Place for Spiritual Practice

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七菩提分又名七觉支:
择法菩提分
精进菩提分
喜菩提分

The 7 Factors of Bodhi are also called the 7Branches of Enlightenment:

1 The Factor of Discernmen
2 The Factor of Diligence
3 The Factor of Joy

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轻安菩提分
念菩提分
定菩提分
舍菩提分

4 The Factor of Peace
5 The Factor of Thought
6 The Factor of Samadhi
7 The Factor of Equanimity

我们学佛,是不是学得轻安?学得自在?学佛最重要的就是能得轻安。人生烦恼偏多,也是一种粗重的烦恼,爱、情这都是烦恼,物欲、名利、地位这也是烦恼,人生放不下,烦恼就多了。

As we learn the Buddha's way, have we become peaceful and at ease? Achieving peace is most important in our practice. In life we​​ have many afflictions which weigh upon us heavily. Love and affection are afflictions. Material desires, fame, wealth, and status are also afflictions. When we cannot let go, we accumulate many afflictions.

如何才能放得下呢?佛陀以种种方便教育,让我们能由浅入深,教导我们方法,让我们不断地熏习、不断地应用。到底哪一种法真正能契合我们的根机?适合我们的生活?这就要看我们自己好好选择了。

How can we let go? The Buddha used various skillful teachings to guide us from the simple to the profound. He taught us methods that we can continuously practice and learn from. Which method of practice is truly fitting for our spiritual aptitude and appropriate for our daily life? That is something that we must carefully choose for ourselves.

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以智慧来选择
能立断真伪道理或无明
称为「择法觉支」
又名「择法菩提分」

Let us choose with wisdom. Discern true from false, principles from ignorance.

This is called the Factor of Discernment or the Branch of Discernment.

所以「七觉支」,第一就是「选择」。我们选择日长生活中能接受的,选择我们人生方向能走的路,所以我们在七觉支的第一是「择法菩提分」,就是要选择。

Among the 7 Branches of Enlightenment, the first is discernment. We discern what is acceptable in our daily living. We discern the path we wish to pursue. So of the 7 Branches of Enlightenment, the first is the Branch of Discernment.

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学佛者生活要如法
法若不住心
即是空过人生
空过人生就会懈怠
懈怠则将堕落

Buddhists must live according to Dharma. If Dharma does not abide in our minds, we are wasting our lives. If we waste our lives, we will slacken and then degenerate.

当然,选择的道路方向若是正确,这样我们就能分辨人生的情爱,总是有一天还是一样无常,同样要分离;或是物欲、名利、地位也无常,何必计较、何必争取?

If the direction of the path we choose is correct, we will learn ways to love wisely. Some day we will inevitably part from our loved ones, material possessions, fame, wealth and status. So, why dispute or fight over them?

我们若能了解这条道路正确,就不会偏差,所以我们要选择的就是「觉」,而不是「迷」。所以选择的法真的要正确,所以叫做「择法觉支」。

If we can understand this, our path will be correct and not deviant. We should choose enlightenment, not delusion. So the methods we choose must be right. This is called the Branch of Discernment.

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若能以勇猛的精神
行于正法中
无有间歇就是精进
称为「精进菩提分」
又名 「精进觉支」

If we practice True Dharma without pause, and with a courageous and vigorous spirit, that is diligence. That is called the Factor of Diligence, or The Branch of Diligence.

「精进」,人生的道路不能停滞,我们既然得闻佛法,选择既然正确了,就不能停住。生活要如法,能如法的生活就叫做精进。假使念经、听经,法不入心,就等于不如法。

Next is diligence. We cannot stagnate on this path. Once we have heard Dharma and chosen the correct path, we cannot stop. We should live according to Dharma. If we can do so, that is called diligence. If we recite and listen to the Sutras without taking the Dharma to heart, that is like having no Dharma at all.

若是这样,法不住心,我们的行为随着人我是非在生灭,这是不是空过人生?空过的人生就是懈怠,不只是空过,其实每一天的起心动念,无不是业,所以这些业不是正便是邪,所以诸位,如果不精进,懈怠了,那就叫做堕落。

If Dharma does not abide in our minds, and we are always just reacting to the people and things around us, aren't we wasting our lives? In that case, we are slacking. Not only will we waste our lives, we will also create Karma with our every thought. If the Karma is not good, then it is bad. If we are not diligent, then we will slacken and degenerate.

每一种法都是相对的,所以我们若能知道,选择正确的道路去走,这样叫做「精进菩提分」,这样就是勇猛的精神,行在正法中,就叫做「精进」。

Everything is relative. If we can recognize and walk the right path, that is called the Factor of Diligence. To have the courageous spirit to practice True Dharma is called diligence.

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心契真法得欢喜
法住于心不退转
称为「喜菩提分」
又名「喜觉支」

When we encounter True Dharma, we will be happy. When Dharma firmly abides in our minds, that is called the Factor of Joy, or the Branch of Joy.

再来就是要有「喜菩提分」,每天都做得很欢喜。

Next we need the Factor of Joy, to be happy with what we do every day.

有的时候我们会觉得,事情很多做不完,真烦!身体已经很累了,但是还有做不完的事情,烦啊!又累又烦。

Sometimes we may feel impatient or vexed about our heavy workload, and we may feel physically tired. There is so much left undone. We feel bothered, tired and irritated.

大家如果有看「草根菩提」,很多老菩萨经过几十年的辛苦,他们的生活,现在身体也不好了。又有很多人的环境压力也很大,但是他们能以欢喜心精进。

On the TV program, "Grassroot Bodhi", we see old volunteers who lived through decades of hardship and face poor health. Many are even in great financial difficulty. Yet they still practice diligently with joy.

看到一位老菩萨,环保志工(谢李爱),走路都变形了,已经驼背了,但是她很欢喜,欢喜什么呢? 「感恩啊!每天我都有环保可以做,如果没有环保我不知道我还可以做什么?」

I saw an elderly recycling volunteer who remains joyful, even though she walks with a hunched back. Why was she so happy? She said, "I am grateful to be able to sort recycling every day. ​​If I didn't do this recycling work , I wouldn't know what to do with myself."

问她:「阿嬷!妳做几年了?」「从民国八十二年开始到现在,已经做很多年了。」「为什么妳做得这么欢喜?」「师父说这可以救地球!师父说把这些垃圾收回来,第一是惜福;第二又能垃圾变黄金。黄金又能化清流,能救全世界人的心。钱又能拿给师父救人!」听听看她多有智慧。

They asked, "How long have you been doing this?" "For many years, since 1993." "Why are you so happy?" "The Master said doing this can save the planet, and that when we recycle first, we are cherishing our blessings. Next, we can turn garbage into gold, and then the gold can be turned into a stream of purity to rescue the minds of people in this world. The Master can also use the money to save others."

问她「老先生呢?」「幸好啊!他已经「走」了,我已经照顾他六年的时间,我也已经很尽心了,我也很欢喜,有六年的时间让我照顾。 」「阿公是怎么回事?」「他生病了,老人痴呆,什么都不会。到最后什么都不会,我就陪着他走了六年。有时候他会打我。」

The reporter asked, "What about your husband?" "Fortunately, he passed away many years ago. I spent six years doing my best to care for him. I am also very happy that I had those six years." "What happened to him?" "He had Alzheimer's Disease. He couldn't do anything for himself. I stayed by his side for six years. Sometimes he would hit me."

问她:「为什么阿公会打妳?」她就说:「医生说要复健,有时候要把他扶起来,他就不起来。所以我就用很大的力量去拉他。拉起来之后要他站直,两只手贴在墙壁上,他会发脾气、会打我。」说的时候还是笑咪咪的。

"Why did he hit you?" She said, "The doctor said that as part of his physical therapy, I needed to help him. But he couldn't stand up. So I pulled harder to get him to stand up straight and push both his hands against the wall. So he got angry and hit me." She recounted this with a smile on her face.

六年的时间,她就像一位慈母一样的在照顾他,就算被他打,她也没有一点怨言。往生了,她也很懂得善解:「缘尽了就要去了,他这样也解脱。师父也说,去了以后他也会再来,换一个身体,小孩子多可爱啊!」你看,像这样的一位老菩萨,多有智慧啊!有慈悲又有智慧。

For six years she was like a kind mother caring for her child. Even when he hit her, she did not complain. Then he died. She was also very understanding, "When conditions end, one has to leave. In this way, he was liberated. The Master says that he will return again in a new body as a child. Children are so adorable!" You see, she is so full of wisdom. She is not only compassionate but also wise.

现在,阿嬷自从老先生往生之后,开始投入做环保,做得很欢喜。清早出来,手指头往前一比说:「你看那四栋大楼,都是二十层楼的大楼。我开始在做的时候,那四栋二十层楼的大楼,我一层一层去收,一天收两次。」她说得很轻安、很自在。我光是听到她这样说,我就由内心感到佩服。

After her husband's passing, she joined our recycling efforts and doing so made her happy. She set out before dawn. Pointing at the four tall buildings before her, she said, "These buildings have 20 floors. I first started collecting recyclables from these four apartment buildings. Every building is 20 stories tall, and I went through each floor twice a day." She said this so peacefully and easily. I admired her from these words alone.

但是她话头一转,充满感恩。她说:「我这几年来这样爬上爬下,大楼那些人,现在他们跟我说叫我不用爬了,他们每天都会拿来二楼。我现在很好命,只要到二楼,一整间纸类、纸板都帮我整理的干干净净,我只要来把这些搬出来就好了。」你看,很欢喜,充满欢喜。老人家吃过那么多的苦,她若不能善解,真的是很苦。

She then expressed her gratitude. She said, "For many years I climbed up and down those buildings. Then the residents told me that I don't need to do that, because every day they will bring their recyclables to the 2nd floor. So I am very fortunate. I only have to walk up one story to a room full of paper and cardboard. The residents neatly stack everything for me, so I just have to take it away." She is so happy and full of joy despite having endured so much hardship. If she was not so understanding, she would be miserable.

看她现在身体,行动不是很方便,但是她还是很欢喜,很甘愿地在做。甘愿、欢喜,这就是她现在的人生。

We can see that it is hard for her to physically move around, but she willingly & joyfully contributes. Working willingly and joyfully is the life she leads now.

她也一直在说:「真感恩,每天都做得很欢喜。」管理员就说:「她做的都是没有钱的,一天两次。一天两次好了不起喔。」你看,这就是以她的身行。

She also keeps saying, "Every day I am grateful, and happy with what I do." The building manager said, "She does not do this for money, and she comes twice a day. ​​That's truly admirable." Look at what she does.

只是听师父这么说,对人与人的感情她看得开,人与人的因缘,她很透彻、很甘愿。有这个因缘,所以她要尽这个责任。责任尽了,她又能踏上另外一条路,那就是志业。家业很沉重,做过来了,现在的志业「环保志工」,实在是很辛苦,不过她还是很欢喜。

After listening to my teachings, she saw clearly the truth of human relationships and the karmic affinity among people. Understanding them well, she willingly accepted her karmic affinities and was willing to fulfill her responsibility. After her responsibility to her husband ended, she took on another responsibility, which was her spiritual mission. Her family life was hard and she lived through it. Now as a recycling volunteer with a mission, she still works very hard, but she is joyful.

如果我们在日常生活当中,若是觉得很烦,烦恼又多、工作又多,只有一项,你们若是能看看环保志工,实在是给我们很大的警惕。所以我们要有「喜菩提分」。

So when we are vexed with our daily living, our many afflictions, and our heavy workload, we only need to look at the recycling volunteers. They provide great lessons for us. Therefore, we should practice the Factor of Joy.

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断除诸见烦恼
身心轻快安适
增长真正善根
称为「轻安菩提分」
又称「轻安觉支」

Eliminate all views and afflictions to be peaceful and at ease in body and mind. When we nurture our true roots of goodness, that is called the Factor of Peace, or the Branch of Peace.

「轻安菩提分」,昨天也跟大家说过一位,也是草根菩提,同样也是环保志工(李千珠),也是很甘愿的人生。带着病、带着尿袋,又要照顾病人(先生中风),又要来做福田志工。你看,多么精进的人生,道念如此坚固,这都是我们要学的,我们如果没有学习,实在是很愧对人生。

Next is the Factor of Peace. Yesterday I also talked about another volunteer who was featured on the show, a recycling volunteer who also willingly accepted her life. She is ill, wears a urine bag, looks after her husband who suffered a stroke, and also volunteers to clean our branch office. Look how diligent she is, how determined in her will to practice the spiritual path. This is what we should emulate. If we do not learn from people like her, we will be wasting our lives.

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时刻观念正法
心定而慧生
称为「念菩提分」
又名「念觉支」

Constantly contemplate True Dharma. When we settle our minds, wisdom will arise. This is called the Factor of Thought, or the Branch of Thought.

再来就是「念菩提分」,也是「念觉支」。心念很重要,诸位心念必定要念念如法,所以心念在分秒中,都不要让它偏差了。所以即刻要时时顾好这个念头,要即刻「观念正法」。

Next is the Factor of Thought, also called the Branch of Thought. Our thoughts are very important. Let us make sure that every thought is in accordance with Dharma. We must guard our thoughts at all times so they will not go astray. We should constantly look after the thoughts in our mind by quickly aligning our thoughts with the Dharma.

无论你的心面对什么样的境界,听到什么样的声音,看什么样的脸色,我们要赶紧将自己的心念照顾好,要即刻「观念正法」。

No matter what kind of external condition we face, what kind of criticism we hear, or what kind of attitude people give us, we should immediately guard our thoughts well and immediately reflect on the True Dharma.

我们要如法,所以若能这样,我们才能「正定」,我们的心才能够定下来,才会产生智慧。这念心正确了,智慧产生了,我们就不会偏差,稳定了我们的道心,就产生我们的智慧。

Our thoughts must be in accord with the Dharma. Only by doing so can we have Right Concentration. By settling our minds, wisdom will arise. When our thoughts are proper, we will have wisdom and will not deviate. When our will to practice remains steadfast, our wisdom will arise.

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心住一境
遇种种缘而不散乱
不生烦恼妄想
称为「定菩提分」
又名「定觉支」

Let the mind remain focused and un-scattered. Thus, when encountering various conditions, afflictions and delusions will not arise. This is called the Factor of Samadhi, or the Branch of Samadhi.

再来,就是「定菩提分」,刚才说过了,就是要稳定,心唯一的境界,绝对不要让它散乱了,这叫做「定觉支」。念念都如法,我们的心就能稳定了。

Next is the Factor of Samadhi. As I just said, our minds need to be stable. We cannot let our minds become scattered. This is the Branch of Samadhi. If our thoughts are always on the teachings, our minds will be steadfast.

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将人间当作修行道场
舍离一切虚妄烦恼
力行正法而得清净
称为「舍菩提分」
又名「舍觉支」

Treat this world as a place of spiritual practice and give up all illusory and false afflictions. Vigorously practice True Dharma to attain purity. This is called the Factor of Equanimity, or the Branch of Equanimity.

再来就是「舍菩提分」,舍,就是舍离一切虚妄的法。各位,世间无常,既然是无常,哪一样是真的呢?哪一样是永恒的呢?

Next is the Factor of Equanimity, which means we must give up false & illusory ways. Everyone, everything is impermanent. Since everything is impermanent, what is real? What is everlasting?

「是日已过,命亦随减」,这个法每天都在念,但是我们都无法提起警觉,这就是我们以妄为真,把这种虚妄的人生当作真的,所以不断地在追求「情、爱、名、利、欲」,这么辛苦,这就是因为我们,不懂得选择真伪。

As each day passes, we come closer to our end. We study this teaching every day. ​​Yet we do not heighten our vigilance because we take the false to be real. We think this illusory life is real so we unceasingly chase after passion, cravings , fame, wealth, and desire. This is so tiring. It is because we are not able to distinguish truth from illusion.

既然一切是虚妄的,我们怎么不能舍呢?我们要随着时日,时间已经过去了,我们何必烦恼住心呢?

Since everything is illusory and false, why can't we let go? We should let it go with the passing of the day. ​​As the time has already passed, why still hold on to the affliction?

所以舍,舍弃前一念的烦恼,我们若能如此,慧命就能不断成长。我们知道,莲花是出自于淤泥,人生在浊世中,这不就像一个污浊的莲池?在污浊中,浮现一朵一朵的莲花。

So if we can give up all our old afflictions, our Wisdom-life can continually grow. We know that lotus flowers grow out of mud. The corrupt and defiled world we live in is just like the murky lotus pond where each lotus flower flourishes. That muck is like the organic compost that is popular nowadays.

我们知道现在都流行有机肥,有机肥是什么东西让它变成肥料呢?就是将很多的垃圾集合起来以后,让垃圾分解掉,分解掉垃圾然后它就有肥分。那些莲池中污浊的东西,就是有机肥。

How does organic compost turn into fertilizer? Garbage is collected together and left to decompose. After it decomposes, it will become rich in nutrients.

我们不是同样要这样吗?我们若能抱持「闻法而除掉烦恼」,我们就得一分清净,所以能将这个人生当作我们的肥料一般,无论是苦,或是污浊,我们听了佛法之后,应该要知道没有所有权的世间,唯有给我们使用权而已。无论你有多少财富,无论你有多么享受,我们应该要能看得清楚。

Similarly, if we can uphold the teachings and eliminate afflictions, we attain a bit of purity. Thus, we can treat all the hardships and defilements of this life as our fertilizer. After we hear Dharma, we should understand that we do not have ownership over this world, we only have the temporary right to use it. This is true no matter how much wealth or comfort we enjoy. We must be clear about this reality.

所以我说:「我们在这里,就是在修行。将烦恼、苦难当作是我们的肥料,不要再受其染着,这样我们的人生才真的能在佛法中解脱。」

This is why I say that while we engage in spiritual practice here, we should treat pain and suffering as fertilizer and not be defiled by them. Only then can we truly attain liberation through Buddha-dharma.

所以舍,不只是舍去前一分钟的烦恼,还应该要舍去一念间的烦恼。

Therefore, we give up the vexations of a moment ago and give up afflictions as they arise in our minds.

所以请大家要真正多用心啊!

So everyone, please always be mindful!

出处:http://moya.iyard.org/bin/view/Blog/BlogEntry2299