20140930《靜思妙蓮華》啟發精進行(第403集)
（法華經•方便品第二）
⊙「過現未來時無異，大愛無私慧浸潤，聞法入心勤修持，心中有佛法中行。」
⊙「若人散亂心，入於塔廟中，一稱南無佛，皆已成佛道。」《法華經 方便品第二》
「於諸過去佛，在世或滅度，若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙於諸過去佛，在世或滅度：過去曾經建造塔像，供養恭敬之因行，均能長養善根，增益福慧；並能以此熏習之勝因，起無漏之功德。
⊙若有聞是法，皆已成佛道：從始自聞法，發心不退轉，自得究竟成佛，此明過去諸佛種種方便，悉是一乘之法式。
【證嚴上人開示】
「過現未來時無異，大愛無私慧浸潤，聞法入心勤修持，心中有佛法中行。」
過現未來時無異
大愛無私慧浸潤
聞法入心勤修持
心中有佛法中行
過去、現在、未來，時間一不一樣？我們若是心入於如來清淨本性，時間無論是長短，過去、現在、未來，這念心應該是一樣，長空萬里，不論是多廣的空間，同樣就是時間這樣在運轉，星球繞著太陽，它的法則都是一樣，所以說「過現未來時無異」。
我們有這個因緣，在這個時空中，有這個因緣，薰習到，大愛無私的智慧，這樣在浸潤，所以「聞法入心勤修持」，我們這個時候，還有這個因緣會合在一起，所以我們要好好聽法，要好好殷勤受持。
法若人心，就如種子撒入心田，我們就要用功，做一個心田的農夫，好好為我們這片心地耕耘。所以，田若要收成得好，就要農夫很殷勤，所以我們的心裡有了佛法，那就是要「法中行」，我們要在佛法中，好好加緊腳步，好好精進、好好修行，這是我們時時，都是這樣來互相勉勵。
《法華經》經文看來很淺顯，卻是意涵很深，佛陀既是來人間，用方便法在人間中，種種方法來教化眾生，用眾生的生活形態，再舉例教化他人，這全都是叫做佛法人間化。
這在佛經裡面，也是有這樣的很多故事記載，就如《雜譬喻經》裡面，也有這樣的一段經文，那就是在南天竺，一個海邊，靠近海邊的一個小國，這個小國，卻是發生了戰亂，在這個國家的人民，實在是民不聊生，很多人都流竄、逃亡、做難民。
這當中，在難民潮中，有一位老夫人，她的名字叫做阿龍，整個家庭都是失散了，剩她一個人，就是這樣流浪。來到隔壁國，叫做私呵絜，也是個小小的國家，所以來到這個地方，已經自己一個，如何生活？只好就是向人乞討，乞來生活，卻是這樣的生活，自己也感覺到年齡漸漸老了，到底要做什麼事情，舉目無親，在這種乞食的生活中。
有一天，就是因緣會合，在一個家庭的門口，這個家庭的長者和夫人，是很仁慈的人，看到這位是來自於外面的國家，就對她說，您的國家已經是這麼混亂，您的家庭現在是變如何？您的親人已經流離失散，什麼時候才能會合，不知道，不如您就暫時安住在我的家庭裡。
這位阿龍老夫人，她就覺得若能這樣很好，也很感恩，就說，您這裡什麼工作我都能做，所以和這位長者的夫人，感情也是很好，她自己也是很勤快做事情。
有一天，她看到一群比丘手捧著缽，她看到，起了恭敬心，自己是走近，走近比丘群，看到他們手持的缽是空的。很感慨：過去她在南天竺的小國，卻也是一個家庭有名望，而且全家都是信佛，常常都能去供佛、供僧。此時已經流落於異鄉他國，身上沒錢，要用什麼來供養呢？
就向長者夫人求，求說：「能借我數千錢？我甘願賣我的身體，我們來寫契約，我一輩子都要當您的奴僕，我要賣身，我要錢。」夫人就趕緊用千錢，送給這位阿龍，她就告訴她：「拿去用您所想要用的，不必契約，也不需要說做什麼奴僕。」
阿龍很感恩，拿著這些錢，就跑到村莊裡，這個城裡的村莊裡，她就一家一戶去拜託，六十戶的家庭，她就將這些錢，分散給這六十戶的家庭，她就拜託他們說：「您將這些錢，拜託您要備供養，能夠供養沙門。」當然她也告訴他們，供養沙門的好處。所以這六十戶接受了這些錢，真的大家都是很用心，準備要供養沙門。
這位阿龍趕緊，她又再回來，來到這比丘群，就向大家說：「各位修行者，沙門，您們現在可以趕緊進城，那個村莊家家戶戶，都很有誠意將要供養。」這些沙門比丘聽到阿龍這樣說，歡喜再回頭到城裡去。就這樣，人人都是缽中有能吃的佳餚。
經過了幾天，每天入城都能托缽，滿滿的缽，所以這些沙門比丘就想：「怎麼從她開始，請他們再入城去托缽，從此開始，這幾天，這家家戶戶都能歡喜供養，到底這個原因在哪裡呢？」也追問，阿龍只好將她的身世，這樣逃亡離開她的國，她的家，流離失所，來到這個國家，這個因緣在這長者的家庭，把這些事情說給比丘聽，甚至也讓沙門比丘知道，她是很虔誠的佛教徒，過去也時時供佛、供僧。
這些沙門聽了之後，感到自己很慚愧，大家都想，要用什麼方法，來回報這位老婆婆呢？大家考慮之後，就說：「只好我們大家要再更勤精進，來回報、來回向給這位老婆婆。」從此開始，這個小國裡，就忽然間感覺到，怎麼氣氛都不同了，好像很瑞相，全都變了，因為那麼多人在供僧了，所以感覺起來，城中的氣氛好像很有瑞氣。尤其是樹木，若直直的樹木，它自己會彎下來，好像每一株樹都是在鞠躬一樣。所以很多的人民，看到很多的瑞相，那種的感覺，傳到國王的耳裡，國王聽到了：「是啊！到底是什麼事情？」趕緊叫人問。
原來在城外一群比丘，除了每天托缽，以外的時間就是虔誠、很殷勤精進修行，所以很多的人民都來聽法，所以很多人聽法，這國家人民的生活氣氛不同了。國王聽到了，歡喜了，就請沙門入宮去接受供養。同時，國王就問沙門：「到底為什麼你們會這麼用心？」比丘就說：「因為這位老婆婆，名字叫做阿龍，她的供養。」種種的因緣。
國王知道了，就叫人去請這位阿龍。這位阿龍老婆婆，她就說：「我沒有什麼，我今天能夠成就，是我的長者夫人成就我。」所以要來請阿龍的人，就連長者夫人都請入宮了。
入宮後，國王看到這位老婆婆，阿龍，她的智慧，堪得做他宮內的老師，所以國王就將這位阿龍，聘入宮廷，也感恩這位長者夫人。國王信佛了，開始常常請比丘來供養，同時也請沙門比丘為國王授戒，成為優婆塞。阿龍帶著宮裡的采女，全都來皈依，也是受戒成為優婆夷。
這段(經)文真的也是很感動人。我們想一想我們現在，這個時代，天底下有多少的國家，國與國相爭，或者是國內不論是政府、人民，這樣互鬥。就如最近現在的敘利亞，不就是嗎？真的逃難的災民，有多少的家庭流離失所，家人失散，這也很多。古時代有這樣的事情，現代的時代也有這樣。虔誠的人，他有那個智慧，不論在什麼樣的環境中，還是展現出那分悲智雙運、這分無所求的付出，結果所得來的，這就是佛法。
所以在經文，前段就是說：「若人散亂心，入於塔廟中，一稱南無佛，皆已成佛道。」
若人散亂心
入於塔廟中
一稱南無佛
皆已成佛道
《法華經 方便品第二》
這是前段的(經)文，人，不論是怎麼樣，像比丘他修行的過程，難免也會比較散漫，有這個因緣，這位老婆婆阿龍，她那分賣身供養，這些沙門比丘，自己也能警惕起來，要趕緊收心，要勤精進來回報供養的人。
所以，散亂心，不只是一般凡夫才有，其實修行者也會有。不過，什麼樣的因緣，能夠啟發他們勤精進，這分的道業，真的也是能影響很多人。所以，「若人散亂心，入於塔廟中」，這種虔誠心的因緣，皈命「南無佛」。佛陀怎麼教我們，我們要趕緊依教奉行，心靈的道場莊嚴起來，自然就能度那些，國家、人民等等，所以這就是能夠成就。
現在再接下來：「於諸過去佛，在世或滅度，若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」
於諸過去佛
在世或滅度
若有聞是法
皆已成佛道
《法華經 方便品第二》
現在再接下來這段(經)文，「於諸過去佛」，過去諸佛，不只是釋迦佛，釋迦佛在說過去無量數的諸佛。或暂是滅度後，不論佛在世，或者是佛滅度後，「若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」
若能在過去諸佛，在世說法，滅度之後，人人們能夠按照過去佛，這樣的教法來實行，所以那個佛法，還是一樣能夠流通。道理是永在，這是釋迦佛所說的，這是因緣，有這個因緣會合，法與道理又是再顯現。
於諸過去佛
在世或滅度：
過去曾經
建造塔像
供養恭敬之因行
均能長養善根
增益福慧
並能以此
熏習之勝因
起無漏之功德
過去佛，現在或者是滅度，在滅度之後，若有聽到法，他能夠成就佛道。意思就是說，過去曾經過建塔、造廟、雕像， 讓佛法能夠流傳，甚至過去也曾供養三寶，用恭敬心的善因、善緣，這樣這個因緣還在，雖然佛滅度之後，內心這個善因緣，還是能夠滋養我們的善根。不斷地，這個善根不斷地滋養，能夠增益福慧。這就是受法若很深，善根有深入，漸漸地一直薰習，這個殊勝的因緣，自然戒定慧，定於心中，雖然諸佛是過去，也滅度了，但是這個善因緣，無漏的功德還是在。
若有聞是法
皆已成佛道：
從始自聞法
發心不退轉
自得究竟成佛
此明過去諸佛
種種方便
悉是一乘之法式
「若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」就是說從始，從開始聞法，一直聞法在薰習我們的心，能發心不退轉，這樣一直漸漸向前走，這分愛的力量、這分信仰的心，還是永遠存在，不斷、不斷自內，從我們的內心不間斷在滋養中，所以「自得究竟成佛」。這就是向我們表明，過去諸佛所種種方便的教法，這樣來教化眾生，眾生雖然接受到方便法，他也能夠滋養善根，這能夠漸漸地，因緣若成熟，現在釋迦佛開始說一乘法時，也有因緣能夠會遇。
所以，雖然我們人，凡夫就是六道不斷在輪轉，那個種子，善的種子還是在，無漏，沒有漏失，一旦因緣成熟。在釋迦佛的時代，聽到行菩薩道，已成就或者是還未很成就，一直生生世世，能夠遇佛法來薰修。
一直到我們現在，說不定我們在二千多年前，也是共在一個道場裡，我們就是生生世世，看因緣的成熟，互相接引、互相濟度。這就是要瞭解佛法，雖然是很簡單，卻是它有很深涵的道理存在。
雖然《雜譬喻經》中，也是方便法，講人間事，其實人間就是有這樣的事情。過去的人間、現在的人間，一樣都有這種的生態。所以這就是人間，虛空有盡，人間事相無窮盡，所以我們人人要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Inspiring Diligent Action (啟發精進行)
Date: September. 30. 2014
“Past, present and future are not different times. Great love is selfless and immersed in wisdom. When we listen to the Dharma, we must take it to heart and diligently practice. When the Buddha is in our heart, the Dharma is in our actions.”
Do past, present and future refer to different periods of time? If our minds have returned to our pure intrinsic Tathagata-nature, no matter how much time has passed, in the past, present or future, our minds will always be the same. The universe is boundless, but no matter how vast that space is, time keeps passing in the same way, just as the planets rotate around the sun. These natural laws will always apply.
So, I say that “past, present and future are not different times.” We have had the karmic conditions within this time and space to be permeated by the selfless wisdom of great love and be nourished in this way. This is why, “when we listen to the Dharma, we must take it to heart and diligently practice.” At this moment, we have this karmic condition to be together.
Therefore, we must really listen to the Dharma and diligently accept and practice it. Taking the Dharma to heart is like sowing seeds in the field of our minds. We need to put in the effort to become a farmer who diligently cultivates the field of the mind. To reap an abundant harvest, farmers must work diligently.
After the Buddha-Dharma is in our hearts, we need to put the Dharma into our actions. Immersed in the Buddha-Dharma, we must quicken our steps and diligently advance and practice. This is how we constantly encourage each other. The texts from the Lotus Sutra may appear simple and obvious, but the meanings behind them are very profound. The Buddha comes to this world to teach sentient beings with skillful means, with many kinds of methods. He used examples from the life of sentient beings to teach and transform other people. These are all ways of applying the Buddha-Dharma in daily living.
In Buddhist sutras, there are many stories that illustrate this. For example, the Samyuktavadana Sutra contains the following story. In southern India, there was a very tiny kingdom by the sea. Thought it was small, war had broken out. The people of this kingdom suffered greatly. Many people fled and became refugees. In this wave of refugees, there was an old woman named A-long. She lost track of her family and ended up wandering around by herself. She went to a neighboring kingdom, Simhaka, which was a very tiny kingdom.
Once she arrived, she wondered how she was going to make a living. She had to beg for alms to sustain herself. As she lived this kind of life, she felt she was getting old and wondered what would happen to her without anyone to rely on. As she begged for a living, one day causes and conditions converged to bring her to the door of a certain family.
In this family, the elder and his wife were very benevolent.After learning that she was from another country this couple kindly said to her, “Your country is in such turmoil, you don’t know what has happened to your home, and you have been separated from your family. You don’t know how long it will be until you are reunited with them, so why don’t you stay with us for now?”
As an elderly woman, A-long felt that this was a good arrangement and she was very grateful, so she said, “I can do any kind of work you need me to do.”She developed a very good relationship with the elder’s wife and diligently helped however she could.
One day, she saw a group of bhiksus holding alms bowls.She felt a sense of respect for them and approached that group of bhiksus.Seeing that the bowls in their hands were empty, A-long felt sad.
When she had lived in the kingdom to the south, her family was well-known and as they were all Buddhists, they often made offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha.However, now she was stranded in a foreign land.Without money, how could she make any offerings?
She beseeched the elder’s wife, “Can you lend me several thousand dollars?I am willing to sign a contract to indenture myself to you, to serve as your slave for the rest of my life. I want to sell my freedom in exchange for money.”The elder’s wife gave the money to A-long, telling her, “Spend it on whatever you need. There is no need for a contract or for you to became any kind of slave.”
A-long was very grateful and quickly ran back to the city with the money.She went door to door, meeting with a total of 60 families.She distributed the money to these 60 families and asked of them, “Please take this money and use it to make an offering to these bhiksus.”Of course, she also told them the benefits of making offering to bhiksus.
After receiving the money from her, these 60 families made careful preparations to make offering to these bhiksus.
A-long hurried back to the bhiksus and said, “Revered practitioners, bhiksus. You can go back into the city now. Every single family is ready to reverently make offerings to you. “upon hearing her words, these bhiksus happily returned to the city.Just like that, their bowls were filled with delicious food.
Several days passed and every time these bhiksus went into the city their bowls were filled.They began to wonder, how was it that after she asked them to return to the city, over the next few days when the y went to beg, every family happily make offerings to them?What was the reason behind this?
They pressed her for answers, so she told them about how she fled her home and kingdom and lost her family in the process, and how she came to live with the elder’s family.She explained everything to the bhiksus and even told the bhiksus that she was a very devout Buddhist and in the past, had often made offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha.
After hearing her story, these bhiksus were ashamed.The bhiksus wondered how they could repay this old lady.After some discussion, they said, “The only thing we can do to repay her is to practice more diligently so we can dedicate our merits to her.”
From then on, in this tiny kingdom, people suddenly felt the atmosphere was completely different.There were many auspicious signs and changes.Because so many people were making offerings to the Sangha, everyone felt an auspicious atmosphere inside the city.
In particular, trees that used to stand straight now seem to bend forward as if they were bowing. Many people witnessed similar auspicious signs. This news reached the king. Hearing of this, the king thought. “Indeed! What has happened? He quickly asked people to investigate. They discovered a group of bhiksus who, aside from begging for alms every day, spent the rest of their time diligently engaging in spiritual practice. Therefore, many people listened to their teachings. Because many were listening to the Dharma, they changed the way they were living.
The king was very happy after hearing this, and thus invited the bhiksus to the palace to accept his offering. The king also asked them, “Why do you practice so mindfully?” The bhiksus said, “Because of an old lady named A-long and offering she made”. After learning the details, he sent people to invite A-long [to the palace].
A-long said to those people, “I did not do anything. Everything I have done has been made possible by the elder’s wife”. Therefore, those people also invited the elder’s wife to the palace. After they entered the palace, the king observed the old lady, A-long. Her wisdom qualified her to become a teacher in the palace. Thus the king hired A-long to work there and also expressed his gratitude to the elder’s wife.
The king became a Buddhist and consistently invited the bhiksus to accept his offerings. He also invited the bhiksus to help him officially receive he precepts so he could become an upasaka. A-long also led female servants in the palace to take refuge and receive the precepts to become upasikas. This sutra passage is very touching.
Let us consider our world today. So many countries in the world are fighting with each other. Within countries, the government and people are also fighting each other. Isn’t this the case in Syria right now? Isn’t this the case in Syria right now? Many refugees have fled the country. Many families have become displaced and many families have been separated. Tragedies like this not only happened in the past, they are also happening in the present. People who are reverent will have that wisdom, Regardless of their conditions,they display both compassion and wisdom. Though they give without expectations, they still obtain something; this is how the Buddha-Dharma works.
So, yesterday’s sutra text stated, “If people with scattered minds enter stupas or temples, once they recite, “Name Buddha”, they will have realized the path to Buddhahood”.
This is a passage we have discussed. People, whoever they are, may become lax like those bhiksus pursuing their spiritual practice. They had the karmic condition to meet A-long who was willing to sell her freedom to make an offering, [causing] them to heighten their vigilance and focus their minds. They practice diligently to repay this person who made offerings to them. Therefore, scattered minds are not exclusive to ordinary people. Actually, spiritual practitioners have them too. But these causes and conditions inspired them to practice diligently. This kind of spiritual cultivation influenced many people.
Therefore, “if people with scattered minds enter stupas or temples”, they may, out of a sense of reverence, take refuge and say “Namo Buddha”. Whatever the Buddha teaches, we must quickly practice accordingly. If we dignify our inner spiritual training grounds, naturally we can transform kingdoms, people and so on. This is what we can accomplish. Next,
“With all Buddhas of the past, whether during Their lifetimes or after They entered Parinirvana, if people have heard Their teachings, they will have realized the path to Buddhahood”.
In the next sutra passage, “all Buddha of the past” is all past Buddhas, not just Sakyamuni Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha was speaking of countless Buddhas of the past. Whether it was during Their lifetimes or after They entered Parinirvana, if people have heard Their teachings, “they have realized the path to Buddhahood”. If people can listen to the Dharma taught by past Buddhas while They were in this world, or after Their Parinirvana, each person can follow or after Their Parinirvana, each person can follow and practice the teachings given in the past.
So, the Buddha-Dharma can still be transmitted. Principles are everlasting. This is what Sakyamuni Buddha told us. When causes and conditions converge, the Dharma and principles will manifest again.
With all Buddhas of the past, whether during Their lifetimes or after entered Parinirvana：In the pass,those who had erected stupas,created images and made offerings of respect had created the causes for long-nurturing the roots of goodness and increasing blessings and wisdom. With all these extraordinary causes for internalizing teachings,we can give rise to flawless merit.
With Buddhas of the past, whether present or having entered Parinirvana, if we can still hear Their Dharma, we can attain the path to Buddhahood. This means that in the past we have built stupas, temples and statues so that the Buddha-Dharma may be transmitted. In the past, we have also made offerings to the Three Treasures and created good causes and conditions out of reverence. These causes and conditions still exist. Even after Buddhas enter Parinirvana, the good cause and conditions in our minds can still nourish our roots of goodness.As the roots receive endless nourishment, we can grow in blessings and wisdom.
So, if we take the Dharma deep into our hearts, our roots of goodness will be deeply affixed and we will continue to be gradually influenced. With these exceptional causes and conditions, precepts, Samadhi and wisdom will be fixed as a part of our minds. Even if past Buddhas have entered Parinirvana, still, Their good cause and conditions and flawless merits remain.
If people have heard Their teachings, they have realized the path to Buddhahood: If we form an aspiration when we first hear the Dharma and do not regress, we will ultimately attain Buddhahood. This shows that the skillful means of all past Buddhas are ways to the One Vehicle Dharma.
“If people have heard Their teachings, they have realized the path to Buddhahood” This means that from the time we first heard the Dharma and allowed it to permeate our minds, if we formed an aspiration, have not regressed and continue to gradually advance forward, then the power of this love and faith will always exist and unceasingly nourish our heart from within.
Thus, “[we will] ultimately attain Buddhahood” This is telling us clearly that all past Buddhas used various skillful means to teach sentient beings.Even sentient beings who receive skillful teachings can still nourish roots of goodness and bring causes and conditions to maturity. As Sakyamuni Buddha began to expound the One Vehicle Dharma, they may also have had to chance to encounter it.
Even though we ordinary people continue to transmigrate in the Six Realms, that seed of goodness is still there. It is not missing or lost, it waits for causes and conditions to mature.
In Sakyamuni Buddha’s lifetime, people who heard about the Bodhisattva-path, whether they have achieved it or have yet to do so, continue, lifetime after lifetime, to be permeated by the Buddha-Dharma. In the present era, more than 2000 years later, they may gather at the same practice center. Lifetime after lifetime, depending on the maturity of causes and conditions, we may guide and help transform one another. [To do this,] we must understand the Dharma.
Although is very simple, it contains very profound principles. The Samyuktavadana Sutra is also skillful means because it discusses worldly matters. Indeed, this is what has happened in the world, in the past and also in the present. People have always had the same mindset. So, this is how the world is. The universe may have bounds but the appearances of worldly matters are endless. Therefore, we must always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
（法華經•方便品第二）
⊙「過現未來時無異，大愛無私慧浸潤，聞法入心勤修持，心中有佛法中行。」
⊙「若人散亂心，入於塔廟中，一稱南無佛，皆已成佛道。」《法華經 方便品第二》
「於諸過去佛，在世或滅度，若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙於諸過去佛，在世或滅度：過去曾經建造塔像，供養恭敬之因行，均能長養善根，增益福慧；並能以此熏習之勝因，起無漏之功德。
⊙若有聞是法，皆已成佛道：從始自聞法，發心不退轉，自得究竟成佛，此明過去諸佛種種方便，悉是一乘之法式。
【證嚴上人開示】
「過現未來時無異，大愛無私慧浸潤，聞法入心勤修持，心中有佛法中行。」
過現未來時無異
大愛無私慧浸潤
聞法入心勤修持
心中有佛法中行
過去、現在、未來，時間一不一樣？我們若是心入於如來清淨本性，時間無論是長短，過去、現在、未來，這念心應該是一樣，長空萬里，不論是多廣的空間，同樣就是時間這樣在運轉，星球繞著太陽，它的法則都是一樣，所以說「過現未來時無異」。
我們有這個因緣，在這個時空中，有這個因緣，薰習到，大愛無私的智慧，這樣在浸潤，所以「聞法入心勤修持」，我們這個時候，還有這個因緣會合在一起，所以我們要好好聽法，要好好殷勤受持。
法若人心，就如種子撒入心田，我們就要用功，做一個心田的農夫，好好為我們這片心地耕耘。所以，田若要收成得好，就要農夫很殷勤，所以我們的心裡有了佛法，那就是要「法中行」，我們要在佛法中，好好加緊腳步，好好精進、好好修行，這是我們時時，都是這樣來互相勉勵。
《法華經》經文看來很淺顯，卻是意涵很深，佛陀既是來人間，用方便法在人間中，種種方法來教化眾生，用眾生的生活形態，再舉例教化他人，這全都是叫做佛法人間化。
這在佛經裡面，也是有這樣的很多故事記載，就如《雜譬喻經》裡面，也有這樣的一段經文，那就是在南天竺，一個海邊，靠近海邊的一個小國，這個小國，卻是發生了戰亂，在這個國家的人民，實在是民不聊生，很多人都流竄、逃亡、做難民。
這當中，在難民潮中，有一位老夫人，她的名字叫做阿龍，整個家庭都是失散了，剩她一個人，就是這樣流浪。來到隔壁國，叫做私呵絜，也是個小小的國家，所以來到這個地方，已經自己一個，如何生活？只好就是向人乞討，乞來生活，卻是這樣的生活，自己也感覺到年齡漸漸老了，到底要做什麼事情，舉目無親，在這種乞食的生活中。
有一天，就是因緣會合，在一個家庭的門口，這個家庭的長者和夫人，是很仁慈的人，看到這位是來自於外面的國家，就對她說，您的國家已經是這麼混亂，您的家庭現在是變如何？您的親人已經流離失散，什麼時候才能會合，不知道，不如您就暫時安住在我的家庭裡。
這位阿龍老夫人，她就覺得若能這樣很好，也很感恩，就說，您這裡什麼工作我都能做，所以和這位長者的夫人，感情也是很好，她自己也是很勤快做事情。
有一天，她看到一群比丘手捧著缽，她看到，起了恭敬心，自己是走近，走近比丘群，看到他們手持的缽是空的。很感慨：過去她在南天竺的小國，卻也是一個家庭有名望，而且全家都是信佛，常常都能去供佛、供僧。此時已經流落於異鄉他國，身上沒錢，要用什麼來供養呢？
就向長者夫人求，求說：「能借我數千錢？我甘願賣我的身體，我們來寫契約，我一輩子都要當您的奴僕，我要賣身，我要錢。」夫人就趕緊用千錢，送給這位阿龍，她就告訴她：「拿去用您所想要用的，不必契約，也不需要說做什麼奴僕。」
阿龍很感恩，拿著這些錢，就跑到村莊裡，這個城裡的村莊裡，她就一家一戶去拜託，六十戶的家庭，她就將這些錢，分散給這六十戶的家庭，她就拜託他們說：「您將這些錢，拜託您要備供養，能夠供養沙門。」當然她也告訴他們，供養沙門的好處。所以這六十戶接受了這些錢，真的大家都是很用心，準備要供養沙門。
這位阿龍趕緊，她又再回來，來到這比丘群，就向大家說：「各位修行者，沙門，您們現在可以趕緊進城，那個村莊家家戶戶，都很有誠意將要供養。」這些沙門比丘聽到阿龍這樣說，歡喜再回頭到城裡去。就這樣，人人都是缽中有能吃的佳餚。
經過了幾天，每天入城都能托缽，滿滿的缽，所以這些沙門比丘就想：「怎麼從她開始，請他們再入城去托缽，從此開始，這幾天，這家家戶戶都能歡喜供養，到底這個原因在哪裡呢？」也追問，阿龍只好將她的身世，這樣逃亡離開她的國，她的家，流離失所，來到這個國家，這個因緣在這長者的家庭，把這些事情說給比丘聽，甚至也讓沙門比丘知道，她是很虔誠的佛教徒，過去也時時供佛、供僧。
這些沙門聽了之後，感到自己很慚愧，大家都想，要用什麼方法，來回報這位老婆婆呢？大家考慮之後，就說：「只好我們大家要再更勤精進，來回報、來回向給這位老婆婆。」從此開始，這個小國裡，就忽然間感覺到，怎麼氣氛都不同了，好像很瑞相，全都變了，因為那麼多人在供僧了，所以感覺起來，城中的氣氛好像很有瑞氣。尤其是樹木，若直直的樹木，它自己會彎下來，好像每一株樹都是在鞠躬一樣。所以很多的人民，看到很多的瑞相，那種的感覺，傳到國王的耳裡，國王聽到了：「是啊！到底是什麼事情？」趕緊叫人問。
原來在城外一群比丘，除了每天托缽，以外的時間就是虔誠、很殷勤精進修行，所以很多的人民都來聽法，所以很多人聽法，這國家人民的生活氣氛不同了。國王聽到了，歡喜了，就請沙門入宮去接受供養。同時，國王就問沙門：「到底為什麼你們會這麼用心？」比丘就說：「因為這位老婆婆，名字叫做阿龍，她的供養。」種種的因緣。
國王知道了，就叫人去請這位阿龍。這位阿龍老婆婆，她就說：「我沒有什麼，我今天能夠成就，是我的長者夫人成就我。」所以要來請阿龍的人，就連長者夫人都請入宮了。
入宮後，國王看到這位老婆婆，阿龍，她的智慧，堪得做他宮內的老師，所以國王就將這位阿龍，聘入宮廷，也感恩這位長者夫人。國王信佛了，開始常常請比丘來供養，同時也請沙門比丘為國王授戒，成為優婆塞。阿龍帶著宮裡的采女，全都來皈依，也是受戒成為優婆夷。
這段(經)文真的也是很感動人。我們想一想我們現在，這個時代，天底下有多少的國家，國與國相爭，或者是國內不論是政府、人民，這樣互鬥。就如最近現在的敘利亞，不就是嗎？真的逃難的災民，有多少的家庭流離失所，家人失散，這也很多。古時代有這樣的事情，現代的時代也有這樣。虔誠的人，他有那個智慧，不論在什麼樣的環境中，還是展現出那分悲智雙運、這分無所求的付出，結果所得來的，這就是佛法。
所以在經文，前段就是說：「若人散亂心，入於塔廟中，一稱南無佛，皆已成佛道。」
若人散亂心
入於塔廟中
一稱南無佛
皆已成佛道
《法華經 方便品第二》
這是前段的(經)文，人，不論是怎麼樣，像比丘他修行的過程，難免也會比較散漫，有這個因緣，這位老婆婆阿龍，她那分賣身供養，這些沙門比丘，自己也能警惕起來，要趕緊收心，要勤精進來回報供養的人。
所以，散亂心，不只是一般凡夫才有，其實修行者也會有。不過，什麼樣的因緣，能夠啟發他們勤精進，這分的道業，真的也是能影響很多人。所以，「若人散亂心，入於塔廟中」，這種虔誠心的因緣，皈命「南無佛」。佛陀怎麼教我們，我們要趕緊依教奉行，心靈的道場莊嚴起來，自然就能度那些，國家、人民等等，所以這就是能夠成就。
現在再接下來：「於諸過去佛，在世或滅度，若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」
於諸過去佛
在世或滅度
若有聞是法
皆已成佛道
《法華經 方便品第二》
現在再接下來這段(經)文，「於諸過去佛」，過去諸佛，不只是釋迦佛，釋迦佛在說過去無量數的諸佛。或暂是滅度後，不論佛在世，或者是佛滅度後，「若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」
若能在過去諸佛，在世說法，滅度之後，人人們能夠按照過去佛，這樣的教法來實行，所以那個佛法，還是一樣能夠流通。道理是永在，這是釋迦佛所說的，這是因緣，有這個因緣會合，法與道理又是再顯現。
於諸過去佛
在世或滅度：
過去曾經
建造塔像
供養恭敬之因行
均能長養善根
增益福慧
並能以此
熏習之勝因
起無漏之功德
過去佛，現在或者是滅度，在滅度之後，若有聽到法，他能夠成就佛道。意思就是說，過去曾經過建塔、造廟、雕像， 讓佛法能夠流傳，甚至過去也曾供養三寶，用恭敬心的善因、善緣，這樣這個因緣還在，雖然佛滅度之後，內心這個善因緣，還是能夠滋養我們的善根。不斷地，這個善根不斷地滋養，能夠增益福慧。這就是受法若很深，善根有深入，漸漸地一直薰習，這個殊勝的因緣，自然戒定慧，定於心中，雖然諸佛是過去，也滅度了，但是這個善因緣，無漏的功德還是在。
若有聞是法
皆已成佛道：
從始自聞法
發心不退轉
自得究竟成佛
此明過去諸佛
種種方便
悉是一乘之法式
「若有聞是法，皆已成佛道。」就是說從始，從開始聞法，一直聞法在薰習我們的心，能發心不退轉，這樣一直漸漸向前走，這分愛的力量、這分信仰的心，還是永遠存在，不斷、不斷自內，從我們的內心不間斷在滋養中，所以「自得究竟成佛」。這就是向我們表明，過去諸佛所種種方便的教法，這樣來教化眾生，眾生雖然接受到方便法，他也能夠滋養善根，這能夠漸漸地，因緣若成熟，現在釋迦佛開始說一乘法時，也有因緣能夠會遇。
所以，雖然我們人，凡夫就是六道不斷在輪轉，那個種子，善的種子還是在，無漏，沒有漏失，一旦因緣成熟。在釋迦佛的時代，聽到行菩薩道，已成就或者是還未很成就，一直生生世世，能夠遇佛法來薰修。
一直到我們現在，說不定我們在二千多年前，也是共在一個道場裡，我們就是生生世世，看因緣的成熟，互相接引、互相濟度。這就是要瞭解佛法，雖然是很簡單，卻是它有很深涵的道理存在。
雖然《雜譬喻經》中，也是方便法，講人間事，其實人間就是有這樣的事情。過去的人間、現在的人間，一樣都有這種的生態。所以這就是人間，虛空有盡，人間事相無窮盡，所以我們人人要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Inspiring Diligent Action (啟發精進行)
Date: September. 30. 2014
“Past, present and future are not different times. Great love is selfless and immersed in wisdom. When we listen to the Dharma, we must take it to heart and diligently practice. When the Buddha is in our heart, the Dharma is in our actions.”
Do past, present and future refer to different periods of time? If our minds have returned to our pure intrinsic Tathagata-nature, no matter how much time has passed, in the past, present or future, our minds will always be the same. The universe is boundless, but no matter how vast that space is, time keeps passing in the same way, just as the planets rotate around the sun. These natural laws will always apply.
So, I say that “past, present and future are not different times.” We have had the karmic conditions within this time and space to be permeated by the selfless wisdom of great love and be nourished in this way. This is why, “when we listen to the Dharma, we must take it to heart and diligently practice.” At this moment, we have this karmic condition to be together.
Therefore, we must really listen to the Dharma and diligently accept and practice it. Taking the Dharma to heart is like sowing seeds in the field of our minds. We need to put in the effort to become a farmer who diligently cultivates the field of the mind. To reap an abundant harvest, farmers must work diligently.
After the Buddha-Dharma is in our hearts, we need to put the Dharma into our actions. Immersed in the Buddha-Dharma, we must quicken our steps and diligently advance and practice. This is how we constantly encourage each other. The texts from the Lotus Sutra may appear simple and obvious, but the meanings behind them are very profound. The Buddha comes to this world to teach sentient beings with skillful means, with many kinds of methods. He used examples from the life of sentient beings to teach and transform other people. These are all ways of applying the Buddha-Dharma in daily living.
In Buddhist sutras, there are many stories that illustrate this. For example, the Samyuktavadana Sutra contains the following story. In southern India, there was a very tiny kingdom by the sea. Thought it was small, war had broken out. The people of this kingdom suffered greatly. Many people fled and became refugees. In this wave of refugees, there was an old woman named A-long. She lost track of her family and ended up wandering around by herself. She went to a neighboring kingdom, Simhaka, which was a very tiny kingdom.
Once she arrived, she wondered how she was going to make a living. She had to beg for alms to sustain herself. As she lived this kind of life, she felt she was getting old and wondered what would happen to her without anyone to rely on. As she begged for a living, one day causes and conditions converged to bring her to the door of a certain family.
In this family, the elder and his wife were very benevolent.After learning that she was from another country this couple kindly said to her, “Your country is in such turmoil, you don’t know what has happened to your home, and you have been separated from your family. You don’t know how long it will be until you are reunited with them, so why don’t you stay with us for now?”
As an elderly woman, A-long felt that this was a good arrangement and she was very grateful, so she said, “I can do any kind of work you need me to do.”She developed a very good relationship with the elder’s wife and diligently helped however she could.
One day, she saw a group of bhiksus holding alms bowls.She felt a sense of respect for them and approached that group of bhiksus.Seeing that the bowls in their hands were empty, A-long felt sad.
When she had lived in the kingdom to the south, her family was well-known and as they were all Buddhists, they often made offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha.However, now she was stranded in a foreign land.Without money, how could she make any offerings?
She beseeched the elder’s wife, “Can you lend me several thousand dollars?I am willing to sign a contract to indenture myself to you, to serve as your slave for the rest of my life. I want to sell my freedom in exchange for money.”The elder’s wife gave the money to A-long, telling her, “Spend it on whatever you need. There is no need for a contract or for you to became any kind of slave.”
A-long was very grateful and quickly ran back to the city with the money.She went door to door, meeting with a total of 60 families.She distributed the money to these 60 families and asked of them, “Please take this money and use it to make an offering to these bhiksus.”Of course, she also told them the benefits of making offering to bhiksus.
After receiving the money from her, these 60 families made careful preparations to make offering to these bhiksus.
A-long hurried back to the bhiksus and said, “Revered practitioners, bhiksus. You can go back into the city now. Every single family is ready to reverently make offerings to you. “upon hearing her words, these bhiksus happily returned to the city.Just like that, their bowls were filled with delicious food.
Several days passed and every time these bhiksus went into the city their bowls were filled.They began to wonder, how was it that after she asked them to return to the city, over the next few days when the y went to beg, every family happily make offerings to them?What was the reason behind this?
They pressed her for answers, so she told them about how she fled her home and kingdom and lost her family in the process, and how she came to live with the elder’s family.She explained everything to the bhiksus and even told the bhiksus that she was a very devout Buddhist and in the past, had often made offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha.
After hearing her story, these bhiksus were ashamed.The bhiksus wondered how they could repay this old lady.After some discussion, they said, “The only thing we can do to repay her is to practice more diligently so we can dedicate our merits to her.”
From then on, in this tiny kingdom, people suddenly felt the atmosphere was completely different.There were many auspicious signs and changes.Because so many people were making offerings to the Sangha, everyone felt an auspicious atmosphere inside the city.
In particular, trees that used to stand straight now seem to bend forward as if they were bowing. Many people witnessed similar auspicious signs. This news reached the king. Hearing of this, the king thought. “Indeed! What has happened? He quickly asked people to investigate. They discovered a group of bhiksus who, aside from begging for alms every day, spent the rest of their time diligently engaging in spiritual practice. Therefore, many people listened to their teachings. Because many were listening to the Dharma, they changed the way they were living.
The king was very happy after hearing this, and thus invited the bhiksus to the palace to accept his offering. The king also asked them, “Why do you practice so mindfully?” The bhiksus said, “Because of an old lady named A-long and offering she made”. After learning the details, he sent people to invite A-long [to the palace].
A-long said to those people, “I did not do anything. Everything I have done has been made possible by the elder’s wife”. Therefore, those people also invited the elder’s wife to the palace. After they entered the palace, the king observed the old lady, A-long. Her wisdom qualified her to become a teacher in the palace. Thus the king hired A-long to work there and also expressed his gratitude to the elder’s wife.
The king became a Buddhist and consistently invited the bhiksus to accept his offerings. He also invited the bhiksus to help him officially receive he precepts so he could become an upasaka. A-long also led female servants in the palace to take refuge and receive the precepts to become upasikas. This sutra passage is very touching.
Let us consider our world today. So many countries in the world are fighting with each other. Within countries, the government and people are also fighting each other. Isn’t this the case in Syria right now? Isn’t this the case in Syria right now? Many refugees have fled the country. Many families have become displaced and many families have been separated. Tragedies like this not only happened in the past, they are also happening in the present. People who are reverent will have that wisdom, Regardless of their conditions,they display both compassion and wisdom. Though they give without expectations, they still obtain something; this is how the Buddha-Dharma works.
So, yesterday’s sutra text stated, “If people with scattered minds enter stupas or temples, once they recite, “Name Buddha”, they will have realized the path to Buddhahood”.
This is a passage we have discussed. People, whoever they are, may become lax like those bhiksus pursuing their spiritual practice. They had the karmic condition to meet A-long who was willing to sell her freedom to make an offering, [causing] them to heighten their vigilance and focus their minds. They practice diligently to repay this person who made offerings to them. Therefore, scattered minds are not exclusive to ordinary people. Actually, spiritual practitioners have them too. But these causes and conditions inspired them to practice diligently. This kind of spiritual cultivation influenced many people.
Therefore, “if people with scattered minds enter stupas or temples”, they may, out of a sense of reverence, take refuge and say “Namo Buddha”. Whatever the Buddha teaches, we must quickly practice accordingly. If we dignify our inner spiritual training grounds, naturally we can transform kingdoms, people and so on. This is what we can accomplish. Next,
“With all Buddhas of the past, whether during Their lifetimes or after They entered Parinirvana, if people have heard Their teachings, they will have realized the path to Buddhahood”.
In the next sutra passage, “all Buddha of the past” is all past Buddhas, not just Sakyamuni Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha was speaking of countless Buddhas of the past. Whether it was during Their lifetimes or after They entered Parinirvana, if people have heard Their teachings, “they have realized the path to Buddhahood”. If people can listen to the Dharma taught by past Buddhas while They were in this world, or after Their Parinirvana, each person can follow or after Their Parinirvana, each person can follow and practice the teachings given in the past.
So, the Buddha-Dharma can still be transmitted. Principles are everlasting. This is what Sakyamuni Buddha told us. When causes and conditions converge, the Dharma and principles will manifest again.
With all Buddhas of the past, whether during Their lifetimes or after entered Parinirvana：In the pass,those who had erected stupas,created images and made offerings of respect had created the causes for long-nurturing the roots of goodness and increasing blessings and wisdom. With all these extraordinary causes for internalizing teachings,we can give rise to flawless merit.
With Buddhas of the past, whether present or having entered Parinirvana, if we can still hear Their Dharma, we can attain the path to Buddhahood. This means that in the past we have built stupas, temples and statues so that the Buddha-Dharma may be transmitted. In the past, we have also made offerings to the Three Treasures and created good causes and conditions out of reverence. These causes and conditions still exist. Even after Buddhas enter Parinirvana, the good cause and conditions in our minds can still nourish our roots of goodness.As the roots receive endless nourishment, we can grow in blessings and wisdom.
So, if we take the Dharma deep into our hearts, our roots of goodness will be deeply affixed and we will continue to be gradually influenced. With these exceptional causes and conditions, precepts, Samadhi and wisdom will be fixed as a part of our minds. Even if past Buddhas have entered Parinirvana, still, Their good cause and conditions and flawless merits remain.
If people have heard Their teachings, they have realized the path to Buddhahood: If we form an aspiration when we first hear the Dharma and do not regress, we will ultimately attain Buddhahood. This shows that the skillful means of all past Buddhas are ways to the One Vehicle Dharma.
“If people have heard Their teachings, they have realized the path to Buddhahood” This means that from the time we first heard the Dharma and allowed it to permeate our minds, if we formed an aspiration, have not regressed and continue to gradually advance forward, then the power of this love and faith will always exist and unceasingly nourish our heart from within.
Thus, “[we will] ultimately attain Buddhahood” This is telling us clearly that all past Buddhas used various skillful means to teach sentient beings.Even sentient beings who receive skillful teachings can still nourish roots of goodness and bring causes and conditions to maturity. As Sakyamuni Buddha began to expound the One Vehicle Dharma, they may also have had to chance to encounter it.
Even though we ordinary people continue to transmigrate in the Six Realms, that seed of goodness is still there. It is not missing or lost, it waits for causes and conditions to mature.
In Sakyamuni Buddha’s lifetime, people who heard about the Bodhisattva-path, whether they have achieved it or have yet to do so, continue, lifetime after lifetime, to be permeated by the Buddha-Dharma. In the present era, more than 2000 years later, they may gather at the same practice center. Lifetime after lifetime, depending on the maturity of causes and conditions, we may guide and help transform one another. [To do this,] we must understand the Dharma.
Although is very simple, it contains very profound principles. The Samyuktavadana Sutra is also skillful means because it discusses worldly matters. Indeed, this is what has happened in the world, in the past and also in the present. People have always had the same mindset. So, this is how the world is. The universe may have bounds but the appearances of worldly matters are endless. Therefore, we must always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
No comments:
Post a Comment