20141111《靜思妙蓮華》四攝入眾隨順法度(第433)
（法華經•方便品第二）
⊙「學佛受教力行四攝，布施愛語利行同事，學法入眾隨順法度。」
⊙「得是無上法，隨諸一切佛，而用方便力。我等亦皆得，最妙第一法，為諸眾生類，分別說三乘。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙凡可造作有形相，名有為法；無形相非作為，得是無上法。即是寂靜之別名。
⊙又無上法：謂如來心之所緣，即是智慧所照之境，能斷煩惱，即涅槃。
⊙隨諸一切佛，而用方便力：隨順諸佛智慧為實施權，說三乘法，為十方諸佛之所讚善。
⊙我等亦皆得最妙第一法：我等宿世修來之福，今世得聞佛陀悲智之教化，我等亦皆得諸佛心懷，最妙第一法。
⊙佛為諸眾生類，隨機應時施教，分別說三乘法。其實施權巧妙，即為教菩薩法，亦即佛乘之方便。
【證嚴上人開示】
「學佛受教力行四攝，布施愛語利行同事，學法入眾隨順法度。」
學佛受教
力行四攝
布施愛語
利行同事
學法入眾
隨順法度
學佛，我們要虔誠接受佛教的教育，我們要身體力行。修行要入人群中，必定要有四種方法，這四種方法是我們做人最珍貴：第一「布施」、第二是「愛語」、第三叫做「利行」、第四叫做「同事」。若能這樣，我們學法就是入人群眾中，我們就能隨順眾生的根機，就能來度，以法度眾。
最近在廈門一個個案，這個家庭，是一位單親的媽媽，撫養她的兩個兒子。家庭本來是小康，平平凡凡的一個家庭，但是她第二個兒子，差不多是在讀中學的時候，他的身體、行動，慢慢地走路變形了。所以同學就開始品頭論足，這樣好像是在恥笑他，所以造成了這位青少年，十四、五歲的孩子，開始心裡起了自卑感，他開始拒絕讀書了，不想要去學校了，就這樣把自己關閉在他的家裡。這樣一關閉在裡面，有十七、八年的時間，今年已經是三十二歲了。
這個個案，是受廈門前任的副市長，現在是副主席，這位潘副主席，他發現了這個個案。他這樣一連串來回有七次，到這個家庭去，了解這個家庭很辛苦，還有這個孩子的哥哥，很多年前一場車禍，這樣在家裡療養，一段時間去工作，又是再跌倒，所以也一直都是在療傷。更加屋漏又逢連夜雨，他的母親也一樣在做小工，也是同樣一次的車禍，腳斷了，行動也已經不方便了。
這位案主，那就是楊曉東。他若看到人來，全身都是這樣，頭就是這樣埋在他的膝蓋裡，其實他整個人也都不會直，一直就是，一直彎到一百九十度了。
記得一、二十年前，我們的(慈濟)醫院陳(英和)院長，也有幾位像這樣的個案，開得很成功。所以，這位潘副主席，知道我們的過去，直接提報給慈濟。陳(州明)居士一家人，和我們當地的志工，趕緊去探訪他，這樣開始，他就覺得這個家庭是缺什麼呢？應該缺一個大愛電視臺，所以他們第三次就去他的家裡，為他安裝電視。
因為這電視在那裡，開始他能看，慢慢抬起頭來看電視，大愛(臺)的故事、裡面的節目，還聽到靜思語…等等，打動了他的心了。所以，第四次，我們的慈濟人再去時，終於看到他已經這樣，頭稍微抬起一點，在鏡頭上看到他的一隻眼睛。因為他將頭埋在他的腳(膝蓋)裡，他能抬起來的頭就是斜一邊，所以能看到他一邊的臉。
大家就已經很高興了：「看到了，原來你是這麼英俊。」大家更立決心，要怎樣將這位年輕人帶來臺灣，和我們臺灣本會開始聯絡了。我們慈濟人不斷用愛語勸他，說服他心動了，開始，約好時間，慈濟人來了，開始將他抱起來，陳居士像對待自己的孩子一樣，一位六十歲的人，抱起了一位三十二歲的年輕人。因為抱起來，他的腳就是這樣，雙腳蜷在他的胸口，所以他就連腳、連身體，都捧起來，這樣走出他的家門，坐車去看醫生。
躺著，還是腳蜷在他的胸口，真的，醫生就一直分析，很多的病情、建議，要照X光很困難，所以將那些情形寫回來。後來，我們的(慈濟)醫院接案了，就約在五月二十三日這一天，他們要將這位年輕人，和他的母親一起送回來花蓮。
所以潘副主席，在二十三日的前一天，就又陪著慈濟人去這個家庭，再為他心理建設。真的也做這麼周到的，愛語、利行，這就是去利行，要利益這個人，要幫助他。要布施，還要說盡了好話，要用盡了方法，來幫助這位年輕人。這就是「四攝法」。
感恩陳居士一家人，還有我們的志工，這樣幾個人，陪伴這對母子來臺灣。昨天（二十六日），來精舍，要來看師父，來看師父，很歡喜！他想要下來走路給師父看，真的下來走，這樣整個蜷起來，看了是很不捨啊！但願這個孩子，這個個案，能(從)這樣的情形，而抬頭挺胸，回到他的家庭。這就是四種「四攝法」。昨天在我面前也說：「好起來要做好事。」母親說：「做夢也想不到，他今天真的已經人在臺灣了。」
這個家庭，這就是「布施」，慈濟人的布施，從當地的領導的用心，要幫助這個家庭，所以和慈濟人同一念心，願意付出，來回七次。孩子的臉看不到，然後慈濟人第一次、第二次，第三次就已經看到了，就這樣建立了感情，這樣把他帶來，這叫做「愛語」。
用種種的愛語打開了他的心門，打開了他的心門，採取行動，「利行」，為了要，幫助、利益他所以「利行」。除了當地的領導，還有一個家庭，陳居士的家庭，還有我們當地很多志工，大家合作起來，這種的「同事」，這樣，大家菩薩共做一件事——這種布施、愛語、利行。這就是「學法入眾隨順法度」，隨順這個法來度眾生。學佛，我們無非就是要學這些事，我們要時時用心。
我們前面《法華經》的經文，我們已經說了，佛陀為了要度眾生，他用很多心思，要教導眾生種種的方法，就像上面說過的——布施、愛語、利行、同事，這就是佛法裡的一環。佛陀就是觀察世間眾生，需要用什麼方法來教化，什麼樣的苦難的眾生，我們就要用什麼樣的方法幫助，這就是思惟。現在的佛、過去的佛也是一樣，所以這清淨梵音，就能將法入心。諸天也一樣，對釋迦牟尼佛也這樣的勉勵。我們現在有這麼多人，互相勉勵、互相來協助，這才能夠救助世間。
接下來這段(經)文：「得是無上法，隨諸一切佛，而用方便力。我等亦皆得，最妙第一法，為諸眾生類，分別說三乘。」
得是無上法
隨諸一切佛
而用方便力
我等亦皆得
最妙第一法
為諸眾生類
分別說三乘
《法華經 方便品第二》
佛他已經得了無上法，無上法就是無上正等正覺的法，我們常常念經，「阿耨多羅三藐三菩提」，那就是無上法。凡是可造作、有形象，名叫做「有為法」。
凡可造作有形相
名有為法
無形相非作為
得是無上法
即是寂靜之別名
過去一段時間一直向大家解釋，只要你看得到的東西都是叫做有為法。「無形無相、無形相、非作為」，沒有形相，也不是看得到、摸得到，但是它充分的道理。就像人有病，病就是很痛苦，病的源頭是什麼？就要去了解病理。這個病理要經過多少人去研究、去探討，才能找出了病的源頭？這全都是有這個道理，但是要如何去預防它？這全都還是看不到的東西，這叫做「無為法」。
天地宇宙萬物之間，都有「三理四相」，常常和大家分析過，這種「理」，就是無為法。所以，佛陀已經開啟智慧了，得無上法，這些道理、形相，形相的道理他都透徹了，所以叫做覺悟。
覺悟的心境，那就是靜寂，靜寂，非常的靜寂，寂靜清澄如琉璃一樣，這種的境界，所以叫做得無上道，也可以說無上法，是至高無上的道理、法。
又無上法：
謂如來心之所緣
即是智慧所照之境
能斷煩惱
即涅槃
「如來心所緣」。如來就是佛，他的心所緣的境界都是智慧，智慧就是光明，能照遍一切事物、理相。所以因為他的道理，能夠來輔導、教育人人斷煩惱，這叫做寂靜，他本身要很寂靜的心理，很清淨如琉璃，像一面大圓鏡，能鑑天地萬象、萬物的形態，但是他的心很清淨，也是叫做涅槃。涅槃就是寂光土，那就是很清淨很光明的心地，這是佛的心態。
「隨諸一切佛，而用方便力。」這就是佛陀為了眾生，所以他要和諸佛一樣，用方便的方法，「隨諸佛智慧，為實施權」。
隨諸一切佛
而用方便力：
隨順諸佛智慧
為實施權
說三乘法
為十方諸佛
之所讚善
釋迦佛和過去的諸佛一樣，隨眾生的根機，要發揮他的智慧，為實施權。「實」就是真理，「權」就是權巧方便。真理，就是幫助人，人與人之間，就像這位楊曉東，我們費用這麼多的人力，目的為了什麼呢？只有一項──要救他！
為了這件事情，要花多少的心神，要用很多的人力，也要用很多錢；來到這裡，可能需要半年，或者是五個月，或者是四個月，至少也要三個月。期待他能平平安安，這就是我們的目的，這叫做「為實」，實在為了這件事，就要用這麼多的人力這樣做。
但是佛陀是為了我們人人，通徹道理，能在人間一切互動、互愛，人人的心態能夠解脫煩惱，人人開闊的心，(心)包太虛，量周沙界，大家的心要很開闊，要包容一切。這就是佛陀對我們的期待。不過眾生就是根機不同，所以佛陀不得不，為這真實的事情的道理，他要說很多的方法，這叫做「施權」。
說三乘法。上、中、下根機的觀念、境界不同，所以佛陀就要用，這種方法來施教。這就是十方諸佛所讚善，這是十方諸佛認為說：「這樣做就對了。」能為這些芸芸眾生，設種種的方便、教育，對每一位眾生，就是一種最大的利益。
經文中就說：「我等亦皆得，最妙第一法。」諸佛菩薩所得到的是最妙第一(法)。所說的「我等」，就是宿世修來的福。
我等亦皆得
最妙第一法：
我等
宿世修來之福
今世得聞
佛陀悲智之教化
我等亦皆
得諸佛心懷
最妙第一法
我們大家，除了佛，還有佛世的時代，大家就是有福，這個福應該是宿世以來，我們有累積這個因緣，所以今世能夠聽到，佛陀悲智的教化，我們大家更應該了解佛的心懷。
常常說，佛陀來人間，雖然說法四十多年，過去設種種的方法，其實只為一件事，要指(引)大家，人人都能成佛。佛心為己心，我們的心，若和佛的心一樣，我們就付出無所求。
就像那麼苦難的家庭，這樣能勸說他、說服他，這樣陪伴他來到這裡，出錢、出力。其實這件事，也還有其他的人來成就，航空公司免費讓他來，這也是同樣都是有佛心、有同情心。所以，人人若有這念心，就是得佛本懷，與佛同樣的心。人人若能與佛有同樣的心，所付出的都是最妙第一法。
「為諸眾生類，分別說三乘」。佛為諸眾生一切，除了人類之外，有生命的，佛陀就是那麼慈悲，隨機應時施教，分別說三乘法，這都是一路來一直說的法。
佛為諸眾生類
隨機應時施教
分別說三乘法
其實施權巧妙
即為教菩薩法
亦即佛乘之方便
分別說三乘法，其實是施權巧妙。其實為了一實乘的法，但是眾生的根機，各人有各人的見解，佛陀不得不施權，非常巧妙來度眾生，也就是為菩薩法，這叫做教菩薩法。為實施權教菩薩法，這就是佛乘的方便。
各位菩薩，學佛就要學到菩薩的行動，菩薩的行動，目標才是佛的境界，所以我們學法，不能輕視「四攝法」，在人間，佛法就是要用在人間，我們就是(在)人間，有接受到這樣的佛法，我們才能夠去應用，懂得如何應用「四攝法」。
「四攝法」知道了：布施、愛語、利行、同事。對啊！這樣合起來，我們每天都能，為不同的家庭、苦難的地方，去付出，這就是佛陀對我們的教育。他的心境就是那麼開闊，任何人的家庭就像我們的家庭，任何一個人的親人，就像我們的親人，這種付出之後，過程的關懷，等到他完全解脫苦難，就是我們最法喜充滿時，所以大家要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Transform People with Suitable Teachings (四攝入眾隨順法度)
Date: November.11. 2014
“Learn and accept the Buddha’s teachings; practice the Four All-Embracing Virtues, charitable giving, loving speech, beneficial conduct and collaborative work. Learn the Dharma to go among people and transform them with suitable teachings.”
As we learn the Buddha’s Way, we must reverently accept Buddhist teachings and put them into practice. To engage in spiritual practice among the people, we must apply four methods. These methods are most invaluable for our practice. The first is charitable giving, second is loving speech, third is beneficial conduct and the fourth is collaborative work. If we can apply all of them, we can learn the Dharma and then go among people to transform them according to their capabilities; we transform them with the Dharma. Recently, I heard about a case in Xiamen. There was family comprised of a single mother and the two sons she was raising. The family was doing moderately well, leading a fairly typical life. However, during high school, her younger son’s body began to change and the way he moved and walked became odd. So, his classmates began to talk about him. They were laughing at him.
So this teenager, a child of 14 or 15, developed an inferiority complex. He refused to study, did not want to go to school and shut himself up at home. He has been a recluse since then, for a period of 17 or 18 years. Now he is 32 years old. This case was brought to us by the former deputy mayor of Xiamen who is the current vice-chairman. Vice-Chairman Pan was the one who first learned about this so he visited them seven times. He learned how difficult their lives were. This child’s older brother was injured in a car accident many years ago. He recovered at home, and then went to work until he fell [and reinjured himself]. He is still recovering at home. Their roof also leaked during the rainy season. The mother has always worked odds jobs. She was also in a car accident and had broken her foot. So, it was hard for her to walk.
The main person we helped is Yang Xiaodong. Whenever Yang saw people, he curled up his whole body and buried his head between his knees. Actually, he could not fully straighten his body. It was curved at a 190 degree angle. I remember, 10 or 20 years ago, Superintendent Chen of Tzu Chi Hospital had a few patients like him that he successfully treated. Vice-Chairman Pan knew about our work. So, he directly reported the case to us. Mr. Chen and his family, along with some of our local volunteers, immediately went to visit him. They began to think about what this family needed. They felt they needed the Da Ai TV channel. So, on their third visit, they installed a TV for them. Yang began to watch it because it was there. He slowly lifted his head to watch the stories and programs on Da Ai and head Jing Si Aphorisms in them and other teachings. They all moved him. So, on their fourth visit, Tzu Chi volunteers finally saw him lift up his head just a little bit. On screen, I could see one of his eyes.Because he still had his head between his knees, he only tilted up his head on one side.So, they only saw one side of his face.
Everyone was so happy, “We see you. We didn’t know you’re so handsome.”So, they were determined to bring him to Taiwan.Those Tzu Chi volunteers contacted us in Taiwan and then used loving speech to convince him [to accept the treatment,] so he agreed.They scheduled an appointment in the morning.When Tzu Chi volunteers came, they picked him up and carried him.
Mr. Chen treated him as his own son.This 60-year-old man carried a 32-year-old young man.To carry him, because his feet were curled up against his chest, he had to embrace his entire body, including his feet.This was how they left his house and got into the car to see the doctor.When he was lying down, his feet were still curled against his chest.
Indeed, the doctors suggested many kinds of diagnoses.Taking an X-ray would be difficult, so they described the patient’s condition to us.
Later, Tzu Chi Hospital took over the case.We settle on May 23 as the day this young man and his mother will arrive in Hualien.So, the day before May 23, Vic-Chairman Pan accompanied.Tzu Chi volunteers to visit this family again and build up Mr. Yang’s confidence.Indeed, they were so considerate in their loving speech and beneficial conduct.This was beneficial conduct; it was to benefit and help this person, They gave charitably, they spoke kindly, they used all kinds of methods to help this young man.
That is beneficial conduct.
We are grateful to Mr. Chen, his family and our volunteers; these people accompanied mother and son to Taiwan.Yesterday, he came to the Abode to see me.When he saw me, he was very happy he wanted to show me how he walked.He started to walk, all hunched over.I could not bear to see him like that I hope this child will be able to raise his head and straighten his back before he returns to his family.
This happened because of the Four All-Embracign Virtues.Yesterday he said to me, “I want to get well and then help others.”Him mother said, “I couldn’t ever imagine that we would actually be in Taiwan.”This “charitable giving” for the family came from Tzu Chi volunteers.That local official was very committed and wanted to help this family, so he was of one mind with Tzu Chi volunteers.He was so willing to help he visited seven times, yet he was not able to see Yang’s face.
The Tzu Chi volunteers saw his face after their third visit because they had established a relationship with him.Thus they could bring him [to Taiwan].This is known as “loving speech”.They used loving words to open up his heart.After opening up his heart, they took action, which is “beneficial conduct”.In order to help and give him support, they engaged in “beneficial conduct”.
In addition to the local official, Mr. Chen and his family, along with many of our local volunteers, came together to do this.This is “collaborative work”.In this way, all these Bodhisattvas worked to accomplish one thing.
So, charitable giving, loving speech and beneficial conduct are how we “learn the Dharma to go among the people and transform them with suitable teachings”.We follow the Dharma in teaching sentient beings.In learning the Buddha’s Way, we should learn to do things like this.So, we have to always be mindful.
In the previous passages of the Lotus Sutra, we have already talked about how, in order to transform sentient beings, the Buddha had to engage in a lot of thinking about the various methods used to teach sentient beings.
These include what I have already mentioned, charitable giving, loving speech, beneficial conduct and collaborative work.These are core teachings of the Buddha-Dharma.The Buddha observed sentient beings in this world to see what methods could be used to teach them.Whatever suffering they experience, we must use suitable methods to help them.This takes contemplation.
The present and past Buddhas age the same.They use a pure Brahma-voice to penetrate minds with the Dharma.All the heavenly beings gave the same encouragement to Sakaymuni Buddha.There are so many of us now who can offer mutual encouragement and support.Only by doing this can we save the world.
The following sutra passage states, “Having attained the supreme Dharma, You followed the precedent of all Buddhas and employed the power of skillful means. We all have attained as well the foremost and most wondrous Dharma. For the various kinds of sentient beings, we taught the Three Vehicles separately.”
The Buddha had attained the supreme Dharma, which is the Dharma of unsurpassed, perfect, universal enlightenment. From the sutras, we often chant the words, “Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi”, which is the supreme Dharma. Anything that is created and has an appearance is known as a “conditioned phenomenon”.
“Anything that is created and has an appearance is a conditioned phenomenon. That which has no appearance, is unconditioned, is the supreme Dharma, which is another name for tranquility and stillness”.
In the past, I have constantly explained that all the things you can see are known as conditioned phenomena. That which has no form or appearance, “that which has no appearance, is unconditioned”, has no form and thus cannot be seen or touched. However, it is full of principles. For example, illness leads to tremendous suffering. What is the source of illness? We must understand the principles behind it. Using these principles, many people must engage in research and study to discover the source of an illness. There is a principle behind all of this, yet how do we prevent it from happening? None of these [principles] can be seen, they are “unconditioned phenomena”.
All things in this universe adhere to the Three Principles and the Four States. I continually analyze them for everyone. These “principles” are unconditioned phenomena. The Buddha had already awakened His wisdom, so He attained supreme Dharma. He penetrated these principles and appearances, and the principles behind the appearances. This is called attaining enlightenment.
An enlightened state of mind is very tranquil and still and as clear as crystal. This kind of state comes from attaining the unsurpassed Path, which could be called the supreme Dharma. This is the supreme and unsurpassed principle and Dharma.
“The supreme Dharma: This is the state perceived by the Tathagata-mind; it is a state illuminated by wisdom. If we can eliminate afflictions, we are in a state of Nirvana.”
“This is the state perceived by the Tathagata-mind”. Tathagata is another name for the Buddha. Everything that His mind perceives is wisdom. Wisdom is a light that can illuminate all things, principles and appearances. Because He knew [these truths], He could teach people ways to end afflictions. This leads to tranquility and stillness. His own mind had to be very tranquil and still, as pure as crystal. Then like a great perfect mirror, it could reflect all kinds of appearances, while remaining very pure and clean. This is also known as Nirvana. Nirvana is the land of calm illumination, which is a very pure and bright state. This was the Buddha’s state of mind.
“[He] followed the precedent of all Buddhas and employed the power of skillful means”. For the sake of sentient beings, the Buddha did the same as past Buddhas and used skillful means. “Following the wisdom of all Buddhas, He taught the provisional”.
“[He] followed the precedent of all Buddhas and employed the power of skillful means: Following the wisdom of all Buddhas, He taught the provisional for the sake of the true and expounded the Three Vehicles. Thus He was praised by all Buddhas of the ten directions.”
Sakyamuni Buddha was like all past Buddhas. To teach according to sentient beings’ capacities, He exercised His wisdom to give the provisional for the true. “True” refers to true principles. The “provisional” are skillful teachings. The true principles can help people in their interactions.
To help Yang Xiaodong, we exerted much time and effort. What was our goal? There was only one, to help him. For this matter, we expended a lot of energy, exerted a lot of manpower and spent a lot of money. After coming here, treatment may take as long as five or six months, or as short as three or four months. We hope he can get through this smoothly. This is our only goal. It is “for the sake of the true”.
Indeed, for this matter, we exerted much manpower to make it happen. But the Buddha did everything He could to help us penetrate true principles, interact with mutual love and care and transcend afflictions. [He hoped] that our minds could expand to encompass the universe and the boundless worlds within it. Our minds must be expansive enough to accommodate everything. This is what the Buddha hoped for us.
But sentient beings’ capabilities were all different. So, if the Buddha wanted to teach the true principles behind things, He had to use many different methods. This is “teaching the provisional”. He expounded the Three Vehicles for great, average and limited capabilities. Because of these different states, the Buddha had to use this kind of method to give teachings. This was praised by all Buddhas of ten directions. All Buddhas of the ten directions believed. He was doing the right thing. For the multitude of sentient beings, He established various skillful teachings so each of them can reap the greatest benefit.
Thus sutra passage states, “We all have attained as well the foremost and most wondrous Dharma.” All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have attained this foremost and most wondrous Dharma.The words “we all” signify their blessings from past lives.
We all have attained as well this foremost and most wondrous Dharma: Due to blessings cultivated over past lifetimes, in this lifetime we can all listen to the compassionate and wise teaching of the Buddha. We all have attained as well the foremost and most wondrous Dharma in the minds of all Buddhas.
Aside from the Buddha, other people alive during His lifetime were also very blessed. We have been accumulating blessings over past lifetimes.We have accumulated these karmic conditions so that in this lifetime, we can listen to the Buddha’s compassionate and wise teachings. We all should deeply understand the Buddha’s intent. I always say that even though the Buddha came to this world and taught for 40-plus years, the skillful means He established early on were actually only for the sake of one thing, to help everyone realize that they could also attain Buddhahood and take the Buddha’s mind as their own.
If our mind is the same as the Buddha’s mind, we can give without any expectations. For example, for that suffering family, our volunteers were able to counsel, convince and accompany that young man to come to this place. We spent money and manpower. Actually, other people helped make this happen too. The airline let him travel for free, which means they also have a Buddha-mind and empathy. So, if everyone has this state of mind, they are in line with the Buddha’s original intent and have the same mindset.
If we all have the same mindset as the Buddha, everything we share will be supreme, wondrous Dharma.
“For the sake of sentient beings”, He “separately taught the Three Vehicles.” The Buddha came here for all sentient beings, for all living beings, not only humans. The Buddha was that kind and compassionate He taught according to capabilities and timing, and separately taught the Three Vehicles. This was how He has always taught.
The Buddha, for the sake of sentient beings, gave teachings according to capabilities and timing He separately taught the Three Vehicles. This provisional and wondrous teaching is the Bodhisattva Way, which is also the skillful teaching of the Buddha Vehicle.
He separately taught the Three Vehicles.These provisional and wondrous teachings were actually given for the sake of teaching the One Reality. But because of sentient beings’ capabilities, each person had his own perspectives.So, the Buddha had to give provisional and skillful teachings to transform sentient beings. This was the teaching of the Bodhisattva-path. For the sake of the true, He taught the Bodhisattva-path. That is the skillful teaching of the Buddha Vehicle.
Dear Bodhisattvas, learning the Buddha’s Way is about learning how to act like Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas always act with the goal of attaining Buddhahood. So, when we learn the Dharma, we cannot overlook the Four All-Embracing Virtues.We use them in the world; the Buddha-Dharma must be applied in this world, Because we received this teachings in this world, we can learn to apply it, to practice the Four All-Embracing Virtues.
We know the Four All-Embracing Virtues are charitable giving, loving speech, beneficial conduct and collaborative work. Indeed, if we can combine them every day, we can help different families who are experiencing suffering. This is what the Buddha taught us.
His mind was just that expansive Anyone’s family must be like our own family. Anyone’s loved ones must be like our loved ones. We give to and care for them until they are fully liberated from suffering. That moment is when we feel the most Dharma-joy. 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）
⊙「學佛受教力行四攝，布施愛語利行同事，學法入眾隨順法度。」
⊙「得是無上法，隨諸一切佛，而用方便力。我等亦皆得，最妙第一法，為諸眾生類，分別說三乘。」《法華經 方便品第二》
⊙凡可造作有形相，名有為法；無形相非作為，得是無上法。即是寂靜之別名。
⊙又無上法：謂如來心之所緣，即是智慧所照之境，能斷煩惱，即涅槃。
⊙隨諸一切佛，而用方便力：隨順諸佛智慧為實施權，說三乘法，為十方諸佛之所讚善。
⊙我等亦皆得最妙第一法：我等宿世修來之福，今世得聞佛陀悲智之教化，我等亦皆得諸佛心懷，最妙第一法。
⊙佛為諸眾生類，隨機應時施教，分別說三乘法。其實施權巧妙，即為教菩薩法，亦即佛乘之方便。
【證嚴上人開示】
「學佛受教力行四攝，布施愛語利行同事，學法入眾隨順法度。」
學佛受教
力行四攝
布施愛語
利行同事
學法入眾
隨順法度
學佛，我們要虔誠接受佛教的教育，我們要身體力行。修行要入人群中，必定要有四種方法，這四種方法是我們做人最珍貴：第一「布施」、第二是「愛語」、第三叫做「利行」、第四叫做「同事」。若能這樣，我們學法就是入人群眾中，我們就能隨順眾生的根機，就能來度，以法度眾。
最近在廈門一個個案，這個家庭，是一位單親的媽媽，撫養她的兩個兒子。家庭本來是小康，平平凡凡的一個家庭，但是她第二個兒子，差不多是在讀中學的時候，他的身體、行動，慢慢地走路變形了。所以同學就開始品頭論足，這樣好像是在恥笑他，所以造成了這位青少年，十四、五歲的孩子，開始心裡起了自卑感，他開始拒絕讀書了，不想要去學校了，就這樣把自己關閉在他的家裡。這樣一關閉在裡面，有十七、八年的時間，今年已經是三十二歲了。
這個個案，是受廈門前任的副市長，現在是副主席，這位潘副主席，他發現了這個個案。他這樣一連串來回有七次，到這個家庭去，了解這個家庭很辛苦，還有這個孩子的哥哥，很多年前一場車禍，這樣在家裡療養，一段時間去工作，又是再跌倒，所以也一直都是在療傷。更加屋漏又逢連夜雨，他的母親也一樣在做小工，也是同樣一次的車禍，腳斷了，行動也已經不方便了。
這位案主，那就是楊曉東。他若看到人來，全身都是這樣，頭就是這樣埋在他的膝蓋裡，其實他整個人也都不會直，一直就是，一直彎到一百九十度了。
記得一、二十年前，我們的(慈濟)醫院陳(英和)院長，也有幾位像這樣的個案，開得很成功。所以，這位潘副主席，知道我們的過去，直接提報給慈濟。陳(州明)居士一家人，和我們當地的志工，趕緊去探訪他，這樣開始，他就覺得這個家庭是缺什麼呢？應該缺一個大愛電視臺，所以他們第三次就去他的家裡，為他安裝電視。
因為這電視在那裡，開始他能看，慢慢抬起頭來看電視，大愛(臺)的故事、裡面的節目，還聽到靜思語…等等，打動了他的心了。所以，第四次，我們的慈濟人再去時，終於看到他已經這樣，頭稍微抬起一點，在鏡頭上看到他的一隻眼睛。因為他將頭埋在他的腳(膝蓋)裡，他能抬起來的頭就是斜一邊，所以能看到他一邊的臉。
大家就已經很高興了：「看到了，原來你是這麼英俊。」大家更立決心，要怎樣將這位年輕人帶來臺灣，和我們臺灣本會開始聯絡了。我們慈濟人不斷用愛語勸他，說服他心動了，開始，約好時間，慈濟人來了，開始將他抱起來，陳居士像對待自己的孩子一樣，一位六十歲的人，抱起了一位三十二歲的年輕人。因為抱起來，他的腳就是這樣，雙腳蜷在他的胸口，所以他就連腳、連身體，都捧起來，這樣走出他的家門，坐車去看醫生。
躺著，還是腳蜷在他的胸口，真的，醫生就一直分析，很多的病情、建議，要照X光很困難，所以將那些情形寫回來。後來，我們的(慈濟)醫院接案了，就約在五月二十三日這一天，他們要將這位年輕人，和他的母親一起送回來花蓮。
所以潘副主席，在二十三日的前一天，就又陪著慈濟人去這個家庭，再為他心理建設。真的也做這麼周到的，愛語、利行，這就是去利行，要利益這個人，要幫助他。要布施，還要說盡了好話，要用盡了方法，來幫助這位年輕人。這就是「四攝法」。
感恩陳居士一家人，還有我們的志工，這樣幾個人，陪伴這對母子來臺灣。昨天（二十六日），來精舍，要來看師父，來看師父，很歡喜！他想要下來走路給師父看，真的下來走，這樣整個蜷起來，看了是很不捨啊！但願這個孩子，這個個案，能(從)這樣的情形，而抬頭挺胸，回到他的家庭。這就是四種「四攝法」。昨天在我面前也說：「好起來要做好事。」母親說：「做夢也想不到，他今天真的已經人在臺灣了。」
這個家庭，這就是「布施」，慈濟人的布施，從當地的領導的用心，要幫助這個家庭，所以和慈濟人同一念心，願意付出，來回七次。孩子的臉看不到，然後慈濟人第一次、第二次，第三次就已經看到了，就這樣建立了感情，這樣把他帶來，這叫做「愛語」。
用種種的愛語打開了他的心門，打開了他的心門，採取行動，「利行」，為了要，幫助、利益他所以「利行」。除了當地的領導，還有一個家庭，陳居士的家庭，還有我們當地很多志工，大家合作起來，這種的「同事」，這樣，大家菩薩共做一件事——這種布施、愛語、利行。這就是「學法入眾隨順法度」，隨順這個法來度眾生。學佛，我們無非就是要學這些事，我們要時時用心。
我們前面《法華經》的經文，我們已經說了，佛陀為了要度眾生，他用很多心思，要教導眾生種種的方法，就像上面說過的——布施、愛語、利行、同事，這就是佛法裡的一環。佛陀就是觀察世間眾生，需要用什麼方法來教化，什麼樣的苦難的眾生，我們就要用什麼樣的方法幫助，這就是思惟。現在的佛、過去的佛也是一樣，所以這清淨梵音，就能將法入心。諸天也一樣，對釋迦牟尼佛也這樣的勉勵。我們現在有這麼多人，互相勉勵、互相來協助，這才能夠救助世間。
接下來這段(經)文：「得是無上法，隨諸一切佛，而用方便力。我等亦皆得，最妙第一法，為諸眾生類，分別說三乘。」
得是無上法
隨諸一切佛
而用方便力
我等亦皆得
最妙第一法
為諸眾生類
分別說三乘
《法華經 方便品第二》
佛他已經得了無上法，無上法就是無上正等正覺的法，我們常常念經，「阿耨多羅三藐三菩提」，那就是無上法。凡是可造作、有形象，名叫做「有為法」。
凡可造作有形相
名有為法
無形相非作為
得是無上法
即是寂靜之別名
過去一段時間一直向大家解釋，只要你看得到的東西都是叫做有為法。「無形無相、無形相、非作為」，沒有形相，也不是看得到、摸得到，但是它充分的道理。就像人有病，病就是很痛苦，病的源頭是什麼？就要去了解病理。這個病理要經過多少人去研究、去探討，才能找出了病的源頭？這全都是有這個道理，但是要如何去預防它？這全都還是看不到的東西，這叫做「無為法」。
天地宇宙萬物之間，都有「三理四相」，常常和大家分析過，這種「理」，就是無為法。所以，佛陀已經開啟智慧了，得無上法，這些道理、形相，形相的道理他都透徹了，所以叫做覺悟。
覺悟的心境，那就是靜寂，靜寂，非常的靜寂，寂靜清澄如琉璃一樣，這種的境界，所以叫做得無上道，也可以說無上法，是至高無上的道理、法。
又無上法：
謂如來心之所緣
即是智慧所照之境
能斷煩惱
即涅槃
「如來心所緣」。如來就是佛，他的心所緣的境界都是智慧，智慧就是光明，能照遍一切事物、理相。所以因為他的道理，能夠來輔導、教育人人斷煩惱，這叫做寂靜，他本身要很寂靜的心理，很清淨如琉璃，像一面大圓鏡，能鑑天地萬象、萬物的形態，但是他的心很清淨，也是叫做涅槃。涅槃就是寂光土，那就是很清淨很光明的心地，這是佛的心態。
「隨諸一切佛，而用方便力。」這就是佛陀為了眾生，所以他要和諸佛一樣，用方便的方法，「隨諸佛智慧，為實施權」。
隨諸一切佛
而用方便力：
隨順諸佛智慧
為實施權
說三乘法
為十方諸佛
之所讚善
釋迦佛和過去的諸佛一樣，隨眾生的根機，要發揮他的智慧，為實施權。「實」就是真理，「權」就是權巧方便。真理，就是幫助人，人與人之間，就像這位楊曉東，我們費用這麼多的人力，目的為了什麼呢？只有一項──要救他！
為了這件事情，要花多少的心神，要用很多的人力，也要用很多錢；來到這裡，可能需要半年，或者是五個月，或者是四個月，至少也要三個月。期待他能平平安安，這就是我們的目的，這叫做「為實」，實在為了這件事，就要用這麼多的人力這樣做。
但是佛陀是為了我們人人，通徹道理，能在人間一切互動、互愛，人人的心態能夠解脫煩惱，人人開闊的心，(心)包太虛，量周沙界，大家的心要很開闊，要包容一切。這就是佛陀對我們的期待。不過眾生就是根機不同，所以佛陀不得不，為這真實的事情的道理，他要說很多的方法，這叫做「施權」。
說三乘法。上、中、下根機的觀念、境界不同，所以佛陀就要用，這種方法來施教。這就是十方諸佛所讚善，這是十方諸佛認為說：「這樣做就對了。」能為這些芸芸眾生，設種種的方便、教育，對每一位眾生，就是一種最大的利益。
經文中就說：「我等亦皆得，最妙第一法。」諸佛菩薩所得到的是最妙第一(法)。所說的「我等」，就是宿世修來的福。
我等亦皆得
最妙第一法：
我等
宿世修來之福
今世得聞
佛陀悲智之教化
我等亦皆
得諸佛心懷
最妙第一法
我們大家，除了佛，還有佛世的時代，大家就是有福，這個福應該是宿世以來，我們有累積這個因緣，所以今世能夠聽到，佛陀悲智的教化，我們大家更應該了解佛的心懷。
常常說，佛陀來人間，雖然說法四十多年，過去設種種的方法，其實只為一件事，要指(引)大家，人人都能成佛。佛心為己心，我們的心，若和佛的心一樣，我們就付出無所求。
就像那麼苦難的家庭，這樣能勸說他、說服他，這樣陪伴他來到這裡，出錢、出力。其實這件事，也還有其他的人來成就，航空公司免費讓他來，這也是同樣都是有佛心、有同情心。所以，人人若有這念心，就是得佛本懷，與佛同樣的心。人人若能與佛有同樣的心，所付出的都是最妙第一法。
「為諸眾生類，分別說三乘」。佛為諸眾生一切，除了人類之外，有生命的，佛陀就是那麼慈悲，隨機應時施教，分別說三乘法，這都是一路來一直說的法。
佛為諸眾生類
隨機應時施教
分別說三乘法
其實施權巧妙
即為教菩薩法
亦即佛乘之方便
分別說三乘法，其實是施權巧妙。其實為了一實乘的法，但是眾生的根機，各人有各人的見解，佛陀不得不施權，非常巧妙來度眾生，也就是為菩薩法，這叫做教菩薩法。為實施權教菩薩法，這就是佛乘的方便。
各位菩薩，學佛就要學到菩薩的行動，菩薩的行動，目標才是佛的境界，所以我們學法，不能輕視「四攝法」，在人間，佛法就是要用在人間，我們就是(在)人間，有接受到這樣的佛法，我們才能夠去應用，懂得如何應用「四攝法」。
「四攝法」知道了：布施、愛語、利行、同事。對啊！這樣合起來，我們每天都能，為不同的家庭、苦難的地方，去付出，這就是佛陀對我們的教育。他的心境就是那麼開闊，任何人的家庭就像我們的家庭，任何一個人的親人，就像我們的親人，這種付出之後，過程的關懷，等到他完全解脫苦難，就是我們最法喜充滿時，所以大家要時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Transform People with Suitable Teachings (四攝入眾隨順法度)
Date: November.11. 2014
“Learn and accept the Buddha’s teachings; practice the Four All-Embracing Virtues, charitable giving, loving speech, beneficial conduct and collaborative work. Learn the Dharma to go among people and transform them with suitable teachings.”
As we learn the Buddha’s Way, we must reverently accept Buddhist teachings and put them into practice. To engage in spiritual practice among the people, we must apply four methods. These methods are most invaluable for our practice. The first is charitable giving, second is loving speech, third is beneficial conduct and the fourth is collaborative work. If we can apply all of them, we can learn the Dharma and then go among people to transform them according to their capabilities; we transform them with the Dharma. Recently, I heard about a case in Xiamen. There was family comprised of a single mother and the two sons she was raising. The family was doing moderately well, leading a fairly typical life. However, during high school, her younger son’s body began to change and the way he moved and walked became odd. So, his classmates began to talk about him. They were laughing at him.
So this teenager, a child of 14 or 15, developed an inferiority complex. He refused to study, did not want to go to school and shut himself up at home. He has been a recluse since then, for a period of 17 or 18 years. Now he is 32 years old. This case was brought to us by the former deputy mayor of Xiamen who is the current vice-chairman. Vice-Chairman Pan was the one who first learned about this so he visited them seven times. He learned how difficult their lives were. This child’s older brother was injured in a car accident many years ago. He recovered at home, and then went to work until he fell [and reinjured himself]. He is still recovering at home. Their roof also leaked during the rainy season. The mother has always worked odds jobs. She was also in a car accident and had broken her foot. So, it was hard for her to walk.
The main person we helped is Yang Xiaodong. Whenever Yang saw people, he curled up his whole body and buried his head between his knees. Actually, he could not fully straighten his body. It was curved at a 190 degree angle. I remember, 10 or 20 years ago, Superintendent Chen of Tzu Chi Hospital had a few patients like him that he successfully treated. Vice-Chairman Pan knew about our work. So, he directly reported the case to us. Mr. Chen and his family, along with some of our local volunteers, immediately went to visit him. They began to think about what this family needed. They felt they needed the Da Ai TV channel. So, on their third visit, they installed a TV for them. Yang began to watch it because it was there. He slowly lifted his head to watch the stories and programs on Da Ai and head Jing Si Aphorisms in them and other teachings. They all moved him. So, on their fourth visit, Tzu Chi volunteers finally saw him lift up his head just a little bit. On screen, I could see one of his eyes.Because he still had his head between his knees, he only tilted up his head on one side.So, they only saw one side of his face.
Everyone was so happy, “We see you. We didn’t know you’re so handsome.”So, they were determined to bring him to Taiwan.Those Tzu Chi volunteers contacted us in Taiwan and then used loving speech to convince him [to accept the treatment,] so he agreed.They scheduled an appointment in the morning.When Tzu Chi volunteers came, they picked him up and carried him.
Mr. Chen treated him as his own son.This 60-year-old man carried a 32-year-old young man.To carry him, because his feet were curled up against his chest, he had to embrace his entire body, including his feet.This was how they left his house and got into the car to see the doctor.When he was lying down, his feet were still curled against his chest.
Indeed, the doctors suggested many kinds of diagnoses.Taking an X-ray would be difficult, so they described the patient’s condition to us.
Later, Tzu Chi Hospital took over the case.We settle on May 23 as the day this young man and his mother will arrive in Hualien.So, the day before May 23, Vic-Chairman Pan accompanied.Tzu Chi volunteers to visit this family again and build up Mr. Yang’s confidence.Indeed, they were so considerate in their loving speech and beneficial conduct.This was beneficial conduct; it was to benefit and help this person, They gave charitably, they spoke kindly, they used all kinds of methods to help this young man.
That is beneficial conduct.
We are grateful to Mr. Chen, his family and our volunteers; these people accompanied mother and son to Taiwan.Yesterday, he came to the Abode to see me.When he saw me, he was very happy he wanted to show me how he walked.He started to walk, all hunched over.I could not bear to see him like that I hope this child will be able to raise his head and straighten his back before he returns to his family.
This happened because of the Four All-Embracign Virtues.Yesterday he said to me, “I want to get well and then help others.”Him mother said, “I couldn’t ever imagine that we would actually be in Taiwan.”This “charitable giving” for the family came from Tzu Chi volunteers.That local official was very committed and wanted to help this family, so he was of one mind with Tzu Chi volunteers.He was so willing to help he visited seven times, yet he was not able to see Yang’s face.
The Tzu Chi volunteers saw his face after their third visit because they had established a relationship with him.Thus they could bring him [to Taiwan].This is known as “loving speech”.They used loving words to open up his heart.After opening up his heart, they took action, which is “beneficial conduct”.In order to help and give him support, they engaged in “beneficial conduct”.
In addition to the local official, Mr. Chen and his family, along with many of our local volunteers, came together to do this.This is “collaborative work”.In this way, all these Bodhisattvas worked to accomplish one thing.
So, charitable giving, loving speech and beneficial conduct are how we “learn the Dharma to go among the people and transform them with suitable teachings”.We follow the Dharma in teaching sentient beings.In learning the Buddha’s Way, we should learn to do things like this.So, we have to always be mindful.
In the previous passages of the Lotus Sutra, we have already talked about how, in order to transform sentient beings, the Buddha had to engage in a lot of thinking about the various methods used to teach sentient beings.
These include what I have already mentioned, charitable giving, loving speech, beneficial conduct and collaborative work.These are core teachings of the Buddha-Dharma.The Buddha observed sentient beings in this world to see what methods could be used to teach them.Whatever suffering they experience, we must use suitable methods to help them.This takes contemplation.
The present and past Buddhas age the same.They use a pure Brahma-voice to penetrate minds with the Dharma.All the heavenly beings gave the same encouragement to Sakaymuni Buddha.There are so many of us now who can offer mutual encouragement and support.Only by doing this can we save the world.
The following sutra passage states, “Having attained the supreme Dharma, You followed the precedent of all Buddhas and employed the power of skillful means. We all have attained as well the foremost and most wondrous Dharma. For the various kinds of sentient beings, we taught the Three Vehicles separately.”
The Buddha had attained the supreme Dharma, which is the Dharma of unsurpassed, perfect, universal enlightenment. From the sutras, we often chant the words, “Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi”, which is the supreme Dharma. Anything that is created and has an appearance is known as a “conditioned phenomenon”.
“Anything that is created and has an appearance is a conditioned phenomenon. That which has no appearance, is unconditioned, is the supreme Dharma, which is another name for tranquility and stillness”.
In the past, I have constantly explained that all the things you can see are known as conditioned phenomena. That which has no form or appearance, “that which has no appearance, is unconditioned”, has no form and thus cannot be seen or touched. However, it is full of principles. For example, illness leads to tremendous suffering. What is the source of illness? We must understand the principles behind it. Using these principles, many people must engage in research and study to discover the source of an illness. There is a principle behind all of this, yet how do we prevent it from happening? None of these [principles] can be seen, they are “unconditioned phenomena”.
All things in this universe adhere to the Three Principles and the Four States. I continually analyze them for everyone. These “principles” are unconditioned phenomena. The Buddha had already awakened His wisdom, so He attained supreme Dharma. He penetrated these principles and appearances, and the principles behind the appearances. This is called attaining enlightenment.
An enlightened state of mind is very tranquil and still and as clear as crystal. This kind of state comes from attaining the unsurpassed Path, which could be called the supreme Dharma. This is the supreme and unsurpassed principle and Dharma.
“The supreme Dharma: This is the state perceived by the Tathagata-mind; it is a state illuminated by wisdom. If we can eliminate afflictions, we are in a state of Nirvana.”
“This is the state perceived by the Tathagata-mind”. Tathagata is another name for the Buddha. Everything that His mind perceives is wisdom. Wisdom is a light that can illuminate all things, principles and appearances. Because He knew [these truths], He could teach people ways to end afflictions. This leads to tranquility and stillness. His own mind had to be very tranquil and still, as pure as crystal. Then like a great perfect mirror, it could reflect all kinds of appearances, while remaining very pure and clean. This is also known as Nirvana. Nirvana is the land of calm illumination, which is a very pure and bright state. This was the Buddha’s state of mind.
“[He] followed the precedent of all Buddhas and employed the power of skillful means”. For the sake of sentient beings, the Buddha did the same as past Buddhas and used skillful means. “Following the wisdom of all Buddhas, He taught the provisional”.
“[He] followed the precedent of all Buddhas and employed the power of skillful means: Following the wisdom of all Buddhas, He taught the provisional for the sake of the true and expounded the Three Vehicles. Thus He was praised by all Buddhas of the ten directions.”
Sakyamuni Buddha was like all past Buddhas. To teach according to sentient beings’ capacities, He exercised His wisdom to give the provisional for the true. “True” refers to true principles. The “provisional” are skillful teachings. The true principles can help people in their interactions.
To help Yang Xiaodong, we exerted much time and effort. What was our goal? There was only one, to help him. For this matter, we expended a lot of energy, exerted a lot of manpower and spent a lot of money. After coming here, treatment may take as long as five or six months, or as short as three or four months. We hope he can get through this smoothly. This is our only goal. It is “for the sake of the true”.
Indeed, for this matter, we exerted much manpower to make it happen. But the Buddha did everything He could to help us penetrate true principles, interact with mutual love and care and transcend afflictions. [He hoped] that our minds could expand to encompass the universe and the boundless worlds within it. Our minds must be expansive enough to accommodate everything. This is what the Buddha hoped for us.
But sentient beings’ capabilities were all different. So, if the Buddha wanted to teach the true principles behind things, He had to use many different methods. This is “teaching the provisional”. He expounded the Three Vehicles for great, average and limited capabilities. Because of these different states, the Buddha had to use this kind of method to give teachings. This was praised by all Buddhas of ten directions. All Buddhas of the ten directions believed. He was doing the right thing. For the multitude of sentient beings, He established various skillful teachings so each of them can reap the greatest benefit.
Thus sutra passage states, “We all have attained as well the foremost and most wondrous Dharma.” All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have attained this foremost and most wondrous Dharma.The words “we all” signify their blessings from past lives.
We all have attained as well this foremost and most wondrous Dharma: Due to blessings cultivated over past lifetimes, in this lifetime we can all listen to the compassionate and wise teaching of the Buddha. We all have attained as well the foremost and most wondrous Dharma in the minds of all Buddhas.
Aside from the Buddha, other people alive during His lifetime were also very blessed. We have been accumulating blessings over past lifetimes.We have accumulated these karmic conditions so that in this lifetime, we can listen to the Buddha’s compassionate and wise teachings. We all should deeply understand the Buddha’s intent. I always say that even though the Buddha came to this world and taught for 40-plus years, the skillful means He established early on were actually only for the sake of one thing, to help everyone realize that they could also attain Buddhahood and take the Buddha’s mind as their own.
If our mind is the same as the Buddha’s mind, we can give without any expectations. For example, for that suffering family, our volunteers were able to counsel, convince and accompany that young man to come to this place. We spent money and manpower. Actually, other people helped make this happen too. The airline let him travel for free, which means they also have a Buddha-mind and empathy. So, if everyone has this state of mind, they are in line with the Buddha’s original intent and have the same mindset.
If we all have the same mindset as the Buddha, everything we share will be supreme, wondrous Dharma.
“For the sake of sentient beings”, He “separately taught the Three Vehicles.” The Buddha came here for all sentient beings, for all living beings, not only humans. The Buddha was that kind and compassionate He taught according to capabilities and timing, and separately taught the Three Vehicles. This was how He has always taught.
The Buddha, for the sake of sentient beings, gave teachings according to capabilities and timing He separately taught the Three Vehicles. This provisional and wondrous teaching is the Bodhisattva Way, which is also the skillful teaching of the Buddha Vehicle.
He separately taught the Three Vehicles.These provisional and wondrous teachings were actually given for the sake of teaching the One Reality. But because of sentient beings’ capabilities, each person had his own perspectives.So, the Buddha had to give provisional and skillful teachings to transform sentient beings. This was the teaching of the Bodhisattva-path. For the sake of the true, He taught the Bodhisattva-path. That is the skillful teaching of the Buddha Vehicle.
Dear Bodhisattvas, learning the Buddha’s Way is about learning how to act like Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas always act with the goal of attaining Buddhahood. So, when we learn the Dharma, we cannot overlook the Four All-Embracing Virtues.We use them in the world; the Buddha-Dharma must be applied in this world, Because we received this teachings in this world, we can learn to apply it, to practice the Four All-Embracing Virtues.
We know the Four All-Embracing Virtues are charitable giving, loving speech, beneficial conduct and collaborative work. Indeed, if we can combine them every day, we can help different families who are experiencing suffering. This is what the Buddha taught us.
His mind was just that expansive Anyone’s family must be like our own family. Anyone’s loved ones must be like our loved ones. We give to and care for them until they are fully liberated from suffering. That moment is when we feel the most Dharma-joy. Therefore, we must always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
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