20140805《靜思妙蓮華》耕耘善種成道糧（第363集）
⊙菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法；入眾生心田，播善種子，獲大道糧，得道種智。
⊙「如我昔所願，今者已滿足，化一切眾生，皆令入佛道。」《法華經方便品第二》
⊙「若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道，無智者錯亂，迷惑不受教。」《法華經方便品第二》
⊙若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道：佛於累生世都為眾生，而鋪設度化之道；種下生世見佛聞法受教之因緣。
【證嚴上人開示】
「菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法；入眾生心田，播善種子，獲大道糧，得道種智。」
菩薩如農夫
勤修六度法
入眾生心田
播善種子
獲大道糧
得道種智
「菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法。」菩薩農夫所耕耘的是心地，希望人人的心地能耕耘，沒有雜草叢生，希望大地上粒粒種子，都是菩提種，都是充滿了覺道，充滿了愛。這是菩薩農夫所耕耘的，眾生心地。
我們菩薩要耕耘的，用何方法來耕耘？那就是「勤修六度法」。布施、持戒、忍辱、精進、禪定、智慧，這就是六度之法，以此六種方法，如此深入眾生心田。我們要很自動(做)不請之師，能夠將眾生的心地耕耘好，然後在眾生的心地裡，去播善種子，等待著，等待著因緣成熟，那就是「獲大道糧，得道種智」。
譬喻、因緣，都是在我們的日日生活中。人人心中都有一片地，人人的心地，都能種下福慧的種子，因緣成熟，福慧種子結穗纍纍，不就是能再不斷播種給天下人。
昨天我們說過了，佛陀的心願，就是要來教化天下眾生，人人與佛平等。但是，有人就說：「佛是這麼大的願，卻是眾生還有這麼多，如何能度得完？如何能讓人人都能得到佛法？」佛陀就說：「就是等待根機成熟的人。根機成熟，就及時接引他，這就要看因緣。」佛陀盡心力，其實佛陀他是一個觀念，讓我們瞭解，人人都能成佛。成佛以前要發大心，就是「四弘誓願」，度盡眾生、斷除煩惱、求無量法，才能成就無上、佛的覺悟境界。這是修行者人人必定要經過。
在人間好修行。佛陀所說的教法，都是在人間法——苦、集、滅、道。「苦」是「集」種種因緣，結果才會苦。要如何脫離這個苦難呢？多看人間苦，多去體會苦的來源、道理何在，提高警覺我們的心，才能知「道」要如何走。
「道」走得好，慢慢的，這種「苦」的道理瞭解了，就懂得預防，自然不會再製造苦，苦就慢慢淡化。「道」就愈開愈闊，愈鋪愈平，就慢慢向前走，走久了，也能到達佛的境界。所以，苦、集、滅、道，我們要瞭解。
世間已經有這麼多，現相讓我們看，現在的科技，也能讓我們宏觀天下。這幾天來，都有與美國以視訊開會，聽聽美國現在的（桑迪風災）情形。那一群菩薩，在那一塊災區裡，是在紐約、新澤西，這是最重的災難區，當然，還有長島，到處停電，滿目瘡痍的街道，路難走，交通不通。
但是，身為一位慈濟人，人間菩薩，不忍眾生苦，想盡辦法，撥開困難，還是集合著。冷，沒電、沒水；餓，慈濟人想辦法，如何集合資糧。沒電，就在黑暗中摸(索)，點起了蠟燭，這麼大量的(熱食)數量，要供應給災民。這種菩薩心，就是要自動走入眾生的心地。撥開萬難，在種種的困境中，完成了這麼熱騰騰的熱食發送。
這就是菩薩，看到人間的苦難，體會到人生的無常，更能體會到人力的渺小，感觸到天的威力之強。四大不調，四大，一大不調，怎麼樣都沒辦法，都是無奈。所以當災難生起時，多數，幾百萬戶，最初達到八百多萬戶停電。有的人，家園破碎，完全破碎，不只是損壞而已，要與外界通訊息，沒有電，還是一樣無法呼籲(喚)，他的親人、朋友，讓親人、朋友，能夠知道他的困境，報平安，因為沒有通訊。
所以，看到一則新聞，很感動人的，就是在新澤西，有一區很幸運，沒有斷電，所以家裡有電，一個小女孩，才十一歲而已，智慧愛心，靈機一動，向她的父親請求，希望她的父親，能來幫助沒電可用的人。所以，看到很多人的手機，都停了、沒有電了，女孩子向父親說：「我們能在我們的家門口，設一個充電站。」甚至，還在外面排一個，供應熱咖啡，供應給大家。看，小年紀，大愛心。
有的人能夠充電，能夠與他們遠途的親人接上線，讓他們知道：「我人平安，我現在需要人家的幫助。」類似這種的，大家得到充電的機會，解開了很多人的心靈的不安。平安的地方，知道災區的親人、朋友生命是平安，卻是要如何幫助他們，這樣就有力了。
一個小小的女孩，能夠幫助的人，不知道有多少人？所以，小年紀，能夠完成大愛之事，很了不起！甚至家門外，不斷供應熱咖啡，是熱咖啡。氣候(溫)那麼低，已經到了零度，有的人有家歸不得，還沒有整理，破損了，徘徊在外面，能有這樣熱熱的熱咖啡，這是多麼溫暖的事情。所以，感覺小孩童，能有這分愛的智慧，父親這樣的提供，能夠利益多少人，讓多少人感恩啊！
所以，「菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法」。布施，及時去布施，這就是方法。人人要自動，「入眾生心田」，要自動。人生苦難偏多，需要很多人如何來解開，層層疊疊的苦難。假如有這種無常天災，無論在哪個地方，若有人肯及時，去解開人家的苦難，這「不請之師」，智慧、愛，及時付出，這種溫暖了人心，這就是在人的心地裡，播下了善種子。現在受惠的人，說不定就是未來造福的人。這就是要靠人人，發這一念心。
若是如此，「得道種智」。佛陀來人間就是這樣教我們，讓我們知道見苦，如何造福。當眾生有苦難，當我們能把握機會去付出，這就是將「道」的種子，已經播送到人人的心裡。所以，因緣若成熟，種子若成熟，它就能得「道」。所以，我們不必擔心，佛陀，要度盡天下眾生，天下眾生那麼多，哪有辦法能度呢？
人人都有一片心地，人人都本具有這分的力量，有這分的種子，只要你去教導他，啟發他一下，他，每個人的潛能，能夠啟動起來，想，人教人，人度人，這就是愛的能量。期待人與人之間，就像這對父女一樣。
就像有很多人送東西過去，丟著就表示我的愛送到了。還不夠，應該要經過整理。就如我們慈濟人在那裡，政府開始委託我們慈濟，是不是能夠幫助？這麼多人的愛心，造成二次災難，若能夠有管理、有次序，將這些東西如何整理起來，現在正是人人需要的時刻。所以，建議他們如何動員志工，如何對社區、團體等等呼籲，所以才會提起要(招募)人，就是希望能夠人力集中。
所以，一切都要有這片福田，我們要及時把握這個因緣投入，這就叫做菩薩農夫。否則，平時要找一塊田來耕，也沒有那麼容易。何況這個時候，就是那個地區最需要之時，及時動作，就是能及時，耕耘那片土地、心地。
所以，佛陀，我們昨天讀過這段（經）文，佛陀說：「如我昔所願，今者已滿足，化一切眾生，皆令入佛道。」
如我昔所願
今者已滿足
化一切眾生
皆令入佛道
《法華經 方便品第二》
就是要把握機會，教導眾生，因緣成熟就要趕緊發揮力量，趕緊度他，讓他能夠體會道理。所以，佛陀從無量劫前，長久的時間，都是一直不斷修行，不斷發願，不斷度眾生。
在人間的一期壽命有限，從小(乘)教慢慢引導到，大乘法，此時要讓大家更加瞭解，這種苦集滅道的道理。已經於五濁惡世，災難偏多的這個時刻，希望人人能夠見苦知福。見苦，要解「道」；要了解這個道理，這個苦難是這樣，就是因為有這樣的累積，現在應該要趕緊去處理，累積而來的那些苦難。
就如於此五濁惡世，我們要把握機會，就是在此苦難、五濁惡世中，我們才有「行」可修。「菩薩所緣，緣苦眾生」，行菩薩道，就是於苦難中去付出。大家能夠啟發，了解，看到他們在動作，佛陀他就會安心；看到大家願意接受、願意修行，所以他安心。「化一切眾生，皆令入佛道」，在這種大環境中，大家能覺悟之後，人人行菩薩道。
再接下來，這段（經）文就說，「若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道，無智者錯亂，迷惑不受教」。
若我遇眾生
盡教以佛道
無智者錯亂
迷惑不受教
《法華經 方便品第二》
佛陀說：「我若遇到眾生」。眾生與佛有緣，要有緣才能遇得到。我不是告訴大家，小城市裡，無緣的人還是三分之二，沒有看到，不曾看過佛，所以，無緣眾生，是不得遇、不能度。無緣就遇不到佛，甚至，佛陀入滅之後，佛法，無緣的人也是聽不到，所以佛要遇到眾生，也很有限。
最重要的，佛陀「盡教以佛道」。他就是將他所得到的教法，希望人人都能接受到，人人都能啟發這分，與佛同等的正信、正解、正覺悟。但是，可惜，「無智者錯亂，迷惑不受教」，這樣的人，不是大多數嗎？不曾聽過佛法，無法說；聽到之後，無法如規如矩來接受，這樣的人很多。無法受正法，無法如正教，毫釐之差，千里之錯，就會錯亂了。
這種的錯亂，錯再傳，就更錯；所以這種以迷度迷，迷中更迷。這實在是佛陀最擔憂的。所以，我們眾生，要如何才能有福遇正法，有了福遇正法，我們要啟智，我們的智慧，要好好深心信受。這個正法，要很深於我們的心田中，要好好的播種，不要種子一撒下去，在地上讓太陽曬得，吸收不到水分，風一吹，這粒種子就乾了，就沒了。
「若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道」。就是說，佛累生累世都是為眾生在鋪設度化的道路。生生世世來人間，為了要度眾生，不斷用愛在鋪路，這是佛的慈悲。
若我遇眾生
盡教以佛道：
佛於累生世
都為眾生
而鋪設度化之道
種下生世見佛聞法
受教之因緣
將此路鋪通，田也已經教人如何耕，所以下種子，生生世世能種子纍纍，收成起來，還能夠作為種子。所以，《無量義經》云：「一生無量，無量從一生。」一粒種子能夠輾轉，不斷成為種子。你若是一個人發心，願意去人間菩薩招生，將你的正知、正見，再鋪給別人，別人同樣吸收到了，他還能夠再輾轉，所以一個、十個、百個，千千萬萬人，這就是種子。看看這個種子，是不是這樣一直接下去，這麼的純。
耕地農夫，如何在發種，如何播種，耕地農夫是很重要。我們現在發心，是心地農夫；心地農夫，就是自己要修行，自己的心地也要修，我們才能將我們，每一次所收的種子，才能很正確的不斷去播種。所以，「一生無量，無量從一生」，粒粒的種子，(做)「不請之師」，要撒入每一個人的心地，去播善種子。
所以，各位菩薩，要發心。菩薩，不只是用叫的，人人名副其實，發菩薩心，做人心的菩薩。希望人人要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Sow Seeds of Goodness for Spiritual Nourishment (耕耘善種成道糧)
Date: August. 05. 2014
Bodhisattvas are like farmers. They diligently cultivate the Six Perfections. In the minds of sentient beings, they sow seeds of goodness to yield a harvest of great spiritual nourishment and attain complete wisdom.
“Bodhisattvas are like farmers. They diligently cultivate the Six Perfections.” The fields that Bodhisattva-farmers cultivate are the fields of the mind. They hope that everyone’s minds can be cultivated and can be free of weeds. They hope all seeds in the land are Bodhi-seeds, filled with [the potential for] awakening and love. This is what Bodhisattva-farmers are cultivating in the minds of sentient beings.
As Bodhisattvas, what methods do we use to cultivate these fields? We need “to diligently cultivate the Six Perfections,” which are giving, upholding precepts, patience, diligence, Samadhi and wisdom. These are the Six Perfections. [We] apply the Six Perfections to penetrate the fields in the minds of sentient beings. We must proactively be un-summoned teachers who cultivate the fields of sentient beings’ minds and then sow seeds of goodness into their minds. Then, we wait until the causes and conditions are mature and their minds “yield a harvest of great spiritual nourishment and attain complete wisdom.”
Analogies and causes and conditions are [teachings that can be applied] in daily living. Everyone has a field in their minds. In every one of these fields, seeds of blessings and wisdom can be sown. Then when causes and conditions mature, the seeds will produce an abundant harvest that can be spread to everyone in the world.
As we discussed yesterday, the Buddha’s vow is to transform all sentient beings in the world so everyone can be equal to the Buddha. However, some people may say, “The Buddha made a great vow, but there are so many sentient beings. How could He ever transform all of them? How could everyone receive the Buddha-Dharma?” The Buddha answered, “I wait for those whose capabilities are mature. Once they are mature, I promptly guide them. All this depends on causes and conditions.” The Buddha did all that He could.
In fact, the Buddha helped us understand the concept that we can all attain Buddhahood and prior to attaining Buddhahood, we must form great aspirations. So, we make the Four Great Vows to transform all sentient beings, eliminate all afflictions, seek infinite Dharma and attain the realization of the unsurpassed enlightened state of the Buddha. This is what all spiritual practitioners must do.
This world is a good place for spiritual practice. The Buddha’s teachings are all about the truth of suffering and its causation in this world. Suffering results from the accumulation of various karmic conditions. How can we transcend this suffering? We must often observe suffering, and realize its cause and principles behind it. We must heighten our vigilance of our minds so we know how to walk the Path.
As we walk on the Path, we can gradually understand the principle of suffering so we can prevent it. Then naturally, we will not create more suffering. As suffering gradually diminishes, the Path will become wider and smoother, so we can slowly walk forward. Over time, we can also attain Buddhahood. Thus, we must understand the principles of the Four Noble Truths. There are so many manifestations [of suffering] in this world for us to see.Today’s technology allows us to see the entire world.During these past few days, we have had video conferences with Tzu Chi USA to learn about their situation.
Those Bodhisattva [-volunteers] were in the disaster area.
You see, this disaster area covered New York and New Jersey.These were the most hard-hit areas.Of course, Long Island was also affected.Power outages were widespread and streets were cluttered and heard to travel, so transportation was disrupted.But Tzu Chi volunteers are Living Bodhisattvas who cannot bear to see people suffer, so they tried their best to overcome difficulties and still gathered together.
It was cold, there was no electricity, no water.To satisfy people’s hunger, Tzu Chi volunteers figured out a way to collect ingredients for food.
There was no electricity, so they found their way in the dark by lighting candles.They cooked many meals to distribute to victims.With Bodhisattva-minds, they proactively entered people’s hearts.They overcame all kinds of difficulties; under these difficult circumstances, they delivered hot meals to disaster victims.This is what Bodhisattvas do.Witnessing this suffering in the world, we realize the impermanence of life and, furthermore, the insignificance of humans in the face of the might of nature.When the four elements are not in harmony, if even one of the four elements is not in harmony, there is nothing we can do about it.We are helpless.
So when disasters occur, millions of households suffer.Initially, more than eight million households experienced a power outage.Some victims’ homes were completely destroyed.Not only that, but they could not communicate with others.In a power outage, they could not communicate with their families and friends, if they were safe or in danger.I saw a very touching news report from New Jersey.
One neighborhood was very lucky to still have power.
In one of the houses with electricity, there was a young girl, who was only 11, but already wise and loving.She was suddenly inspired to ask her father to help those who had no electricity. She knew that a lot of people’s cell phones had stopped working since they could not be charged.So, she asked her father, “Can we set up a charging station in front of our house?”Next to that, she even set up a booth providing hot coffee to people.
See?Even though she is young, she has great love.Because they were about to charge their phones, they could get it tough with their families to tell them they were safe, or that they needed help, or other similar information.When people had a way to charge their phones, this soothed many people’s uneasiness.Once those who lived in other areas knew their families and friends in disaster areas were safe, they could find ways to help them.This was very effective.
Who knows how many this young girl helped?For someone as young as her to accomplish such a work of great love is very impressive.She even provided hot coffee in front of her house.The temperature was so low that it reached the freezing point.
Some people were displaced because their homes were destroyed; they could only wander around outside.For them to receive this cup of hot coffee was very heartwarming.
Therefore, as we can see, this child had love and wisdom, and her father was willing to provide his support.Their actions benefited many people and so many were grateful for it.
So, “Bodhisattvas are like farmers.”“They diligently cultivate the Six Perfections.”We must engage in giving right away; this is one of the methods.We must proactively [sow seeds] “in the minds of sentient beings”.We must proactively [sow seeds] “in the minds of sentient beings”. Life is filled with suffering. Many people are needed to eliminate layer after layer of suffering. Whenever there are [sudden] nature disasters, no matter where, there will be people who are willing to promptly alleviate the sufferings of others. As “un-summoned teachers, they promptly give with wisdom and love. Their heart-warming actions sow the seeds of goodness in people’s minds. There people who benefit now may be the ones who benefit others in the future. This depends on all of us forming this aspiration. In this way, we can “attain complete wisdom”. The Buddha comes to this world to teach us to create blessing when we witness suffering.
When sentient beings are suffering, if we seize the opportunity to give, we are sowing the seeds of the “[spiritual] path” into everyone’s minds. So, if causes and conditions mature, if the seeds have ripened, [people] can attain the “path”.
So, we need not worry that, “The Buddha wants to transform all beings, but there are so many sentient beings; how could He transform them all? Everyone has a field in their minds. Everyone intrinsically has this strength, these seeds. As long as we teach and inspire them, their potential can be awakened. Then, people can teach and transform each other. This is the power of love. I hope all interpersonal relationships are like the one between that father and daughter. In the same way, delivering material goods by just leaving them outside does not show love. That is not enough; we must deliver them in a neat and organized way.
This is what Tzu Chi volunteers did. The government asked Tzu Chi to help. The overwhelming love from around the world caused a secondary disaster [of surplus donations]. If we could organize them and put them in order, they could be useful in times of need.
So, [the government] suggested we mobilize volunteers to work with the communities and other organizations. So, we talked about recruiting volunteers in hopes of consolidating manpower. This field of blessings is in everyone. We must seize karmic conditions to [sow seeds]. Then we are Bodhisattva-farmers.
Otherwise, normally it is not easy to find a field to cultivate. Moreover, at that moment, when the area most needed the help, by talking immediate action, we cultivated the fields in their minds. So the Buddha, from what we read yesterday, said,
“That vow, made long ago, has now been perfectly fulfilled. For I have transformed all beings, leading them onto the path to Buddhahood”.
We must seize the opportunity to teach sentient beings. When causes and conditions are mature, we must exercise our strength to quickly transform people so they can comprehend the principles. For countless kalpas, for a very long time, the Buddha has constantly, continuously formed aspirations and continuously transformed sentient beings. In each of His limited human lifespans, He used the Small Vehicle to gradually guide people to the Great Vehicle Dharma.
At that moment, He wanted to help people further understand the principles of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. In this evil world of Five Turbidities, when there have been so many disasters, I hope everyone can witness suffering to recognize blessings. In seeing suffering, we must understand the Path. We must understand the principles, that this suffering comes about because of the accumulation [of causes], so now we must hurry and deal with those accumulated sufferings. Similarly, in this evil world of Five Turbidities, we must seize every opportunity. Only when we suffer in the evil world of Five Turbidities are we able to engage in spiritual practice.
“Bodhisattvas arise because of suffering beings”. To walk the Bodhisattva-path, we must give when there is suffering. This is how. If people are able to awaken and understand, the Buddha will be at peace when He sees their actions. Seeing everyone willing to accept [teachings] and engage in spiritual practice, He is at peace. “For I have transformed all beings leading them onto the path to Buddhahood”. In this kind of environment, when people awaken, they will walk the Bodhisattva-path.
The next passage of sutra texts state, “If, whenever I met sentient beings, I ultimately taught them the path to Buddhahood, those lacking wisdom would be puzzled. Deluded, they would not accept the teaching”.
The Buddha says, “If I met sentient beings”. Only sentient beings who have karmic affinities with the Buddha can encounter Him. As I have told everyone, in a small city, two-thirds did not have karmic connection, so they never saw the Buddha. Sentient beings without karmic connections cannot encounter Him or be transformed by Him. Without karmic connections. Even after the Buddha entered Parinirvana, those without karmic connections still cannot hear the Buddha-Dharma. So, the number of sentient beings He can meet is very limited.
But most importantly, He “ultimately taught the path to Buddhahood”. He wanted everyone to receive the teachings He had attained and to awaken proper faith, right understanding to awaken proper faith, right understanding and a perfect awakening equal to His.
But sadly, “those lacking wisdom would be puzzled” Doesn’t this describe the vast majority of people? If they have never listened to the Buddha-Dharma they cannot share it. After listening to it, they cannot follow it accordingly. There are many people like this. They are unable to accept the Right Dharma, to comply with the proper teaching. A slight deviation can lead them far astray, so they will be confused. This confusion will lead to more confusion as it is spread.
So, if the confused try to help others, those people will be more confused. This is what the Buddha worries about most. So, how can we sentient beings be blessed to encounter the Right Dharma? If we are blessed to encounter the Right Dharma, we must develop wisdom.
With wisdom, we can faithfully accept [it]. Right Dharma must be deeply rooted in the field of our minds. We must plant it carefully. If we spread the seeds on the surface of the land and they are exposed to the sun without absorbing any water, when the wind blows, the seeds will dry out and die.
“If, whenever I met sentient beings, I ultimately taught them the path to Buddhahood” refers to how the Buddha spent lifetimes paving the path to transformation for sentient beings. He comes to this world, life after life. For the sake of transforming sentient beings, He continuously paved the path with love. This is the Buddha’s compassion.
The Buddha has paved this path and has already taught people how to cultivate these fields. So, after sowing the seeds, life after life, they can yield and abundant [harvest]. This harvest can then be used as seeds. The Sutra of Infinite Meanings states, “One gives rise to infinity and infinity arises from one”. One seed can continue to create more seeds.Each of you can aspire to recruit Living Bodhisattvas and pass Right Knowledge and Right Views on to another person. When another person is able to absorb it, that person can pass it on to another person. So, one becomes ten, then a Hundred, a thousand and then tens of thousands; this is what seeds do. See how a seed can simply continue to multiply in this way.
For a farmer, spreading and planting seeds are very important. We must now aspire to be a farmer of the mind. To be a farmer, we must first engage in spiritual practice and cultivate our own minds.Only then can the seeds we harvest each time continue to be planted correctly. This is how “One gives rise to infinity and infinity arises from one” Each of us must be an “un-summoned teacher” who sows seeds of goodness in people’s minds.
So, dear Bodhisattvas, we must form aspirations. A Bodhisattva is not just a name. We must be one in truth and form Bodhisattva-aspirations to be Living Bodhisattvas. I hope you will always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
⊙菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法；入眾生心田，播善種子，獲大道糧，得道種智。
⊙「如我昔所願，今者已滿足，化一切眾生，皆令入佛道。」《法華經方便品第二》
⊙「若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道，無智者錯亂，迷惑不受教。」《法華經方便品第二》
⊙若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道：佛於累生世都為眾生，而鋪設度化之道；種下生世見佛聞法受教之因緣。
【證嚴上人開示】
「菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法；入眾生心田，播善種子，獲大道糧，得道種智。」
菩薩如農夫
勤修六度法
入眾生心田
播善種子
獲大道糧
得道種智
「菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法。」菩薩農夫所耕耘的是心地，希望人人的心地能耕耘，沒有雜草叢生，希望大地上粒粒種子，都是菩提種，都是充滿了覺道，充滿了愛。這是菩薩農夫所耕耘的，眾生心地。
我們菩薩要耕耘的，用何方法來耕耘？那就是「勤修六度法」。布施、持戒、忍辱、精進、禪定、智慧，這就是六度之法，以此六種方法，如此深入眾生心田。我們要很自動(做)不請之師，能夠將眾生的心地耕耘好，然後在眾生的心地裡，去播善種子，等待著，等待著因緣成熟，那就是「獲大道糧，得道種智」。
譬喻、因緣，都是在我們的日日生活中。人人心中都有一片地，人人的心地，都能種下福慧的種子，因緣成熟，福慧種子結穗纍纍，不就是能再不斷播種給天下人。
昨天我們說過了，佛陀的心願，就是要來教化天下眾生，人人與佛平等。但是，有人就說：「佛是這麼大的願，卻是眾生還有這麼多，如何能度得完？如何能讓人人都能得到佛法？」佛陀就說：「就是等待根機成熟的人。根機成熟，就及時接引他，這就要看因緣。」佛陀盡心力，其實佛陀他是一個觀念，讓我們瞭解，人人都能成佛。成佛以前要發大心，就是「四弘誓願」，度盡眾生、斷除煩惱、求無量法，才能成就無上、佛的覺悟境界。這是修行者人人必定要經過。
在人間好修行。佛陀所說的教法，都是在人間法——苦、集、滅、道。「苦」是「集」種種因緣，結果才會苦。要如何脫離這個苦難呢？多看人間苦，多去體會苦的來源、道理何在，提高警覺我們的心，才能知「道」要如何走。
「道」走得好，慢慢的，這種「苦」的道理瞭解了，就懂得預防，自然不會再製造苦，苦就慢慢淡化。「道」就愈開愈闊，愈鋪愈平，就慢慢向前走，走久了，也能到達佛的境界。所以，苦、集、滅、道，我們要瞭解。
世間已經有這麼多，現相讓我們看，現在的科技，也能讓我們宏觀天下。這幾天來，都有與美國以視訊開會，聽聽美國現在的（桑迪風災）情形。那一群菩薩，在那一塊災區裡，是在紐約、新澤西，這是最重的災難區，當然，還有長島，到處停電，滿目瘡痍的街道，路難走，交通不通。
但是，身為一位慈濟人，人間菩薩，不忍眾生苦，想盡辦法，撥開困難，還是集合著。冷，沒電、沒水；餓，慈濟人想辦法，如何集合資糧。沒電，就在黑暗中摸(索)，點起了蠟燭，這麼大量的(熱食)數量，要供應給災民。這種菩薩心，就是要自動走入眾生的心地。撥開萬難，在種種的困境中，完成了這麼熱騰騰的熱食發送。
這就是菩薩，看到人間的苦難，體會到人生的無常，更能體會到人力的渺小，感觸到天的威力之強。四大不調，四大，一大不調，怎麼樣都沒辦法，都是無奈。所以當災難生起時，多數，幾百萬戶，最初達到八百多萬戶停電。有的人，家園破碎，完全破碎，不只是損壞而已，要與外界通訊息，沒有電，還是一樣無法呼籲(喚)，他的親人、朋友，讓親人、朋友，能夠知道他的困境，報平安，因為沒有通訊。
所以，看到一則新聞，很感動人的，就是在新澤西，有一區很幸運，沒有斷電，所以家裡有電，一個小女孩，才十一歲而已，智慧愛心，靈機一動，向她的父親請求，希望她的父親，能來幫助沒電可用的人。所以，看到很多人的手機，都停了、沒有電了，女孩子向父親說：「我們能在我們的家門口，設一個充電站。」甚至，還在外面排一個，供應熱咖啡，供應給大家。看，小年紀，大愛心。
有的人能夠充電，能夠與他們遠途的親人接上線，讓他們知道：「我人平安，我現在需要人家的幫助。」類似這種的，大家得到充電的機會，解開了很多人的心靈的不安。平安的地方，知道災區的親人、朋友生命是平安，卻是要如何幫助他們，這樣就有力了。
一個小小的女孩，能夠幫助的人，不知道有多少人？所以，小年紀，能夠完成大愛之事，很了不起！甚至家門外，不斷供應熱咖啡，是熱咖啡。氣候(溫)那麼低，已經到了零度，有的人有家歸不得，還沒有整理，破損了，徘徊在外面，能有這樣熱熱的熱咖啡，這是多麼溫暖的事情。所以，感覺小孩童，能有這分愛的智慧，父親這樣的提供，能夠利益多少人，讓多少人感恩啊！
所以，「菩薩如農夫，勤修六度法」。布施，及時去布施，這就是方法。人人要自動，「入眾生心田」，要自動。人生苦難偏多，需要很多人如何來解開，層層疊疊的苦難。假如有這種無常天災，無論在哪個地方，若有人肯及時，去解開人家的苦難，這「不請之師」，智慧、愛，及時付出，這種溫暖了人心，這就是在人的心地裡，播下了善種子。現在受惠的人，說不定就是未來造福的人。這就是要靠人人，發這一念心。
若是如此，「得道種智」。佛陀來人間就是這樣教我們，讓我們知道見苦，如何造福。當眾生有苦難，當我們能把握機會去付出，這就是將「道」的種子，已經播送到人人的心裡。所以，因緣若成熟，種子若成熟，它就能得「道」。所以，我們不必擔心，佛陀，要度盡天下眾生，天下眾生那麼多，哪有辦法能度呢？
人人都有一片心地，人人都本具有這分的力量，有這分的種子，只要你去教導他，啟發他一下，他，每個人的潛能，能夠啟動起來，想，人教人，人度人，這就是愛的能量。期待人與人之間，就像這對父女一樣。
就像有很多人送東西過去，丟著就表示我的愛送到了。還不夠，應該要經過整理。就如我們慈濟人在那裡，政府開始委託我們慈濟，是不是能夠幫助？這麼多人的愛心，造成二次災難，若能夠有管理、有次序，將這些東西如何整理起來，現在正是人人需要的時刻。所以，建議他們如何動員志工，如何對社區、團體等等呼籲，所以才會提起要(招募)人，就是希望能夠人力集中。
所以，一切都要有這片福田，我們要及時把握這個因緣投入，這就叫做菩薩農夫。否則，平時要找一塊田來耕，也沒有那麼容易。何況這個時候，就是那個地區最需要之時，及時動作，就是能及時，耕耘那片土地、心地。
所以，佛陀，我們昨天讀過這段（經）文，佛陀說：「如我昔所願，今者已滿足，化一切眾生，皆令入佛道。」
如我昔所願
今者已滿足
化一切眾生
皆令入佛道
《法華經 方便品第二》
就是要把握機會，教導眾生，因緣成熟就要趕緊發揮力量，趕緊度他，讓他能夠體會道理。所以，佛陀從無量劫前，長久的時間，都是一直不斷修行，不斷發願，不斷度眾生。
在人間的一期壽命有限，從小(乘)教慢慢引導到，大乘法，此時要讓大家更加瞭解，這種苦集滅道的道理。已經於五濁惡世，災難偏多的這個時刻，希望人人能夠見苦知福。見苦，要解「道」；要了解這個道理，這個苦難是這樣，就是因為有這樣的累積，現在應該要趕緊去處理，累積而來的那些苦難。
就如於此五濁惡世，我們要把握機會，就是在此苦難、五濁惡世中，我們才有「行」可修。「菩薩所緣，緣苦眾生」，行菩薩道，就是於苦難中去付出。大家能夠啟發，了解，看到他們在動作，佛陀他就會安心；看到大家願意接受、願意修行，所以他安心。「化一切眾生，皆令入佛道」，在這種大環境中，大家能覺悟之後，人人行菩薩道。
再接下來，這段（經）文就說，「若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道，無智者錯亂，迷惑不受教」。
若我遇眾生
盡教以佛道
無智者錯亂
迷惑不受教
《法華經 方便品第二》
佛陀說：「我若遇到眾生」。眾生與佛有緣，要有緣才能遇得到。我不是告訴大家，小城市裡，無緣的人還是三分之二，沒有看到，不曾看過佛，所以，無緣眾生，是不得遇、不能度。無緣就遇不到佛，甚至，佛陀入滅之後，佛法，無緣的人也是聽不到，所以佛要遇到眾生，也很有限。
最重要的，佛陀「盡教以佛道」。他就是將他所得到的教法，希望人人都能接受到，人人都能啟發這分，與佛同等的正信、正解、正覺悟。但是，可惜，「無智者錯亂，迷惑不受教」，這樣的人，不是大多數嗎？不曾聽過佛法，無法說；聽到之後，無法如規如矩來接受，這樣的人很多。無法受正法，無法如正教，毫釐之差，千里之錯，就會錯亂了。
這種的錯亂，錯再傳，就更錯；所以這種以迷度迷，迷中更迷。這實在是佛陀最擔憂的。所以，我們眾生，要如何才能有福遇正法，有了福遇正法，我們要啟智，我們的智慧，要好好深心信受。這個正法，要很深於我們的心田中，要好好的播種，不要種子一撒下去，在地上讓太陽曬得，吸收不到水分，風一吹，這粒種子就乾了，就沒了。
「若我遇眾生，盡教以佛道」。就是說，佛累生累世都是為眾生在鋪設度化的道路。生生世世來人間，為了要度眾生，不斷用愛在鋪路，這是佛的慈悲。
若我遇眾生
盡教以佛道：
佛於累生世
都為眾生
而鋪設度化之道
種下生世見佛聞法
受教之因緣
將此路鋪通，田也已經教人如何耕，所以下種子，生生世世能種子纍纍，收成起來，還能夠作為種子。所以，《無量義經》云：「一生無量，無量從一生。」一粒種子能夠輾轉，不斷成為種子。你若是一個人發心，願意去人間菩薩招生，將你的正知、正見，再鋪給別人，別人同樣吸收到了，他還能夠再輾轉，所以一個、十個、百個，千千萬萬人，這就是種子。看看這個種子，是不是這樣一直接下去，這麼的純。
耕地農夫，如何在發種，如何播種，耕地農夫是很重要。我們現在發心，是心地農夫；心地農夫，就是自己要修行，自己的心地也要修，我們才能將我們，每一次所收的種子，才能很正確的不斷去播種。所以，「一生無量，無量從一生」，粒粒的種子，(做)「不請之師」，要撒入每一個人的心地，去播善種子。
所以，各位菩薩，要發心。菩薩，不只是用叫的，人人名副其實，發菩薩心，做人心的菩薩。希望人人要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Sow Seeds of Goodness for Spiritual Nourishment (耕耘善種成道糧)
Date: August. 05. 2014
Bodhisattvas are like farmers. They diligently cultivate the Six Perfections. In the minds of sentient beings, they sow seeds of goodness to yield a harvest of great spiritual nourishment and attain complete wisdom.
“Bodhisattvas are like farmers. They diligently cultivate the Six Perfections.” The fields that Bodhisattva-farmers cultivate are the fields of the mind. They hope that everyone’s minds can be cultivated and can be free of weeds. They hope all seeds in the land are Bodhi-seeds, filled with [the potential for] awakening and love. This is what Bodhisattva-farmers are cultivating in the minds of sentient beings.
As Bodhisattvas, what methods do we use to cultivate these fields? We need “to diligently cultivate the Six Perfections,” which are giving, upholding precepts, patience, diligence, Samadhi and wisdom. These are the Six Perfections. [We] apply the Six Perfections to penetrate the fields in the minds of sentient beings. We must proactively be un-summoned teachers who cultivate the fields of sentient beings’ minds and then sow seeds of goodness into their minds. Then, we wait until the causes and conditions are mature and their minds “yield a harvest of great spiritual nourishment and attain complete wisdom.”
Analogies and causes and conditions are [teachings that can be applied] in daily living. Everyone has a field in their minds. In every one of these fields, seeds of blessings and wisdom can be sown. Then when causes and conditions mature, the seeds will produce an abundant harvest that can be spread to everyone in the world.
As we discussed yesterday, the Buddha’s vow is to transform all sentient beings in the world so everyone can be equal to the Buddha. However, some people may say, “The Buddha made a great vow, but there are so many sentient beings. How could He ever transform all of them? How could everyone receive the Buddha-Dharma?” The Buddha answered, “I wait for those whose capabilities are mature. Once they are mature, I promptly guide them. All this depends on causes and conditions.” The Buddha did all that He could.
In fact, the Buddha helped us understand the concept that we can all attain Buddhahood and prior to attaining Buddhahood, we must form great aspirations. So, we make the Four Great Vows to transform all sentient beings, eliminate all afflictions, seek infinite Dharma and attain the realization of the unsurpassed enlightened state of the Buddha. This is what all spiritual practitioners must do.
This world is a good place for spiritual practice. The Buddha’s teachings are all about the truth of suffering and its causation in this world. Suffering results from the accumulation of various karmic conditions. How can we transcend this suffering? We must often observe suffering, and realize its cause and principles behind it. We must heighten our vigilance of our minds so we know how to walk the Path.
As we walk on the Path, we can gradually understand the principle of suffering so we can prevent it. Then naturally, we will not create more suffering. As suffering gradually diminishes, the Path will become wider and smoother, so we can slowly walk forward. Over time, we can also attain Buddhahood. Thus, we must understand the principles of the Four Noble Truths. There are so many manifestations [of suffering] in this world for us to see.Today’s technology allows us to see the entire world.During these past few days, we have had video conferences with Tzu Chi USA to learn about their situation.
Those Bodhisattva [-volunteers] were in the disaster area.
You see, this disaster area covered New York and New Jersey.These were the most hard-hit areas.Of course, Long Island was also affected.Power outages were widespread and streets were cluttered and heard to travel, so transportation was disrupted.But Tzu Chi volunteers are Living Bodhisattvas who cannot bear to see people suffer, so they tried their best to overcome difficulties and still gathered together.
It was cold, there was no electricity, no water.To satisfy people’s hunger, Tzu Chi volunteers figured out a way to collect ingredients for food.
There was no electricity, so they found their way in the dark by lighting candles.They cooked many meals to distribute to victims.With Bodhisattva-minds, they proactively entered people’s hearts.They overcame all kinds of difficulties; under these difficult circumstances, they delivered hot meals to disaster victims.This is what Bodhisattvas do.Witnessing this suffering in the world, we realize the impermanence of life and, furthermore, the insignificance of humans in the face of the might of nature.When the four elements are not in harmony, if even one of the four elements is not in harmony, there is nothing we can do about it.We are helpless.
So when disasters occur, millions of households suffer.Initially, more than eight million households experienced a power outage.Some victims’ homes were completely destroyed.Not only that, but they could not communicate with others.In a power outage, they could not communicate with their families and friends, if they were safe or in danger.I saw a very touching news report from New Jersey.
One neighborhood was very lucky to still have power.
In one of the houses with electricity, there was a young girl, who was only 11, but already wise and loving.She was suddenly inspired to ask her father to help those who had no electricity. She knew that a lot of people’s cell phones had stopped working since they could not be charged.So, she asked her father, “Can we set up a charging station in front of our house?”Next to that, she even set up a booth providing hot coffee to people.
See?Even though she is young, she has great love.Because they were about to charge their phones, they could get it tough with their families to tell them they were safe, or that they needed help, or other similar information.When people had a way to charge their phones, this soothed many people’s uneasiness.Once those who lived in other areas knew their families and friends in disaster areas were safe, they could find ways to help them.This was very effective.
Who knows how many this young girl helped?For someone as young as her to accomplish such a work of great love is very impressive.She even provided hot coffee in front of her house.The temperature was so low that it reached the freezing point.
Some people were displaced because their homes were destroyed; they could only wander around outside.For them to receive this cup of hot coffee was very heartwarming.
Therefore, as we can see, this child had love and wisdom, and her father was willing to provide his support.Their actions benefited many people and so many were grateful for it.
So, “Bodhisattvas are like farmers.”“They diligently cultivate the Six Perfections.”We must engage in giving right away; this is one of the methods.We must proactively [sow seeds] “in the minds of sentient beings”.We must proactively [sow seeds] “in the minds of sentient beings”. Life is filled with suffering. Many people are needed to eliminate layer after layer of suffering. Whenever there are [sudden] nature disasters, no matter where, there will be people who are willing to promptly alleviate the sufferings of others. As “un-summoned teachers, they promptly give with wisdom and love. Their heart-warming actions sow the seeds of goodness in people’s minds. There people who benefit now may be the ones who benefit others in the future. This depends on all of us forming this aspiration. In this way, we can “attain complete wisdom”. The Buddha comes to this world to teach us to create blessing when we witness suffering.
When sentient beings are suffering, if we seize the opportunity to give, we are sowing the seeds of the “[spiritual] path” into everyone’s minds. So, if causes and conditions mature, if the seeds have ripened, [people] can attain the “path”.
So, we need not worry that, “The Buddha wants to transform all beings, but there are so many sentient beings; how could He transform them all? Everyone has a field in their minds. Everyone intrinsically has this strength, these seeds. As long as we teach and inspire them, their potential can be awakened. Then, people can teach and transform each other. This is the power of love. I hope all interpersonal relationships are like the one between that father and daughter. In the same way, delivering material goods by just leaving them outside does not show love. That is not enough; we must deliver them in a neat and organized way.
This is what Tzu Chi volunteers did. The government asked Tzu Chi to help. The overwhelming love from around the world caused a secondary disaster [of surplus donations]. If we could organize them and put them in order, they could be useful in times of need.
So, [the government] suggested we mobilize volunteers to work with the communities and other organizations. So, we talked about recruiting volunteers in hopes of consolidating manpower. This field of blessings is in everyone. We must seize karmic conditions to [sow seeds]. Then we are Bodhisattva-farmers.
Otherwise, normally it is not easy to find a field to cultivate. Moreover, at that moment, when the area most needed the help, by talking immediate action, we cultivated the fields in their minds. So the Buddha, from what we read yesterday, said,
“That vow, made long ago, has now been perfectly fulfilled. For I have transformed all beings, leading them onto the path to Buddhahood”.
We must seize the opportunity to teach sentient beings. When causes and conditions are mature, we must exercise our strength to quickly transform people so they can comprehend the principles. For countless kalpas, for a very long time, the Buddha has constantly, continuously formed aspirations and continuously transformed sentient beings. In each of His limited human lifespans, He used the Small Vehicle to gradually guide people to the Great Vehicle Dharma.
At that moment, He wanted to help people further understand the principles of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. In this evil world of Five Turbidities, when there have been so many disasters, I hope everyone can witness suffering to recognize blessings. In seeing suffering, we must understand the Path. We must understand the principles, that this suffering comes about because of the accumulation [of causes], so now we must hurry and deal with those accumulated sufferings. Similarly, in this evil world of Five Turbidities, we must seize every opportunity. Only when we suffer in the evil world of Five Turbidities are we able to engage in spiritual practice.
“Bodhisattvas arise because of suffering beings”. To walk the Bodhisattva-path, we must give when there is suffering. This is how. If people are able to awaken and understand, the Buddha will be at peace when He sees their actions. Seeing everyone willing to accept [teachings] and engage in spiritual practice, He is at peace. “For I have transformed all beings leading them onto the path to Buddhahood”. In this kind of environment, when people awaken, they will walk the Bodhisattva-path.
The next passage of sutra texts state, “If, whenever I met sentient beings, I ultimately taught them the path to Buddhahood, those lacking wisdom would be puzzled. Deluded, they would not accept the teaching”.
The Buddha says, “If I met sentient beings”. Only sentient beings who have karmic affinities with the Buddha can encounter Him. As I have told everyone, in a small city, two-thirds did not have karmic connection, so they never saw the Buddha. Sentient beings without karmic connections cannot encounter Him or be transformed by Him. Without karmic connections. Even after the Buddha entered Parinirvana, those without karmic connections still cannot hear the Buddha-Dharma. So, the number of sentient beings He can meet is very limited.
But most importantly, He “ultimately taught the path to Buddhahood”. He wanted everyone to receive the teachings He had attained and to awaken proper faith, right understanding to awaken proper faith, right understanding and a perfect awakening equal to His.
But sadly, “those lacking wisdom would be puzzled” Doesn’t this describe the vast majority of people? If they have never listened to the Buddha-Dharma they cannot share it. After listening to it, they cannot follow it accordingly. There are many people like this. They are unable to accept the Right Dharma, to comply with the proper teaching. A slight deviation can lead them far astray, so they will be confused. This confusion will lead to more confusion as it is spread.
So, if the confused try to help others, those people will be more confused. This is what the Buddha worries about most. So, how can we sentient beings be blessed to encounter the Right Dharma? If we are blessed to encounter the Right Dharma, we must develop wisdom.
With wisdom, we can faithfully accept [it]. Right Dharma must be deeply rooted in the field of our minds. We must plant it carefully. If we spread the seeds on the surface of the land and they are exposed to the sun without absorbing any water, when the wind blows, the seeds will dry out and die.
“If, whenever I met sentient beings, I ultimately taught them the path to Buddhahood” refers to how the Buddha spent lifetimes paving the path to transformation for sentient beings. He comes to this world, life after life. For the sake of transforming sentient beings, He continuously paved the path with love. This is the Buddha’s compassion.
The Buddha has paved this path and has already taught people how to cultivate these fields. So, after sowing the seeds, life after life, they can yield and abundant [harvest]. This harvest can then be used as seeds. The Sutra of Infinite Meanings states, “One gives rise to infinity and infinity arises from one”. One seed can continue to create more seeds.Each of you can aspire to recruit Living Bodhisattvas and pass Right Knowledge and Right Views on to another person. When another person is able to absorb it, that person can pass it on to another person. So, one becomes ten, then a Hundred, a thousand and then tens of thousands; this is what seeds do. See how a seed can simply continue to multiply in this way.
For a farmer, spreading and planting seeds are very important. We must now aspire to be a farmer of the mind. To be a farmer, we must first engage in spiritual practice and cultivate our own minds.Only then can the seeds we harvest each time continue to be planted correctly. This is how “One gives rise to infinity and infinity arises from one” Each of us must be an “un-summoned teacher” who sows seeds of goodness in people’s minds.
So, dear Bodhisattvas, we must form aspirations. A Bodhisattva is not just a name. We must be one in truth and form Bodhisattva-aspirations to be Living Bodhisattvas. I hope you will always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
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