January 29, 2024

Jan 29, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q16 - 6/6)

Another matter is whether I can urge people to recite Amitabha’s Name. I will certainly help others if I have a chance to do so. I know I must leave this world eventually; so, I will help whenever I can. I will try to be happy and give a smile to those I meet every day. Though my health, wealth, and knowledge are limited, and I cannot give great benefits to everyone; I am happy to have an attitude of “willing to help” and “sharing blessings with all”.

Those who are not Amitabha-reciters may feel that life is meaningless, because nowadays people’s views are upside-down. Only if they are “successful” in a material sense do they think their lives are meaningful. Of course they think Amitabha-recitation is meaningless. They don’t understand Buddhist teachings and their views are a bit biased.

能不能勸人念佛,那是另一回事。總之看誰有機會,我要幫助誰,我要跟誰結個善緣。反正你都要走了,以這種心情,跟大家結個善緣,每天過得也很快樂,看見誰沒事笑一笑。雖然你的身體、錢財、知識不夠,不能給別人多大的利益,如果心中常抱著願意幫助對方的想法,每天就會過得非常豐富,對對方也是一個良好的祝願。

沒有念佛的人說“人生沒意思”,還是可以理解的。現在的人都很顛倒,沒有念佛他覺得人生很有意思,花花綠綠,好玩好看,五顏六色的,這都是世間的顛倒見。念佛之後,反而覺得沒意思,這也是對佛法還沒有圓通,稍微還是有一些偏頗。

Namo Amituofo!

January 28, 2024

Jan 28, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q16 - 5/6)

A basic teaching in the Pure Land School is renouncing the Land of Saha. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that we can’t find any happiness or meaning in our present lives. Actually, knowing we will be reborn in the Pure Land at the end of this life, can fill us with new hope and delight. It is like a poor man who lived in a slum area suddenly inheriting a big estate and a great deal of money. He is so happy he invites all of his relatives and friends to come and live with him.

The “renunciation”of this world by an Amitabha-reciter, and our aspiration for and faith in our rebirth, can give us a very positive attitude. Though he has a strong sense of impermanence, he will not wish to end his life because he feels it is meaningless, or that he wants his life to be longer only if he earns lots of money in the stock market.

Master Yinguang said, “I’d like to live for 120 years; but, I won’t mind if I die tonight.” Our lifespans are the result of our past karma, causal conditions, and the influence of Amitabha’s wisdom. We recite Amitabha’s name every day and urge others to also recite. In this way, we are always prepared, whether we live one day or longer. This mind never changes.

(to be continued tomorrow)

淨土宗當然是厭離娑婆,以此作為一個基本的信仰點;但這種厭離娑婆,不是那種覺得人生無味、無意義,要自殺的那種消極負面的厭離。它是充滿著生命的新希望,對淨土充滿著憧憬,就要去成佛,這種喜悅、歡快的心情。

就像一個窮人,本來住在貧民窟裡,現在突然有一大筆遺產,莊園非常的富貴豪華;他要離開這個貧民窟,去到他的莊園,這種歡樂踴躍的心情;同時這個大宅子,非常大,他所有的親戚朋友都可以住得下,他當然很歡喜地邀請所有的人,“跟我一道去我們家住吧!”

念佛人的這種“厭”,它的底色是明朗的,它是厭當中有欣求,有喜樂;他在這個世間所展現的,不是那種很負面、消極的生命,也不會對壽命特別地看重,或者說一定要急切地“今晚就斷了命去吧!”有人這樣想,往往也是一種無常心,現在覺得沒意思了,就要快點去;如果股票漲了,什麼都好了,他就覺得還可以再多活幾年,這些心情都不定的。把這些看明白,以一種隨緣盡分的心情,能活多久就活多久。

就像印光大師所講的,“活一百二十歲也行,今晚死了也可以”,這就是一切盡過去的宿業力,也是隨順彌陀智慧善巧的安排,也看我們跟眾生的因緣。活一天,就念一天佛,就勸人念一天佛,此心常保不變。

Namo Amituofo!

January 27, 2024

Jan 27, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q16 - 4/6)

In the Pure Land School, there are people who believe they need to include the practices of the Path of Importance in order to be reborn in the Pure Land. They may have many reasons to leave the mundane world, in order to focus on their cultivation of the Buddhist precepts and meditation, etc. However, exclusive Amitabha-reciters, on the Path of the Great Vow, don’t need to do this. They can be more optimistic and happy to benefit people in the mundane world.

All Buddhists should strive to change their pessimistic thinking, by understanding more about the Bodhisattva teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, and particularly the compassionate deliverance of Amitabha Buddha. We should try to bring peace and joy to suffering sentient beings in the spirit of the Buddha.

To benefit others, we have two approaches, one is worldly and the other is transcendental. The former includes helping the poor, making donations, protecting the environment, caring for seniors, etc. However, our ultimate goal should be to urge them to recite Amitabha Buddha’s Name and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land. In doing so, we are being true disciples of the Buddha.

(to be continued tomorrow)

在淨土門之內,要門、雜行之人,或許還有那種為了修行而消極逃世的理由;作為弘願專修念佛之人,沒有這樣的想法,更要積極入世,利及眾生。所以,佛弟子一定要改變世人對佛教這種消極逃世的看法。要改變這種看法,就要從我們佛法修學的理論,以及我們的行持、我們的認識開始做起,尤其要從我們每一個仰仗佛願的念佛人開始做起。這才能真正地行大乘菩薩道,

在這個世間高揚佛陀的精神,給苦惱的眾生帶來究竟的清涼和安樂。我們積極地利世,也不過是兩方面:一個是世間法,以示世間眾生,比如扶貧、救濟、環保、養老,這都可以做;但是所做的這一切,歸根結底還是要歸到勸眾生念佛往生。因為這個世間都是無常敗壞的,一切世間的善法,只是結下一個緣分,要引導大家共同嚮往淨土。這才能展示一個佛弟子,尤其是大乘念佛人光明、積極、上進的一面。

Namo Amituofo!

January 26, 2024

Jan 26, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q16 - 3/6)

Those who mix the Pure Land teaching with the Path of Importance may develop a pessimistic attitude, because they are not confident in attaining rebirth in the Pure Land. They may believe they need to accumulate adequate good karma, to assist their Amitabha-recitation, in order to attain rebirth.

However, an exclusive Amitabha-reciter knows that every single recitation is all they need to achieve rebirth in the present lifetime. Because he relies on the Power of Amitabha’s vow, his rebirth is assured right now! It is NOT necessary for him to wait till the end-of-life. With this mind of faith , he continues to live in the mundane world and feels more safe and optimistic. He is more willing and able to help and benefit others.

在淨土當中,既有要門行者、雜行之人,也有弘願專修念佛之人。雜行之人, 心有不安,還不知道往生功夫達到沒到,還不知道功德資糧夠不夠,很可能 採取消極避世的態度,“我自己要成就念佛功夫,我要積累資糧”,或者“我要自己好好修行,保證臨終的一念”,這也有一種說法。

我們專修念佛之人,念念平生業成,仰仗彌陀弘願力,不等臨終,平生之時往生之業就已達成,就以出世之心作入世之事業。獲得這樣往生決定的身份,當然更有底氣,更有志向、好樂,來利及眾生。

Namo Amituofo!

January 25, 2024

Jan 25, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q16 - 2/6)

The Buddha says, “You should believe and teach others to believe” and “Propagate Buddhist teachings among all people”. We recite the Buddha’s Name and teach others to recite. By doing this we are practicing compassion in the Buddhist Way.”

Those who practice meditation may practice seated meditation on a high mountain, where they can uphold the precepts more easily, in order to reach a higher meditative realm. People may have the impression that they are simply trying to escape from the world. However, we follow a different teaching of the Buddha, one that can be practiced anywhere.

The Pure Land teaching is an Easy Path, one that relies on Amitabha Buddha's Power. We can attain rebirth by simply reciting his Name. This allows Amitabha-reciters to freely deal with worldly matters. Those on the Sacred Path advocate the Bodhisattva practices, the Six Paramitas, etc.

(to be continued tomorrow)

佛在經中說“自信教人信”“大悲傳普化”“自行念佛,教他念佛,即是常行大悲

人”。

如果修學聖道門,那很可能要入深山打坐,因為修定要有好的持戒環境,由戒得定;還要青燈古卷,自我深入。這樣可能在外表給別人的感覺會是消極逃世、出世。而我們既沒有那樣的根機,也沒有那樣的必要。

淨土法門是易行道,是靠佛的願力,靠阿彌陀佛願力念佛就能往生;所以,我們念佛人更有資格積極入世。現在聖道門的人都說要積極入世,行菩薩道、行四攝法、作六度行;淨土門的人,就更有這樣的願心、願力和資格。

Namo Amituofo!

January 24, 2024

Jan 24, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Q16: After studying Buddhism, I became a pessimistic misanthrope. I feel there is no meaning to life, and want to be reborn earlier. But, I also believe I can’t.

Perhaps, I am too young? Does this mean that I have too few blessings and rewards? Are blessings and rewards related to rebirth? Is my attitude correct?

Answer:

Your attitude is not correct. You do not have sufficient blessings and rewards, and your wisdom is not fully developed. However, the most important thing is that your faith needs to evolve. As a result, you misunderstand the Buddhist teachings.

This makes your direction and your actions incorrect, and you fail to attain what you desire. Through your suffering you may also cause others to misunderstand Buddhism .

The correct way is: You should try to not be a pessimistic misanthrope; but, try to be more optimistic . The Buddha never taught that life is meaningless; but, when understood correctly, can be very rich, perfect, and complete. We shouldn’t seek earlier rebirth for our own sake; but, for the sake of other beings, to aid them to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Because you are young, you have your entire life ahead of you; so, you should try to be more optimistic and dedicated to leading your best life.

問(16):學佛後消極厭世,覺得人生沒意義,想早點往生,卻又還不能往生,因為比較年輕、壽命還未到。請問這種情況是因為福報不夠嗎?也就是能否早點往生是跟福報相關嗎?另外,他這種厭世的心態正確嗎?

淨宗之聲:

從後往前答,這種心態不正確。這既是福報不夠,也是智慧不夠,更重要的是信心不夠。因為福報、智慧和信心都不具足、不正確,所以他是錯誤地理解了佛法;有錯誤的理解,就形成錯誤的行為;有錯誤的行為取向,就達不到良好的效果,自己苦惱,也讓別人誤解佛教。

正確的方法、正確的認識和理解是這樣的:學佛之後不是消極厭世,而是要積極利世;不是覺得人生沒意義,而是覺得生命非常的圓滿、豐富;不是為了自己一個人求早點往生,而是要利及更多的人,大家共同到極樂淨土。因為本來就比較年輕,還有很多事可以做,不要消極、負面、逃避,這不是正確的學佛態度。

Namo Amituofo!

January 18, 2024

Jan 18, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q15 - 3/3)

◎ We would like to practice filial piety; but, our parents are deceased. What should we do?

◎ Entrust the deceased parents to Amitabha Buddha, and dedicate the merit and virtues of your recitation of Amitabha’s Name to them. This is known as “letting go.”

◎ My children are naughty and they don’t listen to me. What should I do? Should I dedicate the merit and virtues of my recitation of Amitabha’s Name to them, and hope Amitabha Buddha will help them? Should I no longer try to be as good a parent as I can?

In this world people must pay their karmic debts or accumulate more debts. So, we should do our best in all circumstances, according to Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, and leave the outcomes up to Amitabha.” This is the proper attitude towards life.

◎ 想盡孝,可是父母不在了,回憶父母在的時候,種種不孝的心行,心中追悔莫及。那怎麼辦?

◎把父母托給阿彌陀佛,唸佛回向給父母,這就是放下;不然心總在那裡牽掛。放哪裡?放在彌陀的慈悲裡。

◎ 孩子不聽話,千方百計地勸說,軟硬兼施都不管用,那又怎麼辦?心裡牽掛呀!也是唸佛回向,希望阿彌陀佛能夠對他有所幫助,這也放給阿彌陀佛。甚至心裡種種的虧欠、不安,所有這一切,我們都唸佛,任憑彌陀救助我們,否則我們毫無氣力。

人在這個世間,總之是來還債、酬償,所以“盡人事、聽佛命”吧。就是盡到我們人事該做的分,隨緣盡分去做,剩下的就任憑因緣,任憑彌陀的調化,這是一般的人生態度,這樣就可以了。

Namo Amituofo!

January 17, 2024

Jan 17, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q15 - 2/3)

In the Pure Land School we have another way of “letting go.” We entrust ourselves to Amitabha Buddha, especially in respect to the great matter of birth-and-death. The suffering of reincarnation due to karmic offenses committed during countless eons will be released and placed upon the shoulders of Amitabha Buddha.

How can we unload our karmic offenses? By loading them on the ship of Amitabha’s great compassionate vow. In this way, we get a taste of the relaxation letting go can bring to our lives. Our hands are freed to help others.

The Infinite Life Sutra says, “He carries their heavy karmic burdens upon his back.” Amitabha Buddha says, “Please let me take up your burden?” You must agree to let him do it.

So, letting go is not giving up; but, letting Amitabha deliver us by simply reciting his name. In this way our minds can rest and relax. Amitabha does the work and allows me to dedicate myself to love and help the people around me.” It is a virtuous cycle.

(to be continued tomorrow)

以淨土宗來說,我們的放下,是有一個拜託的對象,把一切拜託給阿彌陀佛;尤其生死這件大事,無窮劫來輪迴,業力的痛苦,這一切都放到阿彌陀佛的肩上。阿彌陀佛是艘大願船,那我們這些拉拉雜雜的東西、業力,放哪裡啊?放下得有地方放啊,我們只能放到彌陀慈悲的大願船上,我們所有身心的業力,就乘托佛的願船。

在這樣的大背景下,多少能夠體會人生放下的一種滋味,輕鬆自在。我們無始劫來的罪業,

有地方放下了,就騰出了雙手,多少也可以幫助周圍有緣的人。所以《無量壽經》說“荷負群生,為之重擔”,阿彌陀佛說“我幫你扛起來、背起來,把你的擔子挑起來”,那我們當然就要給他了,給阿彌陀佛。

所以,放下不是自己放棄,是任憑彌陀的救度,多念阿彌陀佛名號,由此我們的心得到歇息,得到疏解,得到舒緩。那麼,“彌陀如何為我,我也多少奉獻愛心給周圍有緣的人”,這人生就是一個良性循環。

Namo Amituofo!

January 16, 2024

Jan 16, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Q15 “Letting go” is not “Giving up”. How can we let go in our lives?

Buddhist teachings always talk about letting go of all karmic conditions. Does this mean we should give up our worldly obligations, such as making a living and raising our children?

Answer to Q15:

This is a common question. Letting go is not an excuse for giving up one’s responsibilities or facing personal challenges. That is certainly not what the Buddha taught.

It is difficult for ordinary beings like us to fully let go in the midst of normal human activities. Hence, we should not focus on how to let go.

If we use the analogy of a mirror, it reflects the image of whatever is in front of it: man,woman, adult, child, dog, or cat. This is the meaning of “letting go”. A mirror doesn’t care what object is in front of it. It will not reject anything that comes in front of it or stop anything from going away. The mirror is always in the state of “letting go”.

What is “giving up”? It is when the mirror insists on reflecting only those things it prefers. If other things appear, they destroy the mirror, cover it, or paint over it. That is “giving

up”.

It is difficult for our minds to be the mirror in the former scenario - not rejecting anything that comes in front of it, or stopping anything from going away. We humans always have emotions that complicate matters and may cause us to give up easily.

(to be continued tomorrow)

問(15):“放下”並非“放棄”,人生如何放下?

佛法講“萬緣放下”,放下難道就可以什麼都不管了嗎?比如撫養孩子方面的,做父母的不 用掙錢來撫養孩子嗎?如果這樣的話,我個人認為那不是放下,而是把孩子給放棄了。請問

“放下”和“放棄”到底有什麼區別呢?

淨宗之聲:這個問題其實在佛門當中倒蠻普遍的。有很多人就是在搞放棄,然後美其名曰 “放下”;就是逃跑、逃避、不負責任。學佛學出病了,不是真正的佛法所講的。當然真正要放下,我們凡夫是很難做到的,我們總會有牽掛,所以我們的著力點倒不是怎樣做到放下。

打一個比方,比如說一面鏡子在這,男人來了照男人,女人來了照女人;成人來了照成人,孩子來了照孩子;狗來照狗,鷄來照鷄。這一面鏡子它就是“放下”的,它沒有說“哎呀,我剛才照那小孩跑哪啦?我就要照他,不照別人”,它沒有牽掛,來什麼照什麼,不來它也無所謂,來者不拒,去者不留,你一來它立即就反映,這就是“放下”的狀態。

那麼,什麼叫放棄呢?它一定要照個什麼,結果沒來,一生氣把鏡子給打破了,不照了,或者把鏡子給蒙上,用油漆給它一塗,這就是放棄。

如果我們能夠心如明鏡,來者不拒,去者不追——這個我們很難做到,我們往往都是沒有來就盼望、想,離開了就又在追憶;或者不喜歡的,人家來了就要拒絶。那都不是鏡子本來的狀態,而是格外加了情緒、情感的作用,達不到目的就撒潑,就放棄。當然,我們凡夫很難做到如同明鏡一般來者不拒、去者不追的放下。

Namo Amituofo!

January 10, 2024

Jan 10, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q13 - 3/3)

4. Whether you think you have true faith and an earnest aspiration or not, you should aspire to be reborn in the Western Land of Bliss , in order to establish the aim of your life.

Having an aspiration is better than having none. Don’t wait until you have a better understanding. It’s better to aspire now, rather than later. Once your aspiration has been established, it will lead you towards that fixed goal.

You will have a focus for all matters in your life, and you gain strength by focusing on that one aim. Otherwise, if you wait until you’ve done “sufficient” investigation , your mind will be dispersed like water. You must provide a waterway in order to channel the water towards the desired destination.

Our minds are always distracted; so, we need to choose our destination - rebirth in the Land of Bliss. This will form a passageway for the exclusive recitation of the six character name (Namo Amituofo), naturally leading our minds to the Pure Land of Bliss.

So, no matter what, we should aspire for rebirth and recite the Buddha’s Name. This is not contradictory to studying the Buddhist teachings, life experiences, etc.

◎ 第四,不論你現在有沒有真信切願,假的也做上,就是先發願往生西方極樂世界,先建立人生的目標。

有勝於無,有這個願望總比沒有好。不要等待什麼都瞭解之後再發這樣的願,先把這個願望確定下來。

這個願望一旦確定,它就會引導我們的人生向著固定的目標,我們人生當中所有的一切也就有了聚焦點,有了力量綜合的一個方向。

否則,如果等都研究好了再來發這個願,就像水一樣,心自然是散漫的。如果想讓水有方向,你不給它挖個溝渠,讓它自己形成渠道,怎麼可能?挖一條溝渠引到一個目標,它自然就去了。

我們凡夫的心都是散漫的,願往生極樂淨土這個目標定下來,然後稱念南無阿彌陀佛給它形成引導的溝渠,我們的心就會順著六字名號流向極樂淨土,很自然的。

所以,不管怎麼樣,先建立願生心,先念佛,這和前面講的聞熏、閲歷都不矛盾。

Namo Amituofo!

January 9, 2024

Jan 9, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q14 - 2/3)

Q14: How can we put the theories and concepts of the Pure Land teaching into practice in our daily lives?

2. Having experience. Some people think they have grasped the Buddha’s teachings through simply reading the texts. They immediately feel they are like buddhas and bodhisattvas. Because they haven’t personally experienced or encountered suffering, after reading the teachings they think, “very interesting; but, they don’t apply to me!”

When those who have experienced more suffering read the Buddha’s teachings, they more easily relate to the concepts of impermanence, suffering, the hypocrisy of humankind, the clumsiness of our bodies, the weakness of human nature, etc.

Their experience helps them to identify with the Buddha’s teachings, because the Buddha speaks of the reality of life. If you haven’t had these experiences, you will probably lose interest when reading the Buddha’s teachings.

3. Always recite Buddha’s name and pray - As a Pure Land practitioner you need to recite the Buddha’s name often. This Name has the deeply acting functional capacity to awaken our minds and strengthen our awareness. It helps us better understand the teachings, by clearing our karmic obstructions and increasing our wisdom.

At the same time, we can ask Amitabha Buddha, “please help me to have a more correct understanding of life, and have more faith in the Buddha’s teachings?” It is very helpful to do this, because it gives us hope with every name-recitation.

◎ 第二,要有閲歷。

僅僅看書面的文字,有些人消化不了,看得很好,覺得自己就是佛菩薩;看到苦也不能有深切的體會,“這是說別人呢,我自己還挺好的,有住的,身體也挺好,掙錢也不少,生活也美好”。

如果有些閲歷,對人生的無常、人生的苦難、人情的多偽、自身的拙劣、人性的軟弱,還有罪性,你觀察得多了,再看佛經就不一樣,句句打動心頭。所以,閲歷也能增長我們對佛法的體悟。因為佛法講的都是那麼現實,如果沒有閲歷,就會輕飄飄的,一看而過。

◎ 第三,多念佛祈願。

我們多念南無阿彌陀佛,這句佛號自自然然在我們心中就有調化、加持,有秘密的作用和功能,消除業障,增長福慧,這樣也會開解。

同時,我們可以向阿彌陀佛祈願:“阿彌陀佛,你幫助我,讓我對人生有正確認識,讓我在佛法當中信心更加具足。”念念稱名,念念有這樣的願望,這會有幫助的。

Namo Amituofo!

January 8, 2024

Jan 8, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Q14: How can we put the theories and concepts of the Pure Land teaching into practice in our daily lives?

Answer: How can we transform conceptual knowledge into an inseparable part of our lives? Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the simplest answer.

Many people who take refuge in the Three Jewels become Buddhists; but, their initial practices and understanding remain in a purely conceptual state in terms of taking refuge. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels should involve our bodies and minds, which are the basis of our lives. So, taking refuge should be a lifelong process ; but, most Buddhists remain in the conceptual state according to their various aptitudes and capacities.

Those who truly take refuge in the Three Jewels, should have no problems with rebirth in the Land of Bliss. Some of those who have taken refuge, received the precepts, recited the Buddha’s Name, and made donations, etc. for many years, may still not feel confident about being reborn in the Land of Bliss. This means that they have not truly taken refuge,

even though they completed the ceremony. Speaking in more depth, this shows that the Buddhist teachings have not become the guiding focus of their lives, or even a lesser part. Why?

(to be continued tomorrow)

問(14):修學淨土,如何從理論觀念轉化為生命?

我剛學佛不久,也瞭解了善導大師的淨土思想,但只是知識性的理論,並沒有完全做到淨土宗所講的深信、切願,會猶豫,會懷疑。請問法師,怎樣才能把這種深信從知識性的理論轉化為自身不可分割的一部分?

淨宗之聲:

很多人初學佛一般都是這樣的狀態。這位提問者也很清楚,有很好的目標,希望把知識性的概念轉化為自身不可分割的一部分。確實是這樣,我們就以最簡單的受三歸依來說。

一般人歸依就是個概念,“我到寺院找師父作一個歸依的儀式,現在我就是佛弟子、三寶弟子了”,這多數還是一種觀念性的。

歸依是身心歸命于三寶,成為我們生命當中的根本,對很多人來講,這是一個長期的過程。當然,有的人根機不一樣,一下就歸依、歸命,但對多數人來講,都是觀念、理論的多。真正的身心歸投三寶、歸命三寶,往生極樂沒任何問題。

有的人歸依過了,還受過戒,念了多少佛,又作了多少功德,經過多少年,還覺得往生心裡沒底,這從根本來講,三歸都沒達成——當然儀式上是完成了。所以,講到深入之處,就是佛法沒有成為我們的生命,沒有成為我們自身不可分割的,甚至根本的生命。

問題出在哪兒呢?

Namo Amituofo!

January 2, 2024

Jan 2, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q13 - 3/3)

Similarly, between accepting one’s fate or committing offenses and blaming fate, which one is better? Accepting our fate means doing our best in performing duties, and accepting the outcome . In doing so, our lives will be more relaxed, happy, and mature. We can still plan for the future if we have faith in Buddhist teachings; but, as Amitabha-reciters our mindsets are different from others. For example, if you wish to recite the Buddha’s Name and become a monastic to benefit sentient beings; then, you can listen, think and practice more. This is the motive of your compassionate mind.

Or, if I should choose to be a householder under these causal conditions; then, I need a job, to establish good karmic relationships with other people, and tell them about the benefits of Amitabha-recitation. You should know it is quite normal for an Amitabha-reciter to have a job and a social circle.

你這樣是聽天命,還是自己造的不好的命?聽天命就是自己盡到本分,“所有的結局,我都能坦然接受”,這樣人生過得非常自在。果然有此心境的話,什麼考北大、考哈佛都無法和你相比,因為你的內心非常自在,非常坦然,人生是比較成熟的。

人在某一個環境下,在某一個時間段,都有他要完成的任務,就像樹一樣,該發芽的時候發芽,該開花的時候開花,該結果的時候結果。人在年輕的時候,該讀書還是要讀一些書,但是剛才講了,我們的心境不一樣。

另外,未來的人生,如果有佛法的信仰,可以自己作一些規劃。

◎ 比如說“我就想念佛,我就想出家,我想由出家來利益眾生”,這樣的話,你就可以在佛法當中聞思修,更多地用心,這就是你的動力,這個慈悲要讓眾生都得到利益。

◎ 或者說“我這種因緣,就在家吧”,在家,你總要有個職業,你總要跟大家結善緣,隨分隨緣地把念佛的利益告訴有緣的人。同時你要有一個正常的生活,一份正常的工作,正常的人際交往,這都正常,不要覺得進退都不對勁。

Namo Amituofo!

January 1, 2024

Jan 1, 2024

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q13 - 2/3)

The karma accumulated in our past lives naturally manifests in this life according to the Law of Cause and Effect. Many non-Buddhists attempt to twist this, suppress it, and seek different outcomes ; while Buddhists simply try to do their best, accept the outcome, and listen to the Buddha.

As a student you should study hard; but, your mind should be relaxed about whether you can enter a top level university. This is not regarded as a lack of motivation, but a more balanced acceptance of the outcome.

However, it is not easy to have this mindset. People tend to be impatient, and try to add something to accelerate their natural growth. Actually, natural growth doesn’t mean not growing, or having no motive to grow. Just embrace the seed of your Buddha-nature and the karma from your past lives, and accept their natural outcome. You should “try your best to perform and fulfill your duties and responsibilities as a student, worker, son, or father.” If you don’t care and give up your duties and responsibilities as a father or husband, this is regarded as “slothful”, and not “trying your best.”

(to be continued tomorrow)

宿世以來本有的福報也會自然地呈現,不會像沒有學佛的人,往往會妄求——沒有這個福報,他也去使勁求,結果很扭曲,很壓抑,很痛苦;我們不一樣,盡人事,聽天命,聽佛命。

你在學習,還是學生階段,該努力讀書還是讀書,但內心是坦然的。不像別人那樣“我一定要考名牌大學”。當然,能考上最好,沒有考上也正常。“這樣不就沒動力了嗎?”這不是沒動力,而是這個力恰到好處。

當然,這一點不容易,往往都會矯枉過正,一般人都是拔苗助長。像一棵樹,春天到了,雨水澆了,它的成長是非常自然的過程。它沒有說“我要使勁長,我要如何努力地長”,那都是人加給它的概念,說“你在多少水分,在什麼陽光的情況下,很自然地生長”。真正的“自然”,不代表它不生長、沒有成長的動力。

我們內心佛性的種子、宿世的福報,到今天要怎麼展現出來,讓它自自然然地展現。所謂“自自然然”,也就是你盡到人事之後,比如你做學生,做工人,做農民,做兒子,做父親,盡到你的人事。你如果做父親,“我也不管事”;做丈夫,“我也不管家庭、不管妻子的事”,這就是懈怠,這就是放棄責任,這不叫“盡人事”。

Namo Amituofo!

December 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2023

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Q13: A high school student always recites the Buddha’s name. Should he also strive to study at school?

Answer:

It seems that this student is serious about practicing Buddhism. This is exceedingly rare and deserving of praise. It is a psychological process for most beginners in Buddhism. However, it is better for me to talk about the answer first , so that you can have a clear and definite direction.

In the human world, an Amitabha-reciter “deals with all worldly matters with the mind of transcendence”. We have decided to be born in the Land of Bliss through Amitabha-recitation. Thus, we know the path for returning home. Because of this we deal with all worldly matters with the transcendent mind - assured emancipation through the Buddha’s deliverance.

For example, students take examinations and seek a way to make a living, etc. These are short-term solutions, without a lasting sense of joy and security, because the most important issue in life has not been resolved. However, we can also study to learn to make a living; but, no matter how much money we earn we shouldn’t become too attached to it. We know that we will eventually be born in the Land of Bliss, through practicing Master Shandao’s Pristine Pure Land Path. We try our best to do good in our daily lives, knowing that the gains and losses are impermanent. Because of this understanding, we have a more relaxed temperament and optimistic attitude, without any fear of loss.

(to be continued tomorrow)

問(13)高中生念佛了,還要努力拚搏學習嗎?

淨宗之聲:

看來這位高中生學佛還是很認真的,這一點非常難得,值得讚歎。但是現在還是處在初機階段,不少人學佛都會有這樣的一個心理過程。如同從陰天轉晴天,總是陰陰晴晴。

這裡可以先把答案說出來,供你參考,然後你知道答案之後,就有一個明確的方向。一個念佛人在世間,也就是一般講的“以出世心做入世事”。

我們念佛,知道我們決定往生西方極樂世界,我們有退路;人生有退路,心中有靠山,在這種背景下,我們還在世間生活,所以是以一種蒙佛救度必定解脫,這種超然的心來做世間的事業。

比如世間人讀書,他要考試,求功名,為了將來從事某種職業,掙一份工資,他的目標很短,內心也不安,缺乏安全感,因為人生的根本問題沒有解決。

我們同樣也讀書,我們知道人生的未來決定往生西方極樂世界,那麼掙錢多一點、少一點,對我們來講都不會那麼患得患失,因為我們已經獲得人生根本的利益。隨著我們過去的福報,今生的努力,我們走到哪就算哪。

所以,反而有一種輕鬆閒適的心情、隨緣樂觀的態度,不是那麼患得患失。在這種心境下,反而我們的潛能會得到最大限度的發揮。

Namo Amituofo!

December 25, 2023

Dec 25, 2023

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q12 - 3/3)

Can we escape the bondage of reincarnation in this life? Wouldn’t we need perfect wisdom and compassion similar to Guanyin Bodhisattva? How can we ignorant ordinary beings accomplish this?

Is it possible by relying only on ourselves in daily life? No, it is almost impossible!

For that reason, isn’t it wonderful to have the Pure Land teaching and the recitation of Namo Amituofo? Without greatly disrupting our daily lives, we only need to aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name as often as we can. In so doing, we are protected by Amitabha’s light, and received by the Buddha and bodhisattvas within a lotus flower when we are near our time of death. Once reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land we will transcend reincarnation within the Three Domains forever and realize unsurpassed Nirvana.

Buddhism does not just point out that life contains suffering and the matter of birth-and-death is of great importance. It provides countless teachings to deal with these issues. Among them, Amitabha-recitation is the easiest, simplest, and the most splendid.

This teaching doesn't just resolve our own problems, it can also resolve those of our parents, spouses, children, siblings and friends. Just share this wonderful teaching with them. The ultimate blessings in life and the ultimate truth of the universe are within the six-character Name - Namo Amituofo!

如果在這一生當中,能夠突破生死輪迴的繫縛,就像觀世音菩薩一樣,圓通自在,這人生大事不就完成了嗎?那麼如何解決這件大事呢?

靠我們自己這一生,還要在這個世間吃喝拉撒,幾乎不可能解決。好在有淨土法門,專念南無阿彌陀佛,既不影響在這個世間所謂的大事,你仍然去辦,你只要真心願生淨土,隨忙隨閒、早早晚晚念這句佛號,那麼現生得彌陀光明護佑,臨終得佛菩薩持蓮花來迎,一旦到淨土,永遠超越三界輪迴,證悟無上涅槃。

佛教不光指出人生是苦、生死事大,方法也有,有八萬四千法門,但在這當中最簡易、最殊勝的,就是念佛法門。

這個法門不光能解決我們自身的生死大事,跟我們有緣的父母、夫妻、父子、兄弟、朋友,只要告訴他們,這麼簡便、這麼容易的法門,大家都可以解決生死大事,這是多麼好的一個法門。

人生究竟的幸福、宇宙究竟的真理,就在“南無阿彌陀佛”這六個字裡。

Namo Amituofo!

December 24, 2023

Dec 24, 2023

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

(continuation of the answer to Q12 - 2/3)

The “great matter of birth-and-death” is a special teaching in Buddhism and a crucial subject for all sentient beings to deeply consider. All beings exist within the cycle of birth-and-death. It is the foundation from which all worldly joy and blessings unfold.

The Buddha taught that “Life contains suffering and all phenomena are impermanent”. These teachings are the foundation for all other Buddhist learning. We must solidly lay this foundation , otherwise all we build upon it will collapse. If we understand the nature of life and its root meaning , we have grasped an unwavering truth.

The great matter of birth-and-death is to escape the endless cycle of reincarnation. This is the fundamental purpose for being a human in Samsara. It is because we can resolve this great matter only in the human realm . Human brains possess the capacity to think. We exist in an ever changing state between suffering and happiness. If one is too happy, one will slacken, like heavenly beings who will not practice Buddhist teachings. If one suffers too much, one has no

energy to think, and can become like animals, who primarily exist on their instincts. If one is a hungry ghost, one will be endlessly busy finding food. Hell beings suffer unceasingly; so, they have no capacity to practice.

As you see, it is difficult to practice in the Three Wretched Realms and the heavenly realm. The human brain has many advantages in terms of learning and practicing Buddhist teachings such as: a strong memory, determination, and creativity. A human body is a treasured vehicle to cultivate the Way in the human realm.

(to be continued tomorrow)

所以“生死事大”,這是佛門特別的命題,也是給一切眾生提出的人生命題,就是不管什麼大事,任何事總是在生死的循環圈裡,這是根基。任何的繁榮,任何世間的福樂,總是以這個為根基來開展。如果這個根基不牢,佛法說“人生是苦,諸行無常”,像樓房建在沙灘上;建樓房很重要,如果根基沒有打好,不就倒掉、塌掉了嗎?再怎樣,這個世間都是不牢靠的。如果生命的本質、生命的根本意義掌握了,不可動搖的真理掌握了,那當然這是最根本的大事。

“生死大事”是說要解決無窮無盡的生死輪迴這樣一個大苦惱的事情,這才是投胎為人的根本目的。因為在人道,你才有可能解決這個問題,人比較聰明,能聞法,苦樂參半。如果太享樂,就會放逸,就像天人太放逸,他不會去修行佛法,很少。如果太苦惱,就沒有精力,沒有心思,比如做豬或其他動物,就很愚痴;做了餓鬼就整天找吃的,在地獄裡分分秒秒受苦,哪有時間修行啊?

所以,在三惡道、天道都難以修行。而人道,有它的優點和長處,記憶力、意志力、造作力都非常強,另外,苦樂相間。所以,在人間,人身是最重要的修道寶器。

Namo Amituofo!

December 23, 2023

Dec 23, 2023

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Q12: What is meant by the “great matter of birth-and-death” in Buddhism? How does one resolve it?

Answer:

There are so many things happening in the world. Being unwise, we often make trivial matters into big ones. The Infinite Life Sutra says, “People of the world lack meaningful virtue and engage in strife over matters which are unimportant. In the midst of abject wickedness and extreme afflictions they painstakingly toil for their living.”

Generally, people think raising children, studying, working, career achievement, and family glory are the most important matters in our lives. Some entrepreneurs, politicians, diplomats, and scientists may think environmental pollution is a great matter because the Earth may be destroyed. Such matters as space travel, immigration, or even AI are also considered of great importance too.

However, nothing is greater than life - the reality of life, the nature of life and the perfection of life. So, if the riddle of life cannot be resolved, what we do is like a dream or an illusion. What is the meaning of making a great fortune or losing it all in a dream?

(to be continued tomorrow)

問(12) 什麼是“生死大事”?如何解決?

:佛教裡經常說生死是大事,究竟什麼叫“生死大事”?應該如何解決?

淨宗之聲:

人世間每天都有許多事要發生,由於我們智慧淺短,往往就把鷄毛蒜皮的小事當作大事。

《無量壽經》就說“世人薄俗,共諍不急之事。于此劇惡極苦之中,勤身營務,以自給濟”。

都以為這些是人生大事,比如生兒育女、考學、工作、事業成就、光宗耀祖,這是指一般老百姓。一些大企業家、政治家、外交家、科學家,認為地球環境污染,這是大事;地球將來可能會毀滅,現在我們發展太空,搞移民計劃,這是大事;現在人工智能發展,這是大事。

但是,所有的大事都不如生命本身更重要,諸如生命的真相、生命的本質、生命的圓滿。所以,生死的謎題如果不解開,怎麼做都是如夢如幻。在夢裡,即使發了財、虧了本,一醒,都沒有意思。

Namo Amituofo!

December 15, 2023

Dec 15, 2023

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Question about the meaning, the aim, and the pursuits in the lives of Buddhas

Answer (continuation to Q11 - 5/5):

A Buddha is free from any obstructions. His existence is eternal and omnipresent.

◎ Independent and free from any obstructions - his existence does not depend on any

other factors or conditions

◎ Eternal existence - permanent existence, free of the boundaries of time

◎ Omnipresent - existing everywhere

A Buddha is united with the original source underlying all states of existence. Those who are not Buddhas cannot fully understand the meaning of his existence. He restores the meaning of life to all living beings. The original state of existence is called “True Suchness”.

As a Buddha fully realizes all of these states, he coexists with all matter and phenomena. His consciousness is described as “ infinite kindness and compassion”. We seek the meaning of life because we are so far away from the original state of our existence, living far away from the homeland of Buddha Nature.

A Buddha is independent, free from any obstructions, has infinite life, and is omnipresent. He lives in suchness. There is no longer any reason for a Buddha to pursue the meaning of existence , as a Buddha himself is the meaning.

It is just like a person who leaves home and then wishes to return home. However, if he is already at home, he will not ask to go home. As home can render warmth to those who have wandered in cold areas away from home, home is seen as synonymous with warmth.

Unlike ordinary beings, a Buddha always dwells in his Buddha Nature, in the realm of permanence, joy, true self, and purity.

佛是自在、永在、遍在。

◎ “自在”是不依他而存在;

◎ “永在”是三世一切劫、恆久地存在;

◎ 遍一切處地存在,他是一切存在意義的本源。

不能再問他存在的意義是什麼,他賦予一切生命、一切萬物存在的意義。但是,這也是一切萬物本來的狀態,所謂“真如”。

佛證悟這一切,所以跟一切萬物的存在同體,所謂“無緣大慈,同體大悲”。因為人遠離了這種存在的本來狀態,遠離了佛性家鄉,所以我們才要尋求存在的意義。佛本身就是自在、本在、永在、遍在,這種狀態是不動的。那當然就沒有追求存在意義這回事,他本身就是意義。

就好像離了家的人想要回家,但本來在家的人還說什麼要回家啊?沒有這回事。也是因為家給了外面流浪的人溫暖,賦予這個意義。佛本身就安住在佛性,安住在常樂我淨的境界當中,不像我們凡夫這樣。

Namo Amituofo!

December 14, 2023

Dec 14, 2023

Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life

淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答

Question about the meaning, the aim and the pursuit of existence after becoming a Buddha

Answer (continuation to Q11 - 4/5):

The Nirvana Sutra says, “ A Buddha has four virtues - permanence, bliss, self and purity”

◎ “permanence” is truth, eternal existence, and transcends the concepts of time and space.

◎ “bliss” is the ultimate joy, the joy of Nirvana, the joy which is not relative to suffering.

◎ “self” means total freedom, not bound to any worldly concepts

◎ “purity” means: total clarity, uncontaminated, containing no ignorance, no doubts, no attachment to self, no discriminative thoughts. The incorrect notions we have concerning the self and these other concepts are not pure.

When we reach the above states, there is no longer any need to ask about aims or pursuits. All Buddhas arouse their compassionate minds, knowing that sentient beings possess Buddha Nature. It’s like burning wood. Both fire and wood have the fire nature. So, the wood will naturally burn when it is set on fire.

A Buddha is like the pristine fire of the Samadhi of Compassion. Sentient beings possess Buddha Nature; but, it is buried beneath our ignorance, negative karma, and afflictions.

Thus, a Buddha knows he can deliver sentient beings because he knows they already have the Buddha Nature.

It is just like fire naturally able to burn wood. A Buddha’s deliverance is also natural; so, it isn’t necessary to ask about their aims or pursuits. This is an analogy. Please let go of trying to understand a Buddha’s realm with our limited capacities. We need only exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name. Once we arrive in his Western Land of Bliss, we will fully understand.

《涅槃經》裡說,佛有四德:常、樂、我、淨。

◎ “常”是真理、永恆的存在,是超越時間概念的。

◎ “樂”是大樂、涅槃之樂,不是相對於苦樂而言的樂。

◎ “我”是“自在”之意。“我”就是一種本體、真實的存在,大自在、大解脫。

◎ “淨”是清淨,沒有任何的染污、不明了,沒有對萬法萬象不明、疑惑,也沒有我執、分別念。有我執,有分別念,有人,有我,有眾生,這就不淨了。

在這種境界,我們還是用語言說,到這個時候,還提什麼目標、追求?

諸佛緣起大悲心,也是因為眾生本來就有佛性。像火燒木頭,它並沒有什麼目標和追求,火本身就有火性,木頭裡面也有火性,它們火性相關,自自然然緣著這根木頭就燒著了。

佛就像純粹的三昧慈悲之火,眾生就像木頭,眾生有佛性,只是被邪知邪見、煩惱業障給覆蓋住了,但是佛性沒有喪失。

所以,佛度眾生是緣著佛性,這也可以講“無緣”,因為眾生本來就具足佛性,所以自自然然來度眾生。如同火燒木那樣自然,佛度眾生也是自自然然的,也沒有什麼目標之類的,火燒木有目標嗎?這都是打比喻。

總之,不要以凡夫的想法去測度佛的境界,我們還是老老實實念佛,到了西方極樂世界,一切自然明了,

Namo Amituofo!