20141002《靜思妙蓮華》悲智方便度 (第405集)
（法華經•方便品第二）
⊙「諸佛轉法輪，隨順眾生機，教化滅煩惱，普令入菩提。」
⊙「未來諸世尊，其數無有量，是諸如來等，亦方便說法。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙「一切諸如來，以無量方便，度脫諸眾生，入佛無漏智，若有聞法者，無一不成佛。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙一切諸如來：出世間有大因緣，為教化眾生，根機不齊，陋習難除，受化不易。
⊙以無量方便：適眾生根機，皆得度脫。眾生沈淪生死之苦海中，不能自拔。
⊙法華經序品曰：諸仙之導師，度脫無量眾，而欲度眾生，需積功累德為本，方能度脫一切。
【證嚴上人開示】
「諸佛轉法輪，隨順眾生機，教化滅煩惱，普令入菩提。」
諸佛轉法輪
隨順眾生機
教化滅煩惱
普令入菩提
諸佛，過去、現在、未來的諸佛，都是一樣這樣這心念，為了將他覺悟的道理，要轉這個法入眾生心，這叫做「轉法輪」。法就像輪子一樣，車有輪子就會走，同樣的道理，我們的心若有法就能精進，指導我們不只是精進，還要精進的方向要準確，方向要正。這就是佛陀來人間，指導我們的方向。
眾生根機都不整齊，因為久來習氣重，各人的習氣各不相同，所以佛陀要隨順著眾生的根機，應機教化，希望眾生的很多煩惱，如何來滅除煩惱。人間的生態無量無數，各人的環境、各人的遭遇、各人的習氣，有很多都是不同，這麼多不同的煩惱、習氣，這必定要聽聞佛法，瞭解、看得開人間世相。將人間世相，對應佛法，用佛法來解釋，人間世相的道理，讓我們能心開意解，遇到什麼樣的煩惱，自然就能通徹明白。
一切的道理，關關難過，關關過，不管世間有多少難過的關卡，只要有法，不論遇到什麼樣困難的境界，只要心中有法就能度過那個難關。這就是教化，教化用種種的方法，隨機應教來教化眾生，希望人人能夠普令入菩提，就是覺悟。希望眾生轉迷為覺，那這是佛陀來轉法輪，最重要的目的。
所以，我們要用感恩心，日日勤精進用心受法，這個法，我們要接受在我們的心裡，有什麼事情，我們就能及時應用，轉煩惱成菩提。所以，前面的經文中就說：「未來諸世尊，其數無有量，是諸如來等，亦方便說法。」
未來諸世尊
其數無有量
是諸如來等
亦方便說法
《法華經 方便品第二》
再前面的(經)文，是過去諸佛，現在又是講「未來諸世尊」，這就是表示過、現、未來，所有的諸佛菩薩來人間，都是一樣轉法輪，轉法輪，很長的時間就是要用方便法，這是佛佛道同。
前面是這樣說，現在再來就說：「一切諸如來，以無量方便，度脫諸眾生，入佛無漏智，若有聞法者，無一不成佛。」
一切諸如來
以無量方便
度脫諸眾生
入佛無漏智
若有聞法者
無一不成佛
《法華經 方便品第二》
這段(經)文開始，就要告訴我們，「一切諸如來」出現世間，就是要用種種的方便，教化眾生。眾生的根機都不整齊，除了世間很多、很多，無量數的苦惱、煩憂很多，但是，想要修行的人、要求法的人，同樣根機也很不整齊。這種陋習難除，很劣，很不好的習氣要他改除，真的也是有困難，所以佛陀為了要改除，這些人困難的習氣，真的是很不容易，所以如來必定要運用悲智。
悲，就是不捨眾生。一旦眾生不平安，生人間不平安，這個時候的苦難，必定要有人願意投入。所以這種的悲心，這必定要秉慈運悲，我們要秉承那分慈，讓人人能夠平安、讓人人能夠心安，秉這分慈，還要運悲，要運用悲心。眾生就是難調難伏才需要我們。你要他平安，必定要調伏他剛強的心，必定要去除他的煩惱、憂愁，那種心打不開的這種人，讓人人能夠知道，人生苦難本來就是偏多，讓人人能夠知道自然的法則——生、老、病、死，這本來就是有的。
因緣果報若發生時，要如何轉變？所說的轉變，是要讓大家知道，你既然造因，必定是得果；果報來時，要如何善解、轉變，讓那種很困難、心難過，要如何讓他度過，這最困難、最難過的煩惱。這當然要改除他的習氣，這種執著、煩惱，習氣若不改除，這種困境難關就無法度過；所以要度過困境、難關，那就是要用那分悲的智慧，要運悲。所以，慈與悲一定要平行走。
若只是大慈，缺悲，就無法治。眾生一旦習氣受到苦難時，會苦中加苦。所以佛陀來人間，一直要傳法教導，因為佛陀知道法雖然已經覺悟，也已經面對著眾生，再怎麼樣時間就是短暫，所以佛陀知道自然法則，，幾十年之後他也會取滅度，滅度之後，這個法一定要有心來受法的人，要接受、要繼承，不斷傳承下去。這就是我們常常在說，法脈要傳承。
所以，要傳承法脈，那就是「四無量心」，還要內修「四弘誓願」，必定要「眾生無邊誓願度，煩惱無盡誓願斷」。不只是自己要自度，還要誓願度眾生；不只自己斷煩惱，還要使眾生斷煩惱、去除習氣，這叫做慈悲。所以我們常常說「秉慈運悲」，秉承那分慈，無悔的心念來運轉悲心，能夠永遠沒有恐懼、沒有煩惱、沒有，這樣為眾生投入。
這是佛陀、「一切諸如來」，來世間的目的。就是這個大因緣，是修行、覺悟、說法、傳法，就是希望，這是能夠不斷教化眾生。
一切諸如來：
出世間有大因緣
為教化眾生
根機不齊
陋習難除
受化不易
佛陀也知道，芸芸眾生，人那麼多，這種的根機，陋習很難除，所以要專心對這些，願意受法的人，要不斷傳法下去，不過，受法的人，還是不整齊的根機。所以說來，諸佛來化度眾生，真的改除習氣很難，不容易，但是堅定的心，如來還是要悲智，用無量方便，適眾生的根與機。
以無量方便
適眾生根機
皆得度脫
眾生沈淪
生死之苦海中
不能自拔
法華經序品曰
諸仙之導師
度脫無量眾
而欲度眾生
需積功累德為本
方能度脫一切
就像人生，難免過去不知道結什麼緣？有怨憎會苦、有愛別離苦。來和我們在一起的親人，是要折磨我們的心，一直無法孝順父母，又來忤逆父母的，這一輩子為孩子折磨，很多，心要如何解開？也有是很孝順的孩子，但是緣很短，當父母的又要如何接受呢？這是人間很多最大的議題。問題實在是很大。
我們這個大團體也是有這樣，會遇到這樣的事情。平時都在輔導，輔導一般受苦難的人，一旦自己遇到時，要怎麼辦？當然就是法親互相，「隊組合心耕福田」。平時就是慈誠隊、委員組，都是為人間這樣在耕福田，若是遇到事情時要怎麼辦？就要及時「慧根深植菩薩道」，這就是我們平時，法親要如何互相來增長智慧，法親要如何互相，及時提醒與膚慰。
在(志工)早會時，慈媺，那就是淑貞，就說起她的心得分享，意思就是說，有這樣的法親發生的因緣，她能及時法入心，因為她平時，她受證已經很久了，很資深，幹部，哪一種的幹部，她都做過。所以從組長一直做到種種，隊與組要合和，種種功能的幹部，所以她對法，真的是很入心。
第四十周年時，我們四十周年的資料，要整理起來，大家約好在臺北(慈濟)醫院，所以在那當中，忽然間接到一個訊息，有一位師兄的孩子，這位師兄是張慶豐，他是松山區的慈誠隊，他的一個孩子，單獨一個獨子而已，這位獨子是很優秀、很孝順，那一天上班的路上，發生了一場車禍，送到我們慈濟醫院時，已經沒有生命跡象，搶救無效。這當中，我們就知道是獨子，父母的心，我們應該能瞭解。那當中，慈媺趕快去看他，法親膚慰。這種的及時，隨時應機滋潤菩提根。
她看到張居士，就問他：「師兄，現在要先將心安定下來。你想，現在你要如何處理？」張居士告訴她：「既然沒有辦法了，現在已經決定要為他器捐，捐了，器捐，能用的器官就把它捐出去，現在說眼睛，眼角膜，和骨骼，骨頭都能捐。」
慈媺再問他：」師兄，你對對方，你有想要怎麼處理嗎？」他回答她說：「讓法律去處理。」這個時候，慈媺就趕快跟他說：「師兄，你這個時候要記得，要知道業力現前時，我們要用因果觀。事情已經發生了，因緣果報，我們要清楚，這時候最重要的，要趕快為孩子造福緣。煩惱來時，我們要用因果觀，這因果生滅法，師父常常告訴我們的，這個時候就要趕快拿出來應用。」就這樣跟他說，張居士他這樣聽進去了，他的心這樣定下來。
到了這孩子送進開刀房，取器官，將他能捐出來的全部取出來，之後全都好了，處理好了、推出來，張居士趕快到兒子的身邊，掀起被單，對著孩子這樣說：「兒子，你要記得，對方不是故意的，你要放棄那個怨與恨，你這時候，要用你你的心、愛心，你能救很多人，你用這個愛心，一切都是因緣果報。不要心中帶著恨、不要帶著怨，你要知道，你已經救了很多人。」這樣告訴兒子，這兒子就被推出去了。
那時候他說，當他向兒子說話的當中，他自己的心也已經放開了，就這樣開始向那位肇事者，他就向那位肇事的人這樣說：「我不會和你計較，我一定原諒你，不過你一定從現在開始，你要改除不好的習氣，不要喝酒，開車不要快，不好的習氣，你要改除。」這位肇事者，自己也很慚愧、懺悔，張居士就膚慰他，就這樣開始牽引他進來慈濟。
你想，這種這麼的苦，這麼大的衝擊，能在這樣的一句話、一分的膚慰，這樣改變了兩個家庭。一個家庭看開了，積極行菩薩道；一個家庭因為對方的原諒，這個家庭能夠恢復他這樣，不必受到很多煩惱、官司，和心靈的責罰。所以兩個家庭化敵為友。度化眾生，這就是菩薩。
這位張居士事後看到師姊就說：「感恩啊！師姊，妳是我慧命中的貴人。當我向我的兒子說那些話，那時候我的心都已經開了，讓我能有勇氣，做出原諒人的事，來度化人。感恩啊！妳是我慧命中的貴人。」師姊就告訴他：「師兄，你也是我生命中的貴人，我這輩子的生命要如何好好利用，你也是讓我再見識到，人間無常，互為貴人。」
對, 「隊組合心耕福田」，平時我們的隊與組，在人間耕福田，若是遇到什麼事情時，「慧根深植菩薩道」，這個時候，菩薩道就是這樣要走下去。
各位，我們大家都是發心立願，根機人人都不整齊，才需要我們每一個人，要殷勤精進。法要入心，自己用得上，別人用得到，這種互相幫助，互相啟發，所以要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: To transform with Compassion and Skillful Means (悲智方便度)
Date: October. 02. 2014
“All Buddhas turn the Dharma-wheel according to the capabilities of sentient beings. By teaching them to eliminate afflictions, They enable them to [attain] Bodhi.”
All past, present and future Buddhas have this same mindset, to bring the principles They realized into the hearts of sentient beings. They do this by “turning the Dharma-wheel.” The Dharma is like a wheel. A cart with wheels can move forward. By the same principle, if there is Dharma in our hearts, we can diligently move forward. It not only teaches us to diligently advance, but to advance in the right direction. Our course must be accurate, so the Buddha comes to this world to teach us how to move forward.
Sentient beings have varying capabilities because of their accumulated habitual tendencies, and everyone’s habitual tendencies are different. So, the Buddha had to teach and transform people according to their capabilities. He wanted to teach sentient beings how to eliminate their many afflictions.
In this world, people live in many different ways. Each person’s environment, each person’s experience and each person’s habitual tendencies vary greatly. Because there are so many different afflictions and habitual tendencies, we must listen to the Buddha-Dharma to understand and accept things in this world. We figure out how the things in the world correspond to the Dharma and use the Dharma to explain the principles behind those things. Thus we can open our minds and be understanding. Whatever afflictions we encounter, we can naturally see through them. With principles, we can overcome all difficult obstacles.
No matter how many obstacles there are, all we need is the Dharma. No matter what difficult circumstance we face, as long as we have the Dharma in our hearts, we can overcome those obstacles. This is why the Buddha gave many kinds of teachings. He taught according to people’s capabilities. He wanted to enable everyone to attain Bodhi, which is enlightenment. He hoped they would turn delusion into awakening. This was the Buddha’s main goal in turning the Dharma-wheel.
So, we must, with a sense of gratitude, diligently, mindfully accept the Dharma every day. We must take this Dharma to heart so that whenever something happens, we can apply it right away to turn afflictions into Bodhi.
Thus, the previous sutra passage states, “The World-Honored Ones of the future are limitless in number. All of these Tathagatas will also teach the skillful means.”
The sutra passage before this one talked about all Buddhas of the past. This passage discusses “the World-Honored Ones of the future.” This indicates that all the past, present and future. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who come to this world all turn the Dharma-wheel. As part of turning the Dharma-wheel, they must spend a very long time teaching skillful means. This is the path that all Buddhas share. This is what the previous passage said.
In the next passage, we will discuss how “All of the Tathagatas, by means of infinite skillful teachings, transform all sentient beings so they penetrate the Buddha’s flawless wisdom. Of those who have heard the Dharma, none will fail to become a Buddha.”
The beginning of this passage is telling us that “all of the Tathagatas” who manifest in this world will use many kinds of skillful means to teach sentient beings.Sentient beings have varying capabilities on top of having to face countless troubles and afflictions in this world.Those who want to engage in spiritual practice and seek the Dharma also have varying capabilities.They find it hard to eliminate bad habits.For them to change their bad, unwholesome habitual tendencies, is truly very difficult.Thus, for the Buddha to change and eliminate these people’s challenging habitual tendencies is really not easy.
So, the Tathagata had to exercise compassion and wisdom.Compassion is not giving up on sentient beings.When sentient beings are not peaceful or when the world is not at peace, dealing with suffering in these times requires people who are willing to dedicate themselves [to helping others].To exercise this kind of compassion also takes loving-kindness.We must practice loving-kindness to help everyone be at peace, to help everyone feel at ease.As we practice loving-kindness, we must also exercise compassion.It is because sentient beings are hard to train that there is a need for people like us.
If we want them to be at peace, we must tame stubbornness and eliminate afflictions and troubles in those who are unable to open their minds.We help everyone understand that life is inherently filled with much suffering and that the natural course of life is birth ,aging, illness and death.All this is simply a part of life.When their karmic retributions manifest, we help them turn things around.This means that we help them understand that every cause created will result in an effect, so when retributions manifest, they can turn things around by being understanding.As they face difficulties and sadness, we can help them get past the worst of the afflictions and difficulties.
Of course, to do this, they must change their habitual tendencies.If they do not eliminate their attachments, afflictions and habitual tendencies, they cannot overcome their difficulties.Thus, to get through challenges and difficulties, we must have compassionate wisdom and exercise that compassion.
So, loving-kindness and compassion must be practiced in parallel.If we only have great loving-kindness but lack compassion, we cannot help others.If sentient beings are acting on habitual tendencies while experience suffering, they will only increase their suffering.
Thus, when the Buddha came to this world, He kept spreading the Dharma, teaching the Path, because He knew that though He had awakened and was already working with sentient beings, the time He had with them was just too short.He knew, according to the law of nature, that He would enter Parinirvana after several decades.
After He entered Parinirvana, there must be people with the will to accept and then transmit the Dharma so it can be passed on unceasingly.This is why we always say that the Dharma –lineage must be transmitted.
So, in order to continue the Dharma-lineage, we must have the Four Infinite Minds and practice the Four Great Vows.We must “vow to deliver countless sentient beings” and “vow to eliminate endless afflictions”.Not only must we transform ourselves we must also vow to transform sentient beings.Not only must we eliminate our own afflictions, we must also help sentient beings eliminate their afflictions and habitual tendencies.
This is loving-kindness and compassion.
So, we always say we must “practice both loving-kindness and compassion”.We must practice loving-kindness and exercise compassion without regret.Then we will never feel any fear, affliction or resentment as we dedicate ourselves to sentient beings.
The goal of the Buddha and all Tathagatas in coming to this world is [to accomplish] this one great cause.They engage in spiritual practice, awaken, then teach and transmit the Dharma in the hopes that this can always be a teaching for sentient beings.
All of the Tathagatas come to this world for one great cause, to teach sentient beings.But sentient beings have varying capabilities and their bad habits are difficult to eliminate, so for them to be transformed is not easy.
The Buddha also knew that with so many sentient beings, all with varying capabilities, bad habits would be difficult to eliminate. So, He had to focus on the people who were willing to accept and continuously transmit the Dharma. However, even those who accept the Dharma have varying capabilities.
So, though all Buddhas come to transform sentient beings, helping them eliminate habitual tendencies is not easy at all. However, with determination, Tathagatas still exercised compassion and wisdom and utilized countless skillful means to teach according to sentient beings’ capabilities.
“Out of compassion and wisdom, Tathagatas utilize infinite skillful means to teach according to the capabilities of sentient beings so they can be delivered. Sentient beings are drowning in the painful sea of samsara and cannot save themselves.”
“The Introductory Chapter of the Lotus Sutra states: The guiding teacher of all mystics transformed countless sentient beings. Those who wish to transform sentient beings must accumulate merits and virtues as the foundation for delivering all beings.”
As humans, we do not know what affinities we created before. We suffer being with those we hate. We suffer being parted from those we love. Some of our relative seem to be here to torment us. Not only are some not filial to their parents, they rebel against them, causing them much suffering. How do we resolve their grievances?
There are also some very filial children, but their time here is short; how can their parents accept that? These are some of the biggest issues in this world. They are very serious problems. Within our organization, there are also people who have had these experiences. They are always counseling those who suffer, but what do they do when they face [these problem]? This is why we care for each other as a Dharma-family. “Teams unite to cultivate the field of blessings”. Typically, Faith Corp members and Commissioners are cultivating the field of blessing in the world, but what do they do when they encounter problems? They must promptly “deeply plant the Root of Wisdom on the Bodhisattva-path”. This is why we, as a Dharma-family, must always help each other grow in wisdom and promptly offer reminders and comfort.
In our volunteer morning assembly, Tzu Mei, you may know as Shuzhen, shared her experience with us. She said that when things happen to her fellow volunteers, she can immediately [share the Dharma] because she has been certified [as a Commissioner] for a long time. As a very experienced volunteer, she has served in every kind of capacity, from being a team leader to leading various functional teams.
So, she has truly taken the Dharma to heart. For the 40th Anniversary celebration, we had to organize over 40 years of information. Everyone arranged to meet at the hospital, but suddenly, they received a message about the child of a Dharma-brother. The father, Zhang Qingteng, is a member of the Songshan District Faith, Corps. He [and his wife] only had this one child. Their son was very outstanding and filial. That day, on his way to work, he was in a car accident. By the time he reached Tzu Chi Hospital, he had no vital signs. All the efforts to save him were in vain. Knowing that he was their only son, we could guess how they must have felt.
Tzu Mei went to see them right away to offer comfort to her Dharma-family. At the right time, she helped them [bring forth the wisdom to deal with things]. When she saw Mr. Zhang, she said to him, “Brother, first you must calm down and think about how you want to handle things.” Mr. Zhang told her, “Since he can’t be saved, we have decided to donate his organs. We will donate everything that can be used. They told us his eyes, corneas and even his bones could be donated”.
Tzu Mei then asked him, “Brother, how do you want to deal with the one [who caused the accident]?” He answered, “Let the law handle it”. At that moment, Tzu Mei quickly said to him, “Dharma-Brother, right now you must remember, when karmic forces manifest before us, we must be mindful of the law of karma. This even has already happened, but we must clearly understand the law of karma. At this time, the most important thing is to create blessings for you child.
When afflictions arise, we must see them through the law of karma. The karmic law of cause and effect, which Master constantly teaches us must be applied at this time”.
As she talked, Mr. Zhang took her words to heart and became calm. Then his child was sent to the operating room so the organs to be donated could harvested. After the procedures were complete, he was [sewn back up] and brought out. Mr. Zhang quickly went to his son side and lifted up the sheets to look at his face. He said, “Son, please remember, the other party didn’t do it intentionally. You must let go of your resentment and hatred. Right now, you must feel a sense of love. You can save so many people with your love. Everything happens because of the law of karma, so don’t carry hate and resentment with you. Please know that you have saved a lot of people.”
After he shared these words with his son, his son’s body was taken away. He shared that, as he talked to his son, his heart began to open up as well.So, he told the person who caused the accident, “I won’t take issue with you, I will definitely forgive you. However, from now on, you must eliminate your bad habitual tendencies. Don’t drink, don’t drive fast. You must change these bad habits.”
The other driver was very remorseful and repentant. Mr. Zhang comforted him and eventually guided him into Tzu Chi. Can you imagine that this kind of suffering and this great shock could be relieved by one sentence? This lives of two families were changed.One family was able to be understanding and earnestly practice the Bodhisattva-path. The other family because of this forgiveness, was able to recover without being afflicted by the punishment of facing lawsuits and dealing with [excessive] guilt. Eventually the two families became friends.
This is how Bodhisattvas transform sentient beings. Afterwards, Mr. Zhang told her, “I’m grateful to you. Sister, you helped me grow in wisdom. As I said those words to my son, I was able to open up my heart. It gave me the courage to be forgiving and to transform [that driver]. I’m grateful you. You are the benefactor of my wisdom-life.”
Tzu Mei told him, “Brother, you are also my benefactor. I [learned] that I must make the most of my life. You allowed me to recognize again that life is impermanent. We are each other’s benefactors. Yes, “Teams unite to cultivate fields of blessings.”
Typically, our volunteers cultivate the fields of blessings out in the world. whenever they encounter [a problem], they must “deeply plant the Root of Wisdom on the Bodhisattva-path.”At this time, we must continue to walk the Bodhisattva-path. Everyone, we have formed aspirations and vows, but we all have varying capabilities. This is why each of us must diligently practice. We must take the Dharma to heart so that we, and others, can use it. All of us can help and inspire each other. 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）
⊙「諸佛轉法輪，隨順眾生機，教化滅煩惱，普令入菩提。」
⊙「未來諸世尊，其數無有量，是諸如來等，亦方便說法。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙「一切諸如來，以無量方便，度脫諸眾生，入佛無漏智，若有聞法者，無一不成佛。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙一切諸如來：出世間有大因緣，為教化眾生，根機不齊，陋習難除，受化不易。
⊙以無量方便：適眾生根機，皆得度脫。眾生沈淪生死之苦海中，不能自拔。
⊙法華經序品曰：諸仙之導師，度脫無量眾，而欲度眾生，需積功累德為本，方能度脫一切。
【證嚴上人開示】
「諸佛轉法輪，隨順眾生機，教化滅煩惱，普令入菩提。」
諸佛轉法輪
隨順眾生機
教化滅煩惱
普令入菩提
諸佛，過去、現在、未來的諸佛，都是一樣這樣這心念，為了將他覺悟的道理，要轉這個法入眾生心，這叫做「轉法輪」。法就像輪子一樣，車有輪子就會走，同樣的道理，我們的心若有法就能精進，指導我們不只是精進，還要精進的方向要準確，方向要正。這就是佛陀來人間，指導我們的方向。
眾生根機都不整齊，因為久來習氣重，各人的習氣各不相同，所以佛陀要隨順著眾生的根機，應機教化，希望眾生的很多煩惱，如何來滅除煩惱。人間的生態無量無數，各人的環境、各人的遭遇、各人的習氣，有很多都是不同，這麼多不同的煩惱、習氣，這必定要聽聞佛法，瞭解、看得開人間世相。將人間世相，對應佛法，用佛法來解釋，人間世相的道理，讓我們能心開意解，遇到什麼樣的煩惱，自然就能通徹明白。
一切的道理，關關難過，關關過，不管世間有多少難過的關卡，只要有法，不論遇到什麼樣困難的境界，只要心中有法就能度過那個難關。這就是教化，教化用種種的方法，隨機應教來教化眾生，希望人人能夠普令入菩提，就是覺悟。希望眾生轉迷為覺，那這是佛陀來轉法輪，最重要的目的。
所以，我們要用感恩心，日日勤精進用心受法，這個法，我們要接受在我們的心裡，有什麼事情，我們就能及時應用，轉煩惱成菩提。所以，前面的經文中就說：「未來諸世尊，其數無有量，是諸如來等，亦方便說法。」
未來諸世尊
其數無有量
是諸如來等
亦方便說法
《法華經 方便品第二》
再前面的(經)文，是過去諸佛，現在又是講「未來諸世尊」，這就是表示過、現、未來，所有的諸佛菩薩來人間，都是一樣轉法輪，轉法輪，很長的時間就是要用方便法，這是佛佛道同。
前面是這樣說，現在再來就說：「一切諸如來，以無量方便，度脫諸眾生，入佛無漏智，若有聞法者，無一不成佛。」
一切諸如來
以無量方便
度脫諸眾生
入佛無漏智
若有聞法者
無一不成佛
《法華經 方便品第二》
這段(經)文開始，就要告訴我們，「一切諸如來」出現世間，就是要用種種的方便，教化眾生。眾生的根機都不整齊，除了世間很多、很多，無量數的苦惱、煩憂很多，但是，想要修行的人、要求法的人，同樣根機也很不整齊。這種陋習難除，很劣，很不好的習氣要他改除，真的也是有困難，所以佛陀為了要改除，這些人困難的習氣，真的是很不容易，所以如來必定要運用悲智。
悲，就是不捨眾生。一旦眾生不平安，生人間不平安，這個時候的苦難，必定要有人願意投入。所以這種的悲心，這必定要秉慈運悲，我們要秉承那分慈，讓人人能夠平安、讓人人能夠心安，秉這分慈，還要運悲，要運用悲心。眾生就是難調難伏才需要我們。你要他平安，必定要調伏他剛強的心，必定要去除他的煩惱、憂愁，那種心打不開的這種人，讓人人能夠知道，人生苦難本來就是偏多，讓人人能夠知道自然的法則——生、老、病、死，這本來就是有的。
因緣果報若發生時，要如何轉變？所說的轉變，是要讓大家知道，你既然造因，必定是得果；果報來時，要如何善解、轉變，讓那種很困難、心難過，要如何讓他度過，這最困難、最難過的煩惱。這當然要改除他的習氣，這種執著、煩惱，習氣若不改除，這種困境難關就無法度過；所以要度過困境、難關，那就是要用那分悲的智慧，要運悲。所以，慈與悲一定要平行走。
若只是大慈，缺悲，就無法治。眾生一旦習氣受到苦難時，會苦中加苦。所以佛陀來人間，一直要傳法教導，因為佛陀知道法雖然已經覺悟，也已經面對著眾生，再怎麼樣時間就是短暫，所以佛陀知道自然法則，，幾十年之後他也會取滅度，滅度之後，這個法一定要有心來受法的人，要接受、要繼承，不斷傳承下去。這就是我們常常在說，法脈要傳承。
所以，要傳承法脈，那就是「四無量心」，還要內修「四弘誓願」，必定要「眾生無邊誓願度，煩惱無盡誓願斷」。不只是自己要自度，還要誓願度眾生；不只自己斷煩惱，還要使眾生斷煩惱、去除習氣，這叫做慈悲。所以我們常常說「秉慈運悲」，秉承那分慈，無悔的心念來運轉悲心，能夠永遠沒有恐懼、沒有煩惱、沒有，這樣為眾生投入。
這是佛陀、「一切諸如來」，來世間的目的。就是這個大因緣，是修行、覺悟、說法、傳法，就是希望，這是能夠不斷教化眾生。
一切諸如來：
出世間有大因緣
為教化眾生
根機不齊
陋習難除
受化不易
佛陀也知道，芸芸眾生，人那麼多，這種的根機，陋習很難除，所以要專心對這些，願意受法的人，要不斷傳法下去，不過，受法的人，還是不整齊的根機。所以說來，諸佛來化度眾生，真的改除習氣很難，不容易，但是堅定的心，如來還是要悲智，用無量方便，適眾生的根與機。
以無量方便
適眾生根機
皆得度脫
眾生沈淪
生死之苦海中
不能自拔
法華經序品曰
諸仙之導師
度脫無量眾
而欲度眾生
需積功累德為本
方能度脫一切
就像人生，難免過去不知道結什麼緣？有怨憎會苦、有愛別離苦。來和我們在一起的親人，是要折磨我們的心，一直無法孝順父母，又來忤逆父母的，這一輩子為孩子折磨，很多，心要如何解開？也有是很孝順的孩子，但是緣很短，當父母的又要如何接受呢？這是人間很多最大的議題。問題實在是很大。
我們這個大團體也是有這樣，會遇到這樣的事情。平時都在輔導，輔導一般受苦難的人，一旦自己遇到時，要怎麼辦？當然就是法親互相，「隊組合心耕福田」。平時就是慈誠隊、委員組，都是為人間這樣在耕福田，若是遇到事情時要怎麼辦？就要及時「慧根深植菩薩道」，這就是我們平時，法親要如何互相來增長智慧，法親要如何互相，及時提醒與膚慰。
在(志工)早會時，慈媺，那就是淑貞，就說起她的心得分享，意思就是說，有這樣的法親發生的因緣，她能及時法入心，因為她平時，她受證已經很久了，很資深，幹部，哪一種的幹部，她都做過。所以從組長一直做到種種，隊與組要合和，種種功能的幹部，所以她對法，真的是很入心。
第四十周年時，我們四十周年的資料，要整理起來，大家約好在臺北(慈濟)醫院，所以在那當中，忽然間接到一個訊息，有一位師兄的孩子，這位師兄是張慶豐，他是松山區的慈誠隊，他的一個孩子，單獨一個獨子而已，這位獨子是很優秀、很孝順，那一天上班的路上，發生了一場車禍，送到我們慈濟醫院時，已經沒有生命跡象，搶救無效。這當中，我們就知道是獨子，父母的心，我們應該能瞭解。那當中，慈媺趕快去看他，法親膚慰。這種的及時，隨時應機滋潤菩提根。
她看到張居士，就問他：「師兄，現在要先將心安定下來。你想，現在你要如何處理？」張居士告訴她：「既然沒有辦法了，現在已經決定要為他器捐，捐了，器捐，能用的器官就把它捐出去，現在說眼睛，眼角膜，和骨骼，骨頭都能捐。」
慈媺再問他：」師兄，你對對方，你有想要怎麼處理嗎？」他回答她說：「讓法律去處理。」這個時候，慈媺就趕快跟他說：「師兄，你這個時候要記得，要知道業力現前時，我們要用因果觀。事情已經發生了，因緣果報，我們要清楚，這時候最重要的，要趕快為孩子造福緣。煩惱來時，我們要用因果觀，這因果生滅法，師父常常告訴我們的，這個時候就要趕快拿出來應用。」就這樣跟他說，張居士他這樣聽進去了，他的心這樣定下來。
到了這孩子送進開刀房，取器官，將他能捐出來的全部取出來，之後全都好了，處理好了、推出來，張居士趕快到兒子的身邊，掀起被單，對著孩子這樣說：「兒子，你要記得，對方不是故意的，你要放棄那個怨與恨，你這時候，要用你你的心、愛心，你能救很多人，你用這個愛心，一切都是因緣果報。不要心中帶著恨、不要帶著怨，你要知道，你已經救了很多人。」這樣告訴兒子，這兒子就被推出去了。
那時候他說，當他向兒子說話的當中，他自己的心也已經放開了，就這樣開始向那位肇事者，他就向那位肇事的人這樣說：「我不會和你計較，我一定原諒你，不過你一定從現在開始，你要改除不好的習氣，不要喝酒，開車不要快，不好的習氣，你要改除。」這位肇事者，自己也很慚愧、懺悔，張居士就膚慰他，就這樣開始牽引他進來慈濟。
你想，這種這麼的苦，這麼大的衝擊，能在這樣的一句話、一分的膚慰，這樣改變了兩個家庭。一個家庭看開了，積極行菩薩道；一個家庭因為對方的原諒，這個家庭能夠恢復他這樣，不必受到很多煩惱、官司，和心靈的責罰。所以兩個家庭化敵為友。度化眾生，這就是菩薩。
這位張居士事後看到師姊就說：「感恩啊！師姊，妳是我慧命中的貴人。當我向我的兒子說那些話，那時候我的心都已經開了，讓我能有勇氣，做出原諒人的事，來度化人。感恩啊！妳是我慧命中的貴人。」師姊就告訴他：「師兄，你也是我生命中的貴人，我這輩子的生命要如何好好利用，你也是讓我再見識到，人間無常，互為貴人。」
對, 「隊組合心耕福田」，平時我們的隊與組，在人間耕福田，若是遇到什麼事情時，「慧根深植菩薩道」，這個時候，菩薩道就是這樣要走下去。
各位，我們大家都是發心立願，根機人人都不整齊，才需要我們每一個人，要殷勤精進。法要入心，自己用得上，別人用得到，這種互相幫助，互相啟發，所以要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: To transform with Compassion and Skillful Means (悲智方便度)
Date: October. 02. 2014
“All Buddhas turn the Dharma-wheel according to the capabilities of sentient beings. By teaching them to eliminate afflictions, They enable them to [attain] Bodhi.”
All past, present and future Buddhas have this same mindset, to bring the principles They realized into the hearts of sentient beings. They do this by “turning the Dharma-wheel.” The Dharma is like a wheel. A cart with wheels can move forward. By the same principle, if there is Dharma in our hearts, we can diligently move forward. It not only teaches us to diligently advance, but to advance in the right direction. Our course must be accurate, so the Buddha comes to this world to teach us how to move forward.
Sentient beings have varying capabilities because of their accumulated habitual tendencies, and everyone’s habitual tendencies are different. So, the Buddha had to teach and transform people according to their capabilities. He wanted to teach sentient beings how to eliminate their many afflictions.
In this world, people live in many different ways. Each person’s environment, each person’s experience and each person’s habitual tendencies vary greatly. Because there are so many different afflictions and habitual tendencies, we must listen to the Buddha-Dharma to understand and accept things in this world. We figure out how the things in the world correspond to the Dharma and use the Dharma to explain the principles behind those things. Thus we can open our minds and be understanding. Whatever afflictions we encounter, we can naturally see through them. With principles, we can overcome all difficult obstacles.
No matter how many obstacles there are, all we need is the Dharma. No matter what difficult circumstance we face, as long as we have the Dharma in our hearts, we can overcome those obstacles. This is why the Buddha gave many kinds of teachings. He taught according to people’s capabilities. He wanted to enable everyone to attain Bodhi, which is enlightenment. He hoped they would turn delusion into awakening. This was the Buddha’s main goal in turning the Dharma-wheel.
So, we must, with a sense of gratitude, diligently, mindfully accept the Dharma every day. We must take this Dharma to heart so that whenever something happens, we can apply it right away to turn afflictions into Bodhi.
Thus, the previous sutra passage states, “The World-Honored Ones of the future are limitless in number. All of these Tathagatas will also teach the skillful means.”
The sutra passage before this one talked about all Buddhas of the past. This passage discusses “the World-Honored Ones of the future.” This indicates that all the past, present and future. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who come to this world all turn the Dharma-wheel. As part of turning the Dharma-wheel, they must spend a very long time teaching skillful means. This is the path that all Buddhas share. This is what the previous passage said.
In the next passage, we will discuss how “All of the Tathagatas, by means of infinite skillful teachings, transform all sentient beings so they penetrate the Buddha’s flawless wisdom. Of those who have heard the Dharma, none will fail to become a Buddha.”
The beginning of this passage is telling us that “all of the Tathagatas” who manifest in this world will use many kinds of skillful means to teach sentient beings.Sentient beings have varying capabilities on top of having to face countless troubles and afflictions in this world.Those who want to engage in spiritual practice and seek the Dharma also have varying capabilities.They find it hard to eliminate bad habits.For them to change their bad, unwholesome habitual tendencies, is truly very difficult.Thus, for the Buddha to change and eliminate these people’s challenging habitual tendencies is really not easy.
So, the Tathagata had to exercise compassion and wisdom.Compassion is not giving up on sentient beings.When sentient beings are not peaceful or when the world is not at peace, dealing with suffering in these times requires people who are willing to dedicate themselves [to helping others].To exercise this kind of compassion also takes loving-kindness.We must practice loving-kindness to help everyone be at peace, to help everyone feel at ease.As we practice loving-kindness, we must also exercise compassion.It is because sentient beings are hard to train that there is a need for people like us.
If we want them to be at peace, we must tame stubbornness and eliminate afflictions and troubles in those who are unable to open their minds.We help everyone understand that life is inherently filled with much suffering and that the natural course of life is birth ,aging, illness and death.All this is simply a part of life.When their karmic retributions manifest, we help them turn things around.This means that we help them understand that every cause created will result in an effect, so when retributions manifest, they can turn things around by being understanding.As they face difficulties and sadness, we can help them get past the worst of the afflictions and difficulties.
Of course, to do this, they must change their habitual tendencies.If they do not eliminate their attachments, afflictions and habitual tendencies, they cannot overcome their difficulties.Thus, to get through challenges and difficulties, we must have compassionate wisdom and exercise that compassion.
So, loving-kindness and compassion must be practiced in parallel.If we only have great loving-kindness but lack compassion, we cannot help others.If sentient beings are acting on habitual tendencies while experience suffering, they will only increase their suffering.
Thus, when the Buddha came to this world, He kept spreading the Dharma, teaching the Path, because He knew that though He had awakened and was already working with sentient beings, the time He had with them was just too short.He knew, according to the law of nature, that He would enter Parinirvana after several decades.
After He entered Parinirvana, there must be people with the will to accept and then transmit the Dharma so it can be passed on unceasingly.This is why we always say that the Dharma –lineage must be transmitted.
So, in order to continue the Dharma-lineage, we must have the Four Infinite Minds and practice the Four Great Vows.We must “vow to deliver countless sentient beings” and “vow to eliminate endless afflictions”.Not only must we transform ourselves we must also vow to transform sentient beings.Not only must we eliminate our own afflictions, we must also help sentient beings eliminate their afflictions and habitual tendencies.
This is loving-kindness and compassion.
So, we always say we must “practice both loving-kindness and compassion”.We must practice loving-kindness and exercise compassion without regret.Then we will never feel any fear, affliction or resentment as we dedicate ourselves to sentient beings.
The goal of the Buddha and all Tathagatas in coming to this world is [to accomplish] this one great cause.They engage in spiritual practice, awaken, then teach and transmit the Dharma in the hopes that this can always be a teaching for sentient beings.
All of the Tathagatas come to this world for one great cause, to teach sentient beings.But sentient beings have varying capabilities and their bad habits are difficult to eliminate, so for them to be transformed is not easy.
The Buddha also knew that with so many sentient beings, all with varying capabilities, bad habits would be difficult to eliminate. So, He had to focus on the people who were willing to accept and continuously transmit the Dharma. However, even those who accept the Dharma have varying capabilities.
So, though all Buddhas come to transform sentient beings, helping them eliminate habitual tendencies is not easy at all. However, with determination, Tathagatas still exercised compassion and wisdom and utilized countless skillful means to teach according to sentient beings’ capabilities.
“Out of compassion and wisdom, Tathagatas utilize infinite skillful means to teach according to the capabilities of sentient beings so they can be delivered. Sentient beings are drowning in the painful sea of samsara and cannot save themselves.”
“The Introductory Chapter of the Lotus Sutra states: The guiding teacher of all mystics transformed countless sentient beings. Those who wish to transform sentient beings must accumulate merits and virtues as the foundation for delivering all beings.”
As humans, we do not know what affinities we created before. We suffer being with those we hate. We suffer being parted from those we love. Some of our relative seem to be here to torment us. Not only are some not filial to their parents, they rebel against them, causing them much suffering. How do we resolve their grievances?
There are also some very filial children, but their time here is short; how can their parents accept that? These are some of the biggest issues in this world. They are very serious problems. Within our organization, there are also people who have had these experiences. They are always counseling those who suffer, but what do they do when they face [these problem]? This is why we care for each other as a Dharma-family. “Teams unite to cultivate the field of blessings”. Typically, Faith Corp members and Commissioners are cultivating the field of blessing in the world, but what do they do when they encounter problems? They must promptly “deeply plant the Root of Wisdom on the Bodhisattva-path”. This is why we, as a Dharma-family, must always help each other grow in wisdom and promptly offer reminders and comfort.
In our volunteer morning assembly, Tzu Mei, you may know as Shuzhen, shared her experience with us. She said that when things happen to her fellow volunteers, she can immediately [share the Dharma] because she has been certified [as a Commissioner] for a long time. As a very experienced volunteer, she has served in every kind of capacity, from being a team leader to leading various functional teams.
So, she has truly taken the Dharma to heart. For the 40th Anniversary celebration, we had to organize over 40 years of information. Everyone arranged to meet at the hospital, but suddenly, they received a message about the child of a Dharma-brother. The father, Zhang Qingteng, is a member of the Songshan District Faith, Corps. He [and his wife] only had this one child. Their son was very outstanding and filial. That day, on his way to work, he was in a car accident. By the time he reached Tzu Chi Hospital, he had no vital signs. All the efforts to save him were in vain. Knowing that he was their only son, we could guess how they must have felt.
Tzu Mei went to see them right away to offer comfort to her Dharma-family. At the right time, she helped them [bring forth the wisdom to deal with things]. When she saw Mr. Zhang, she said to him, “Brother, first you must calm down and think about how you want to handle things.” Mr. Zhang told her, “Since he can’t be saved, we have decided to donate his organs. We will donate everything that can be used. They told us his eyes, corneas and even his bones could be donated”.
Tzu Mei then asked him, “Brother, how do you want to deal with the one [who caused the accident]?” He answered, “Let the law handle it”. At that moment, Tzu Mei quickly said to him, “Dharma-Brother, right now you must remember, when karmic forces manifest before us, we must be mindful of the law of karma. This even has already happened, but we must clearly understand the law of karma. At this time, the most important thing is to create blessings for you child.
When afflictions arise, we must see them through the law of karma. The karmic law of cause and effect, which Master constantly teaches us must be applied at this time”.
As she talked, Mr. Zhang took her words to heart and became calm. Then his child was sent to the operating room so the organs to be donated could harvested. After the procedures were complete, he was [sewn back up] and brought out. Mr. Zhang quickly went to his son side and lifted up the sheets to look at his face. He said, “Son, please remember, the other party didn’t do it intentionally. You must let go of your resentment and hatred. Right now, you must feel a sense of love. You can save so many people with your love. Everything happens because of the law of karma, so don’t carry hate and resentment with you. Please know that you have saved a lot of people.”
After he shared these words with his son, his son’s body was taken away. He shared that, as he talked to his son, his heart began to open up as well.So, he told the person who caused the accident, “I won’t take issue with you, I will definitely forgive you. However, from now on, you must eliminate your bad habitual tendencies. Don’t drink, don’t drive fast. You must change these bad habits.”
The other driver was very remorseful and repentant. Mr. Zhang comforted him and eventually guided him into Tzu Chi. Can you imagine that this kind of suffering and this great shock could be relieved by one sentence? This lives of two families were changed.One family was able to be understanding and earnestly practice the Bodhisattva-path. The other family because of this forgiveness, was able to recover without being afflicted by the punishment of facing lawsuits and dealing with [excessive] guilt. Eventually the two families became friends.
This is how Bodhisattvas transform sentient beings. Afterwards, Mr. Zhang told her, “I’m grateful to you. Sister, you helped me grow in wisdom. As I said those words to my son, I was able to open up my heart. It gave me the courage to be forgiving and to transform [that driver]. I’m grateful you. You are the benefactor of my wisdom-life.”
Tzu Mei told him, “Brother, you are also my benefactor. I [learned] that I must make the most of my life. You allowed me to recognize again that life is impermanent. We are each other’s benefactors. Yes, “Teams unite to cultivate fields of blessings.”
Typically, our volunteers cultivate the fields of blessings out in the world. whenever they encounter [a problem], they must “deeply plant the Root of Wisdom on the Bodhisattva-path.”At this time, we must continue to walk the Bodhisattva-path. Everyone, we have formed aspirations and vows, but we all have varying capabilities. This is why each of us must diligently practice. We must take the Dharma to heart so that we, and others, can use it. All of us can help and inspire each other. Therefore, we must always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
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