20150305《靜思妙蓮華》解悟有先後(第515集)
（法華經•譬喻品第三）
⊙「四眾同聞法未同解，同師同修菩提道直，根機差別解悟先後，見證授記始信此理。」
⊙「諸天伎樂百千萬種，於虛空中一時俱作，雨眾天華而作是言。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙「佛昔於波羅奈初轉法輪，今乃復轉無上最大法輪。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙「爾時，諸天子欲重宣此義，而說偈言。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙「昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪，分別說諸法，五眾之生滅。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙重頌偈：昔日應眾生機，說妙施權小乘法，而今暢演心懷說大法，增強記憶，故需重頌。
⊙昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪：言佛初說四諦小法，及分別說五蘊等之生滅法，今乃於此轉大法輪也。
⊙天人等眾謂：佛昔於波羅奈度五比丘，說苦、集、滅、道四諦法，為初轉法輪。今於此會乃說此一乘妙法，是為轉最大之法輪也。
【證嚴上人開示】
「四眾同聞法未同解，同師同修菩提道直，根機差別解悟先後，見證授記始信此理。」
四眾同聞法未同解
同師同修菩提道直
根機差別解悟先後
見證授記始信此理
「四眾同聞」。佛陀的時代，佛陀若在講法時，在家二眾、出家二眾，四眾弟子，同時在那裡聽。但是，同時聽，不過，法要能夠同樣的瞭解，不容易。因為人的根機不整齊，聽的法，理解無法大家相同，哪怕是同師、同道、同修；同一位師父，大家同走一條路，同樣修一項的法，卻是人人的心所解的看法，就又是不同。這就是我們人的心智差別。
所以學佛，真的是說簡單，用直的心，因為菩提道直。這個菩提道真的很直、很簡單，只要你有心要走，只要你用很簡單的直心、深信的心，瞭解之後，發心立願，這樣走走，這條菩提道。
卻是，根機差別，解悟就會前後。道理入心，要和事、物，會合這個道理，唯有一項，身體力行。就像在走路，要走才會到，要不然，儘管你在地理上，這個五大洲背得很熟，哪一個國家的隔壁，就是哪個國家，它的距離多遠，都在紙上，背得很熟，不過，要你到哪一個國家去，不只是在地圖上面唸的，真正在走路，才真正去瞭解遠近距離，國家的型態、地方的民俗等等，才真正能知道，所以路必定要自己去走。
所以，根機、心智差別，同一條的菩提道，有的人很快一直走，專心一直走去，體悟的事情，反而比那個想很多、懂很多、瞭解很多，瞭解很多，要一直走的路，就會比慢較，因為東張西望，要去瀏覽這個周圍環境，往前走路的時間就會拖。所以說來，時間前後要能到達，那就要看我們的心，有專或是不專。
像我們慈濟人，我早上看到一段，我們慈濟人的故事，聽起來實在是很平凡，不過人人若能夠這樣，人生應該轉變，轉迷為悟，不困難。
臺中一位張居士，他在我們二三十年前，我們臺灣的經濟開始，一直像直飛一樣，生意很好做，他在做生意，每天每天只要做半天，全家的生活很好，又可以存錢。所以他說在那段時間，他每天都做半天，做半天的生意，這個半天要做什麼呢？所以，染上那種愛賭博，每天都沉迷在「方城」，就是打麻將、賭博等等，從中部賭到南部去。
他的哥哥在南部，早就已經走入慈濟來了。哥哥覺得弟弟這樣下去，不行，唯有將他帶入慈濟這條路，他才有辦法改，就和他約定，在高雄正好有一群遊覽車，十輛，要到花蓮。那時候是林居士，高雄林居士很會帶遊覽車，每一輛遊覽車，他都輪流去說話，甚至交代帶車的人，也就是不要讓人休息，在車上是最好的說法、心得分享的時候，他就是在其中裡面的一部車，來到花蓮看到慈濟，精舍裡面是如何生活，醫院是如何蓋。跟著大家。
那時候(慈濟)醫院才第三年，正好遇到三周年慶，因為我們還有還未完成的工程，就是要建學校，所以大家在三周年慶，在那裡發心，各人舉手，未來的工程，我要捐多少；未來的教育工程，又是要捐多少。他在那裡，他感到很感動，所以向他的大哥說：「若這樣我回到中部，我們開始我來試試看，我也有很多朋友。」
所以從這樣開始，回去見到人就說慈濟，開始勸募。那時候勸募到幾千元，他就很高興；去到臺中分會的時候，看到有慈誠隊，就是有師兄也就是來繳錢，有他自己發心的，也有很多人委託他的。「哇，幾萬元呢！」所以他覺得：我以為幾千元就很多了，好啊，「輸人不輸陣」，這樣，我有的是時間，所以我就用時間和你搏。
那就開始不賭博了，他將這個時間，到處去說他的見聞，來花蓮看到醫院，有的人聽到，說：「世間哪有這樣的？」他說：「我幫你出錢，帶你去花蓮。」就這樣，就是一個、一個，一直帶過來，一次、一次，他一直都很感動。所以從這樣開始，他覺得：我若既然決心要做慈濟，我們一定要將這個法入心，我應該要多聽師父的法，我們應該要再瞭解更多，精舍生活的精神，要再去體會更多，慈濟到底做什麼事情，這樣我才能夠應付，人家提出來的問題，我能夠回答。
就這樣開始，錄音帶一直聽。不論講哪一部經，他一定一而再、再而三的一直聽，心就是在法中。早上在做生意，看到客人，他除了生意的買賣，接下來的時間，人家如果交接之後，他就開始與他分享：「我聽到的錄音帶，師父是怎麼說，人生是怎麼樣。」在做生意的場合，還是同樣在轉法輪。
有時候，他的車上放著(慈濟)月刊、錄音帶，他若是開車在高速公上，要過收費站時，要給人錢那時候，順便就說：「我這本月刊給你看，拜託。」車子後面，大家在按喇叭，所以他也是說：「你要看哦，拜託。」車開了，再向前走。這種的熱誠，這種法入心，這樣的精進。他不只是自己有所得，他的會員不斷增加，一直到，一個月收十幾萬，這樣才開始接受培訓了、接受授證。
這就是在精進，這麼簡單。本來是很沉迷在賭博，家裡的人擔心、親戚擔心，臺中賭到南部去。只是這樣的因緣，隨著遊覽車回來，這麼多的感動，在他的心裡，所以他這樣發心。一直到「幸福人生講座」，在臺中，我說：「用鼓掌的兩隻手來做環保。」現在，環保他也是很精進，不論是度會員或者做環保，真的是很精進。
看到他的故事，看起來是這麼平凡，不過這念心轉變，一轉，心輪一轉，法輪轉，人生完全轉了，。二十幾年如一日，這就是解悟。
這個「根機差別，解悟先後」，同樣在那時候受證過的，是不是大家都和他一樣呢？不見得全都一樣。同樣在那十輛遊覽車，人人是不是，都一樣呢？也不一定。總而言之，要看人的心態、心智，各別都不同。
舍利弗受佛為他授記，這個場面也是讓很多人見證，人人可能成佛，絕對能成佛，不只是可能，要看我們自己如何下功夫，是不是有這樣的耐心？成佛不是一天，不是一生一世的事情，要是永永久久，我們要發心如初，長久的時間，一條路一直走去。所以一直說「菩提大道直」，這條菩薩道，就是這麼大條、這麼直，只要你起點正確，方向不偏差，向前走去，那就對了。
因為你所要求的是就是覺悟，與如來同等的覺悟，那就是用自己的真如，去契合宇宙間的真理，這是這麼廣大的事情，無邊際的覺悟。這種的大覺悟，我們必定行善、造福、結福緣，才有辦法為普天下眾生去度化，這樣才能夠宇宙萬物的真理，與我們的真如互相契合。人間事就是懂多少，道理你就懂多少。
所以因為這樣，大家在那個場面很歡喜，所以上面的(經)文，「諸天伎樂百千萬種，於虛空中一時俱作」。我們眼睛看得到的，耳朵聽得到的，空中散花、耳朵聽到的天樂等等。「雨眾天華，而作是言」，這些天人互相都是這樣。
諸天伎樂
百千萬種
於虛空中
一時俱作
雨眾天華
而作是言
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
「佛昔於波羅奈初轉法輪，今乃復轉無上最大法輪」。
佛昔於波羅奈
初轉法輪
今乃復轉
無上最大法輪
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
這些天人都見證過了，佛陀在鹿野苑，波羅奈就是鹿野苑，那時候成佛的時候，轉四諦法，那個時候也是一樣，空中散花、諸天八部，也是,同樣很歡喜，那是在初轉法輪的景象。現在就是說大法、轉大法輪，還是一樣。所以說諸天，大家互相就這樣說：「釋迦佛初轉法輪，到現在轉大法」，所以大家歡喜。
下面接著又再說，這段(經)文說，「爾時，諸天子欲重宣此義，而說偈言」。
爾時諸天子
欲重宣此義
而說偈言
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
這些天子「重宣此義」，再重複一遍，大家歡喜，很重要的文，要再重複一次，那就是偈，用偈頌來重複：「昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪，分別說諸法，五眾之生滅。」
昔於波羅奈
轉四諦法輪
分別說諸法
五眾之生滅
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
這就是希望我們大家要記得，佛成佛之後，已經四十多年的時間，「隨他意語」，隨著眾生的根機，佛陀開方便法門，說大家聽得懂的法，是應眾生機，說小施權──說小乘法，佛陀是施教方便教。現在，就是在法華會這個時候，而今說妙，現在就是暢演心懷，已經很歡喜，將他的內心那個最微妙，與天地宇宙間，會合無為法，用有為法的道理來譬喻、言辭，讓人人從有為法的道理，跳脫出了無為法的真理。這是多麼的重要啊！所以這段(經)文，又再重新用偈，再重述一次。
重頌偈：
昔日應眾生機
說妙施權小乘法
而今暢演心懷
說大法
增強記憶
故需重頌
所以「昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪」。也就是說佛陀初說法是說四諦，這是小法，是小法嗎？不是小法，是法的基礎，基礎法。因為生命生、老、病、死，這種生離死別的苦，一直到天地萬物，種種的破壞，成、住、壞、空等等。你若不知苦，就是茫茫過日子，這種人生就真的苦了。在人間，大家都受到這種苦，所以要體會比較容易。
昔於波羅奈
轉四諦法輪：
言佛初說
四諦小法
及分別說五蘊等
之生滅法
今乃於此
轉大法輪也
所以「分別說五蘊」。五蘊，大家都知道，每天早晚課在念，色、受、想、行、識，這個五蘊，就是因為有這個五蘊，所以引起了我們人間，很多的生滅法，這下面他會再解釋，這種的生滅法，引來了人間的苦不斷。所以現在，在過去的四十年間，就是這樣講四諦、說五蘊、甚至十二因緣，這都是我們的人生來去的道理。讓我們能夠瞭解，一直到現在四十多年過去了，現在開始轉大法輪。這是天人回憶四十多年前，初轉法輪在鹿野苑，三轉四諦法輪。
天人等眾謂：
佛昔於波羅奈
度五比丘
說苦、集、
滅、道四諦法
為初轉法輪
五個人，第一輪轉「苦、集、滅、道。」「聽懂嗎？」只有一個人懂。沒關係，再來一次，又是再「苦、集、滅、道。」「瞭解嗎？」又多二個人瞭解了。還有二個人呢？沒關係，再來一次。三次，五個人終於體悟了。這個時候開始，三寶具足，佛陀就要展開，為人間遊化說法，隨機應度的眾生，他就度化，所以這是開始佛陀初轉法輪。
今於此會
乃說此一乘妙法
是為
轉最大之法輪也
「今於此會乃說此一乘妙法」。現在在法華會，開始所說的一乘，過去是說四諦，現在回收回來是一乘妙法，是轉大法輪。
是啊，四諦法、一乘妙法。一乘妙法是最高峰，要如何讓我們人與理，能夠會合起來。四諦法，那就是在人、事與理的會合。從這個有為法的人間相，會回歸到無為法的道理，所以是最高峰的一乘妙法。
各位菩薩，學法，真正要從一念心起。心地風光，其實這條路是很直的路，若我們的心愈簡單、愈簡單，直心作我們的道場，大菩提道直。若能夠這樣，這條路雖然很遠，準確的道路向前走，總有一天，我們也會到達，能夠體悟宇宙的真理，與我們的真如本性，這樣會合起來，讓我們大覺悟。希望大家時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Attaining Realizations at Different Times (解悟有先後)
Date: March.05. 2015
“The fourfold assembly heard the same Dharma, but did not attain the same understanding. They had the same teacher and practiced the same direct path to enlightenment. Because of varying capabilities, they attained realizations at different times. Upon witnessing the prediction of Buddhahood, they began to believe in these truths.”
“The fourfold assembly heard the same Dharma.” In the Buddha’s lifetime, when He taught the Dharma, the two groups of lay disciples and the two groups of monastic disciples were the fourfold assembly who listened together. Although they listened together, for them to attain the same understanding was not an easy matter. This is because people have varying capabilities. Listening to the same Dharma, they cannot come to the same understanding, even with the same teacher, path and practice. Though they have the same teacher, walk the same road and practice the same teachings, people’s understanding and perspectives still differed. This is because people have varying wisdom. Learning the Buddha’s Way is actually very simple as long as our thinking is straightforward. This is because the Bodhi-path is direct.
The Bodhi-path is truly very direct, very simple, as long as we have the will to walk it. If our minds are simple and straightforward, and we have deep faith, then after we understand, we will aspire and vow to walk this Bodhi-path. However, due to varying capabilities, people attain realizations at different times.
Once we take the principles to heart, the only way to connect them to matters and things is to put them into practice. This is like walking; we must actually walk to get somewhere. Otherwise, it is like looking at a map. We can memorize the [seven] continents, know which countries border each other and how far apart certain countries are. We can learn these facts and memorize them well. However, to physically go to another country goes beyond learning about it on paper. We must actually travel there to truly understand the distances involved. The state of that country, the local customs and so on, can only truly be known by going there. So, we must walk the path ourselves.
In terms of capabilities, because of varying wisdom, though everyone is on the same Bodhi-path, some people will walk quickly and be very focused. They may actually attain more realizations than those who think a lot and understand many things. People who understand many things may take longer to walk this road. This is because they keep looking all over; they browse through everything around them, so they drag out the amount of time. It takes them to move forward. Thus, the order in which we will arrive depends on whether our minds are focused or not.
Take Tzu Chi volunteers, for example. This morning I watched a story about a certain Tzu Chi volunteer. It sounds like a very ordinary story, but if we could all do the same thing, the changes we must make in our lives to turn from delusion toward awakening will not be difficult. Mr. Chang lives in Taichung. Over 20 to 30 years ago, when Taiwan began its rapid economic growth, his businesses became very profitable. When he worked he only had to work half days and his family could have a good life and build up their savings. Mr. Chang said that back then, he only worked for a half day every day.
If he worked half the day, what did he do during the other half? He became addicted to gambling; every day he was immersed in Mahjong and other forms of gambling. He gambled all over Taiwan.
His elder brother in southern Taiwan, who had become a Tzu Chi volunteer a while back, felt his younger brother could not go on like this.The only solution was to get him to join Tzu Chi, so that he would change his ways.His brother arranged for him to be on one of the ten tour buses traveling from Kaohsiung to Hualien at the time.There was a Mr. Lin from Kaohsiung who was very experienced at motivating the people on these buses.
He would go to each tour bus and talk to the passengers.He even told the bus leaders not to let people go to sleep, because this is the best time to teach the Dharma and have people share their experiences.
Mr. Chang was on one of these buses, so he came to Hualien and learned about Tzu Chi, what life in the Abode was like and how the hospital came about.At that time ,the hospital was in its third year, celebrating its third anniversary.Since Tzu Chi still had many unfinished projects, like building schools, during the third anniversary celebration, people were inspired; they raised their hands and pledged to support future projects.They pledged to donate a certain amount to construct schools.
Sitting there, Mr. Chang was very moved.So, he told his brother, “When I go back to [Taichung]. I want to try to help. I have many friends [I can talk to].”After he went back, he told everyone he met about Tzu Chi and started to fundraise.
After he collected several thousand dollars, he was very happy.
When he went to the Taichung branch office, he saw a member of the Faith Corps who was also delivering contributions.The money included his personal donations, and other people’s donations.Wow, there were tens of thousands of dollars!
He thoughts to himself, “I thought several thousand was a lot already. Ok, I lost this battle, but I won’t lose the war. What I have is time, so I will use my time to surpass him.”So, he stopped gambling.He spent his free time on traveling and sharing his experience of visiting the hospital in Hualien.
Some people would say, “Is there really such a place?”Then he would say, “I will pay for your travels and take you to Hualien.”
So, he brought one person after another.Every time he came, he continued to be moved.After he went back, he felt, “Since I am determined to volunteer with Tzu Chi. I must take the Dharma to heart. I must listen to more of Master’s teachings. I need to have a better understanding of the spirit behind how they live at the Abode and to experience more of the type of work Tzu Chi has been doing. This is the only way I can answer the questions people ask me.”
So, he began to listen to cassette tapes.No matter which sutra I was expounding, he listened to the lectures repeatedly and kept his mind focused on the Dharma and kept his mind focused on the Dharma.In the morning, he interacted with customers.After business was concluded, if they were willing to chat afterward, he would share with them.
“On the tales of her lectures, this is what Master said. Life is just like this.”Even in a business setting, he was still turning the Dharma-wheel.Sometimes he put Tzu Chi Monthly in his car, which had stories of deducted volunteers.Then, when he was dinging on the highway and had to stop at a booth to pay the toll, he would say, “This magazine is for you, please read it.”People behind him would honk at him, so all he would say is, “Please remember to read it.”Then he would drive off.
With this passion, he took the Dharma to heart and diligently practiced.Not only did he himself benefit, his members also continued to increase in number until he was collecting hundreds of thousands in donations every month.Around that time, he went through the training and was certified.This was because he diligently practiced; it is that simple.
Originally, Mr. Chang was addicted to gambling.His family was worried about him; his relatives were also worried about him.
He gambled from Taichung all the way to the south.But because of his karmic conditions, he came to Hualien on this tours bus.These moving stories truly touched his heart, so he was very inspired.
During the Blessed Life lecture series, in Taichung, I said that we need to use the hands we use for clapping to do recycling work.
So, now he is also a dedicated recycling volunteer.Whether he is recruiting members, or doing recycling, he is truly very diligent.
When we learn about his story, we can see that he is a regular person.But when his mindset changed, the Dharma-wheel began to turn in his mind.Then his life turned around completely. For over 20 years, he has [sustained this]. This comes from attaining realizations.
“Because of varying capabilities, they attained realizations at different times”. As for those certified at the same time as him, did they develop the same experience as him? Not necessarily. As for the other people on those ten busses, were they all [inspired] like he was? Not necessarily. In summary, this depends on people’s state of mind as well as their wisdom.
When Sariputra received the Buddha’s prediction for attaining Buddhahood, at that assembly, many people witnessed that it is possible for everyone to attain Buddhahood. They can definitely attain it; it is more than just a possibility. It just depends on how we make the effort. Do we have the patience? Becoming a Buddha takes more than a day’s or a lifetime’s worth of work. We must sustain our original aspirations forever. We must continue walking this path for a long time.
So, I keep talking about the great and direct Bodhi-path. The Bodhisattva-path is very, broad and straight. As long as we aim ourselves in the right direction and never deviate from that course, then all we need to do is to keep walking forward. What we are seeking is enlightenment, an awakening equal to the Tathagata’s. This means using our nature of True Suchness to connect with the truths of the universe. This is such a grand and important task; this awakening is boundless. After attaining this great awakening, we must do good deeds, benefit others and form good karmic connections. That is how we can transform all sentient beings. Only then can we connect to the truths of the universe with our nature of True Suchness.
The more worldly matters we understand, the more principles we can comprehend. Because of this, everyone at the Lotus-assembly felt very happy. So, the previous passage states,
“Heavenly beings played music. Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, of varieties were played all at once throughout the universe.”
When we could see with our eyes and hear with our ears were flowers scattered in the air, the sounds of heavenly music and so on. “They rained down celestial flowers as they spoke the following words”. These heavenly beings all had [the same thought].
“The Buddha, in the past at Varanasi, first turned the Dharma-wheel. Now He turns the wheel again, the supreme, greatest Dharma-wheel.”
These heavenly beings all witnessed the Buddha’s [teachings] at Deer Park; Deer Park was in the kingdom of Varanasi. After the Buddha attained Buddhahood, He taught the Four Noble Truths. At that time, there were also flowers in the air, and the eight classes of Dharma-protectors were also very joyful. This was the scene when he first turned the Dharma-wheel. Now that He was teaching the Great Dharma and turning the great Dharma-wheel, [the scene] was also the same. Therefore, it was said that heavenly beings all told each other that. Sakyamuni Buddha first turned the Dharma-wheel [at Varanas] and was now turning the great Dharma-wheel. So, everyone was happy. The follow passage in the sutra states,
“At that time, all heavenly lords, wishing to restate their meaning, spoke the following verses.”
These heavenly lords wished to “restate their meaning”. They wanted to repeat this important [message] that made them happy.
So, they repeated it again in verse.
“Long age in Varanasi, You turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths, distinctly teaching various Dharma such as the arising and ceasing of the five groups”.
They hoped everyone would remember this. After the Buddha attained Buddhahood, He spent over 40 years “speaking according to others capabilities”. In accord with sentient beings’ capabilities. He opened the doors to skillful means and gave teachings people could understand. Thus, in accord with sentient beings’ capabilities, He gave limited and provisional teachings; He taught the Small Vehicle Dharma. The Buddha had taught with skillful means.
Now, at the Lotus Dharma-assembly. He could freely carry out His original intent and teach the wondrous Dharma. He was already happily sharing the more subtle, wondrous unconditioned Dharma, which is one with the entire the universe. With the principles of conditioned phenomena, He created analogies and expressions to help people go from the principles of conditioned phenomena to the true principles of unconditioned Dharma. This is so very important. So, this passage is repeated again in verse.
“Restated verses: In the past, to suit sentient being’s capabilities, the Buddha gave the limited and provisional teachings of the Small Vehicle Dharma. Now He feely carried out His original intent to teach the Great Dharma. To help people remember it, He had to restate the teachings in verse.”
“Long ago in Varanasi. You turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha initially taught the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha initially taught the Four Noble Truths this is Small Vehicle Dharma. Is this really a limited teaching? This is Small Vehicle Dharma. Is this really a limited teaching? No, it is not. It is the foundation of the Dharma, because all living things go through birth, aging, illness and death. They suffer from being parted in life or by death, or from the destruction that all things in the world undergo as they cycle through formation, existence, decay and disappearance.
If we do not understand suffering, then we will be living our lives aimlessly. Then our life will truly be filled with suffering. In this world, everyone had experienced this kind of suffering, do it is easier for them to comprehend.
In the past in Varanasi, You turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths: First, the Buddha expounded the Small Vehicle Dharma of the Four Noble Truths and then separately taught the Five Skandhas and the way things arise and cease. Now, at this time and place, He was going to turn the great Dharma-wheel.
“[He] then separately taught the Five Skandhas.” Everyone should know that the Five Skandhas are. We recite them every morning and evening. Form, feeling, perception, action, consciousness are the Five Skandhas. It is because of the Five Skandhas that in this world we do through so much arising and ceasing.
This will be explained further later on. This arising and ceasing causes endless suffering in this world. So, for over 40 years, the Buddha expounded the Four Noble Truths, the Five Skandhas and even the Twelve Links of Cycle Existence. These principles help us understand how we come to and leave this world.Then at the Lotus Assembly, after 40-plus years, He began to turn the great Dharma-wheel. Here, the heavenly beings were recalling how, more than 40 years ago, He first turned the Dharma-wheel at Deer Park and made three turning of the Dharma-wheel of Four Noble Truths.
Heavenly beings, humans and the rest said: The Buddha, in the past at Varanasi, transformed the five bhiksus by teaching the Four Noble Truths of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. This was the first turning of the Dharma-wheel.
For these five people, He gave the first turn of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. Did they understand? One person understood. That was fine; again He taught suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. Did they understand? Two more people understood but there were still the other two. That was fine; again He taught. After the third time, all five people could finally comprehend it. Thus at this time, the Three Treasures were complete. The Buddha then began to travel and teach the Dharma and in accord with sentient beings’ capabilities, transform anyone He could. This was how the Buddha turned the Dharma-wheel at the very beginning.
“Now, at this assembly, He also taught the wondrous Dharma of the One Vehicle.”
At the Lotus Dharma-assembly, He began to teach the One Vehicle Dharma. In the past, He taught the Four Noble Truths. Now, He returned to the wondrous Dharma of One Vehicle; this is turning the great Dharma-wheel.
Yes, from the Four Noble Truths He returned to the wondrous One Dharma of the Vehicle. The Dharma of the One Vehicle is supreme; it teaches us how to connect with people and with principles. When the Four Noble Truths are applied and unified with people, matters and principles, from the appearances of conditioned phenomena we can return to the principles of unconditioned Dharma. This is the supreme, wondrous Dharma of the One Vehicle.
Dear Bodhisattvas, as we learn the Buddha’s Way, we must truly begin with our minds. In the landscape of our minds, this road is actually very direct. We must try to keep things simple. A straightforward mind is where spiritual training takes places; The great Bodhi-path us direct. If we can [keep things simple], though this road is long, as long as we walk precisely forward, one day we will finally arrive at the state of realizing the true principles of the universe and connecting them with our nature of True Suchness. This will bring us a great awakening. So, I hope everyone will always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
（法華經•譬喻品第三）
⊙「四眾同聞法未同解，同師同修菩提道直，根機差別解悟先後，見證授記始信此理。」
⊙「諸天伎樂百千萬種，於虛空中一時俱作，雨眾天華而作是言。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙「佛昔於波羅奈初轉法輪，今乃復轉無上最大法輪。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙「爾時，諸天子欲重宣此義，而說偈言。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙「昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪，分別說諸法，五眾之生滅。」《法華經 譬喻品第三》
⊙重頌偈：昔日應眾生機，說妙施權小乘法，而今暢演心懷說大法，增強記憶，故需重頌。
⊙昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪：言佛初說四諦小法，及分別說五蘊等之生滅法，今乃於此轉大法輪也。
⊙天人等眾謂：佛昔於波羅奈度五比丘，說苦、集、滅、道四諦法，為初轉法輪。今於此會乃說此一乘妙法，是為轉最大之法輪也。
【證嚴上人開示】
「四眾同聞法未同解，同師同修菩提道直，根機差別解悟先後，見證授記始信此理。」
四眾同聞法未同解
同師同修菩提道直
根機差別解悟先後
見證授記始信此理
「四眾同聞」。佛陀的時代，佛陀若在講法時，在家二眾、出家二眾，四眾弟子，同時在那裡聽。但是，同時聽，不過，法要能夠同樣的瞭解，不容易。因為人的根機不整齊，聽的法，理解無法大家相同，哪怕是同師、同道、同修；同一位師父，大家同走一條路，同樣修一項的法，卻是人人的心所解的看法，就又是不同。這就是我們人的心智差別。
所以學佛，真的是說簡單，用直的心，因為菩提道直。這個菩提道真的很直、很簡單，只要你有心要走，只要你用很簡單的直心、深信的心，瞭解之後，發心立願，這樣走走，這條菩提道。
卻是，根機差別，解悟就會前後。道理入心，要和事、物，會合這個道理，唯有一項，身體力行。就像在走路，要走才會到，要不然，儘管你在地理上，這個五大洲背得很熟，哪一個國家的隔壁，就是哪個國家，它的距離多遠，都在紙上，背得很熟，不過，要你到哪一個國家去，不只是在地圖上面唸的，真正在走路，才真正去瞭解遠近距離，國家的型態、地方的民俗等等，才真正能知道，所以路必定要自己去走。
所以，根機、心智差別，同一條的菩提道，有的人很快一直走，專心一直走去，體悟的事情，反而比那個想很多、懂很多、瞭解很多，瞭解很多，要一直走的路，就會比慢較，因為東張西望，要去瀏覽這個周圍環境，往前走路的時間就會拖。所以說來，時間前後要能到達，那就要看我們的心，有專或是不專。
像我們慈濟人，我早上看到一段，我們慈濟人的故事，聽起來實在是很平凡，不過人人若能夠這樣，人生應該轉變，轉迷為悟，不困難。
臺中一位張居士，他在我們二三十年前，我們臺灣的經濟開始，一直像直飛一樣，生意很好做，他在做生意，每天每天只要做半天，全家的生活很好，又可以存錢。所以他說在那段時間，他每天都做半天，做半天的生意，這個半天要做什麼呢？所以，染上那種愛賭博，每天都沉迷在「方城」，就是打麻將、賭博等等，從中部賭到南部去。
他的哥哥在南部，早就已經走入慈濟來了。哥哥覺得弟弟這樣下去，不行，唯有將他帶入慈濟這條路，他才有辦法改，就和他約定，在高雄正好有一群遊覽車，十輛，要到花蓮。那時候是林居士，高雄林居士很會帶遊覽車，每一輛遊覽車，他都輪流去說話，甚至交代帶車的人，也就是不要讓人休息，在車上是最好的說法、心得分享的時候，他就是在其中裡面的一部車，來到花蓮看到慈濟，精舍裡面是如何生活，醫院是如何蓋。跟著大家。
那時候(慈濟)醫院才第三年，正好遇到三周年慶，因為我們還有還未完成的工程，就是要建學校，所以大家在三周年慶，在那裡發心，各人舉手，未來的工程，我要捐多少；未來的教育工程，又是要捐多少。他在那裡，他感到很感動，所以向他的大哥說：「若這樣我回到中部，我們開始我來試試看，我也有很多朋友。」
所以從這樣開始，回去見到人就說慈濟，開始勸募。那時候勸募到幾千元，他就很高興；去到臺中分會的時候，看到有慈誠隊，就是有師兄也就是來繳錢，有他自己發心的，也有很多人委託他的。「哇，幾萬元呢！」所以他覺得：我以為幾千元就很多了，好啊，「輸人不輸陣」，這樣，我有的是時間，所以我就用時間和你搏。
那就開始不賭博了，他將這個時間，到處去說他的見聞，來花蓮看到醫院，有的人聽到，說：「世間哪有這樣的？」他說：「我幫你出錢，帶你去花蓮。」就這樣，就是一個、一個，一直帶過來，一次、一次，他一直都很感動。所以從這樣開始，他覺得：我若既然決心要做慈濟，我們一定要將這個法入心，我應該要多聽師父的法，我們應該要再瞭解更多，精舍生活的精神，要再去體會更多，慈濟到底做什麼事情，這樣我才能夠應付，人家提出來的問題，我能夠回答。
就這樣開始，錄音帶一直聽。不論講哪一部經，他一定一而再、再而三的一直聽，心就是在法中。早上在做生意，看到客人，他除了生意的買賣，接下來的時間，人家如果交接之後，他就開始與他分享：「我聽到的錄音帶，師父是怎麼說，人生是怎麼樣。」在做生意的場合，還是同樣在轉法輪。
有時候，他的車上放著(慈濟)月刊、錄音帶，他若是開車在高速公上，要過收費站時，要給人錢那時候，順便就說：「我這本月刊給你看，拜託。」車子後面，大家在按喇叭，所以他也是說：「你要看哦，拜託。」車開了，再向前走。這種的熱誠，這種法入心，這樣的精進。他不只是自己有所得，他的會員不斷增加，一直到，一個月收十幾萬，這樣才開始接受培訓了、接受授證。
這就是在精進，這麼簡單。本來是很沉迷在賭博，家裡的人擔心、親戚擔心，臺中賭到南部去。只是這樣的因緣，隨著遊覽車回來，這麼多的感動，在他的心裡，所以他這樣發心。一直到「幸福人生講座」，在臺中，我說：「用鼓掌的兩隻手來做環保。」現在，環保他也是很精進，不論是度會員或者做環保，真的是很精進。
看到他的故事，看起來是這麼平凡，不過這念心轉變，一轉，心輪一轉，法輪轉，人生完全轉了，。二十幾年如一日，這就是解悟。
這個「根機差別，解悟先後」，同樣在那時候受證過的，是不是大家都和他一樣呢？不見得全都一樣。同樣在那十輛遊覽車，人人是不是，都一樣呢？也不一定。總而言之，要看人的心態、心智，各別都不同。
舍利弗受佛為他授記，這個場面也是讓很多人見證，人人可能成佛，絕對能成佛，不只是可能，要看我們自己如何下功夫，是不是有這樣的耐心？成佛不是一天，不是一生一世的事情，要是永永久久，我們要發心如初，長久的時間，一條路一直走去。所以一直說「菩提大道直」，這條菩薩道，就是這麼大條、這麼直，只要你起點正確，方向不偏差，向前走去，那就對了。
因為你所要求的是就是覺悟，與如來同等的覺悟，那就是用自己的真如，去契合宇宙間的真理，這是這麼廣大的事情，無邊際的覺悟。這種的大覺悟，我們必定行善、造福、結福緣，才有辦法為普天下眾生去度化，這樣才能夠宇宙萬物的真理，與我們的真如互相契合。人間事就是懂多少，道理你就懂多少。
所以因為這樣，大家在那個場面很歡喜，所以上面的(經)文，「諸天伎樂百千萬種，於虛空中一時俱作」。我們眼睛看得到的，耳朵聽得到的，空中散花、耳朵聽到的天樂等等。「雨眾天華，而作是言」，這些天人互相都是這樣。
諸天伎樂
百千萬種
於虛空中
一時俱作
雨眾天華
而作是言
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
「佛昔於波羅奈初轉法輪，今乃復轉無上最大法輪」。
佛昔於波羅奈
初轉法輪
今乃復轉
無上最大法輪
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
這些天人都見證過了，佛陀在鹿野苑，波羅奈就是鹿野苑，那時候成佛的時候，轉四諦法，那個時候也是一樣，空中散花、諸天八部，也是,同樣很歡喜，那是在初轉法輪的景象。現在就是說大法、轉大法輪，還是一樣。所以說諸天，大家互相就這樣說：「釋迦佛初轉法輪，到現在轉大法」，所以大家歡喜。
下面接著又再說，這段(經)文說，「爾時，諸天子欲重宣此義，而說偈言」。
爾時諸天子
欲重宣此義
而說偈言
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
這些天子「重宣此義」，再重複一遍，大家歡喜，很重要的文，要再重複一次，那就是偈，用偈頌來重複：「昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪，分別說諸法，五眾之生滅。」
昔於波羅奈
轉四諦法輪
分別說諸法
五眾之生滅
《法華經 譬喻品第三》
這就是希望我們大家要記得，佛成佛之後，已經四十多年的時間，「隨他意語」，隨著眾生的根機，佛陀開方便法門，說大家聽得懂的法，是應眾生機，說小施權──說小乘法，佛陀是施教方便教。現在，就是在法華會這個時候，而今說妙，現在就是暢演心懷，已經很歡喜，將他的內心那個最微妙，與天地宇宙間，會合無為法，用有為法的道理來譬喻、言辭，讓人人從有為法的道理，跳脫出了無為法的真理。這是多麼的重要啊！所以這段(經)文，又再重新用偈，再重述一次。
重頌偈：
昔日應眾生機
說妙施權小乘法
而今暢演心懷
說大法
增強記憶
故需重頌
所以「昔於波羅奈，轉四諦法輪」。也就是說佛陀初說法是說四諦，這是小法，是小法嗎？不是小法，是法的基礎，基礎法。因為生命生、老、病、死，這種生離死別的苦，一直到天地萬物，種種的破壞，成、住、壞、空等等。你若不知苦，就是茫茫過日子，這種人生就真的苦了。在人間，大家都受到這種苦，所以要體會比較容易。
昔於波羅奈
轉四諦法輪：
言佛初說
四諦小法
及分別說五蘊等
之生滅法
今乃於此
轉大法輪也
所以「分別說五蘊」。五蘊，大家都知道，每天早晚課在念，色、受、想、行、識，這個五蘊，就是因為有這個五蘊，所以引起了我們人間，很多的生滅法，這下面他會再解釋，這種的生滅法，引來了人間的苦不斷。所以現在，在過去的四十年間，就是這樣講四諦、說五蘊、甚至十二因緣，這都是我們的人生來去的道理。讓我們能夠瞭解，一直到現在四十多年過去了，現在開始轉大法輪。這是天人回憶四十多年前，初轉法輪在鹿野苑，三轉四諦法輪。
天人等眾謂：
佛昔於波羅奈
度五比丘
說苦、集、
滅、道四諦法
為初轉法輪
五個人，第一輪轉「苦、集、滅、道。」「聽懂嗎？」只有一個人懂。沒關係，再來一次，又是再「苦、集、滅、道。」「瞭解嗎？」又多二個人瞭解了。還有二個人呢？沒關係，再來一次。三次，五個人終於體悟了。這個時候開始，三寶具足，佛陀就要展開，為人間遊化說法，隨機應度的眾生，他就度化，所以這是開始佛陀初轉法輪。
今於此會
乃說此一乘妙法
是為
轉最大之法輪也
「今於此會乃說此一乘妙法」。現在在法華會，開始所說的一乘，過去是說四諦，現在回收回來是一乘妙法，是轉大法輪。
是啊，四諦法、一乘妙法。一乘妙法是最高峰，要如何讓我們人與理，能夠會合起來。四諦法，那就是在人、事與理的會合。從這個有為法的人間相，會回歸到無為法的道理，所以是最高峰的一乘妙法。
各位菩薩，學法，真正要從一念心起。心地風光，其實這條路是很直的路，若我們的心愈簡單、愈簡單，直心作我們的道場，大菩提道直。若能夠這樣，這條路雖然很遠，準確的道路向前走，總有一天，我們也會到達，能夠體悟宇宙的真理，與我們的真如本性，這樣會合起來，讓我們大覺悟。希望大家時時多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Attaining Realizations at Different Times (解悟有先後)
Date: March.05. 2015
“The fourfold assembly heard the same Dharma, but did not attain the same understanding. They had the same teacher and practiced the same direct path to enlightenment. Because of varying capabilities, they attained realizations at different times. Upon witnessing the prediction of Buddhahood, they began to believe in these truths.”
“The fourfold assembly heard the same Dharma.” In the Buddha’s lifetime, when He taught the Dharma, the two groups of lay disciples and the two groups of monastic disciples were the fourfold assembly who listened together. Although they listened together, for them to attain the same understanding was not an easy matter. This is because people have varying capabilities. Listening to the same Dharma, they cannot come to the same understanding, even with the same teacher, path and practice. Though they have the same teacher, walk the same road and practice the same teachings, people’s understanding and perspectives still differed. This is because people have varying wisdom. Learning the Buddha’s Way is actually very simple as long as our thinking is straightforward. This is because the Bodhi-path is direct.
The Bodhi-path is truly very direct, very simple, as long as we have the will to walk it. If our minds are simple and straightforward, and we have deep faith, then after we understand, we will aspire and vow to walk this Bodhi-path. However, due to varying capabilities, people attain realizations at different times.
Once we take the principles to heart, the only way to connect them to matters and things is to put them into practice. This is like walking; we must actually walk to get somewhere. Otherwise, it is like looking at a map. We can memorize the [seven] continents, know which countries border each other and how far apart certain countries are. We can learn these facts and memorize them well. However, to physically go to another country goes beyond learning about it on paper. We must actually travel there to truly understand the distances involved. The state of that country, the local customs and so on, can only truly be known by going there. So, we must walk the path ourselves.
In terms of capabilities, because of varying wisdom, though everyone is on the same Bodhi-path, some people will walk quickly and be very focused. They may actually attain more realizations than those who think a lot and understand many things. People who understand many things may take longer to walk this road. This is because they keep looking all over; they browse through everything around them, so they drag out the amount of time. It takes them to move forward. Thus, the order in which we will arrive depends on whether our minds are focused or not.
Take Tzu Chi volunteers, for example. This morning I watched a story about a certain Tzu Chi volunteer. It sounds like a very ordinary story, but if we could all do the same thing, the changes we must make in our lives to turn from delusion toward awakening will not be difficult. Mr. Chang lives in Taichung. Over 20 to 30 years ago, when Taiwan began its rapid economic growth, his businesses became very profitable. When he worked he only had to work half days and his family could have a good life and build up their savings. Mr. Chang said that back then, he only worked for a half day every day.
If he worked half the day, what did he do during the other half? He became addicted to gambling; every day he was immersed in Mahjong and other forms of gambling. He gambled all over Taiwan.
His elder brother in southern Taiwan, who had become a Tzu Chi volunteer a while back, felt his younger brother could not go on like this.The only solution was to get him to join Tzu Chi, so that he would change his ways.His brother arranged for him to be on one of the ten tour buses traveling from Kaohsiung to Hualien at the time.There was a Mr. Lin from Kaohsiung who was very experienced at motivating the people on these buses.
He would go to each tour bus and talk to the passengers.He even told the bus leaders not to let people go to sleep, because this is the best time to teach the Dharma and have people share their experiences.
Mr. Chang was on one of these buses, so he came to Hualien and learned about Tzu Chi, what life in the Abode was like and how the hospital came about.At that time ,the hospital was in its third year, celebrating its third anniversary.Since Tzu Chi still had many unfinished projects, like building schools, during the third anniversary celebration, people were inspired; they raised their hands and pledged to support future projects.They pledged to donate a certain amount to construct schools.
Sitting there, Mr. Chang was very moved.So, he told his brother, “When I go back to [Taichung]. I want to try to help. I have many friends [I can talk to].”After he went back, he told everyone he met about Tzu Chi and started to fundraise.
After he collected several thousand dollars, he was very happy.
When he went to the Taichung branch office, he saw a member of the Faith Corps who was also delivering contributions.The money included his personal donations, and other people’s donations.Wow, there were tens of thousands of dollars!
He thoughts to himself, “I thought several thousand was a lot already. Ok, I lost this battle, but I won’t lose the war. What I have is time, so I will use my time to surpass him.”So, he stopped gambling.He spent his free time on traveling and sharing his experience of visiting the hospital in Hualien.
Some people would say, “Is there really such a place?”Then he would say, “I will pay for your travels and take you to Hualien.”
So, he brought one person after another.Every time he came, he continued to be moved.After he went back, he felt, “Since I am determined to volunteer with Tzu Chi. I must take the Dharma to heart. I must listen to more of Master’s teachings. I need to have a better understanding of the spirit behind how they live at the Abode and to experience more of the type of work Tzu Chi has been doing. This is the only way I can answer the questions people ask me.”
So, he began to listen to cassette tapes.No matter which sutra I was expounding, he listened to the lectures repeatedly and kept his mind focused on the Dharma and kept his mind focused on the Dharma.In the morning, he interacted with customers.After business was concluded, if they were willing to chat afterward, he would share with them.
“On the tales of her lectures, this is what Master said. Life is just like this.”Even in a business setting, he was still turning the Dharma-wheel.Sometimes he put Tzu Chi Monthly in his car, which had stories of deducted volunteers.Then, when he was dinging on the highway and had to stop at a booth to pay the toll, he would say, “This magazine is for you, please read it.”People behind him would honk at him, so all he would say is, “Please remember to read it.”Then he would drive off.
With this passion, he took the Dharma to heart and diligently practiced.Not only did he himself benefit, his members also continued to increase in number until he was collecting hundreds of thousands in donations every month.Around that time, he went through the training and was certified.This was because he diligently practiced; it is that simple.
Originally, Mr. Chang was addicted to gambling.His family was worried about him; his relatives were also worried about him.
He gambled from Taichung all the way to the south.But because of his karmic conditions, he came to Hualien on this tours bus.These moving stories truly touched his heart, so he was very inspired.
During the Blessed Life lecture series, in Taichung, I said that we need to use the hands we use for clapping to do recycling work.
So, now he is also a dedicated recycling volunteer.Whether he is recruiting members, or doing recycling, he is truly very diligent.
When we learn about his story, we can see that he is a regular person.But when his mindset changed, the Dharma-wheel began to turn in his mind.Then his life turned around completely. For over 20 years, he has [sustained this]. This comes from attaining realizations.
“Because of varying capabilities, they attained realizations at different times”. As for those certified at the same time as him, did they develop the same experience as him? Not necessarily. As for the other people on those ten busses, were they all [inspired] like he was? Not necessarily. In summary, this depends on people’s state of mind as well as their wisdom.
When Sariputra received the Buddha’s prediction for attaining Buddhahood, at that assembly, many people witnessed that it is possible for everyone to attain Buddhahood. They can definitely attain it; it is more than just a possibility. It just depends on how we make the effort. Do we have the patience? Becoming a Buddha takes more than a day’s or a lifetime’s worth of work. We must sustain our original aspirations forever. We must continue walking this path for a long time.
So, I keep talking about the great and direct Bodhi-path. The Bodhisattva-path is very, broad and straight. As long as we aim ourselves in the right direction and never deviate from that course, then all we need to do is to keep walking forward. What we are seeking is enlightenment, an awakening equal to the Tathagata’s. This means using our nature of True Suchness to connect with the truths of the universe. This is such a grand and important task; this awakening is boundless. After attaining this great awakening, we must do good deeds, benefit others and form good karmic connections. That is how we can transform all sentient beings. Only then can we connect to the truths of the universe with our nature of True Suchness.
The more worldly matters we understand, the more principles we can comprehend. Because of this, everyone at the Lotus-assembly felt very happy. So, the previous passage states,
“Heavenly beings played music. Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, of varieties were played all at once throughout the universe.”
When we could see with our eyes and hear with our ears were flowers scattered in the air, the sounds of heavenly music and so on. “They rained down celestial flowers as they spoke the following words”. These heavenly beings all had [the same thought].
“The Buddha, in the past at Varanasi, first turned the Dharma-wheel. Now He turns the wheel again, the supreme, greatest Dharma-wheel.”
These heavenly beings all witnessed the Buddha’s [teachings] at Deer Park; Deer Park was in the kingdom of Varanasi. After the Buddha attained Buddhahood, He taught the Four Noble Truths. At that time, there were also flowers in the air, and the eight classes of Dharma-protectors were also very joyful. This was the scene when he first turned the Dharma-wheel. Now that He was teaching the Great Dharma and turning the great Dharma-wheel, [the scene] was also the same. Therefore, it was said that heavenly beings all told each other that. Sakyamuni Buddha first turned the Dharma-wheel [at Varanas] and was now turning the great Dharma-wheel. So, everyone was happy. The follow passage in the sutra states,
“At that time, all heavenly lords, wishing to restate their meaning, spoke the following verses.”
These heavenly lords wished to “restate their meaning”. They wanted to repeat this important [message] that made them happy.
So, they repeated it again in verse.
“Long age in Varanasi, You turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths, distinctly teaching various Dharma such as the arising and ceasing of the five groups”.
They hoped everyone would remember this. After the Buddha attained Buddhahood, He spent over 40 years “speaking according to others capabilities”. In accord with sentient beings’ capabilities. He opened the doors to skillful means and gave teachings people could understand. Thus, in accord with sentient beings’ capabilities, He gave limited and provisional teachings; He taught the Small Vehicle Dharma. The Buddha had taught with skillful means.
Now, at the Lotus Dharma-assembly. He could freely carry out His original intent and teach the wondrous Dharma. He was already happily sharing the more subtle, wondrous unconditioned Dharma, which is one with the entire the universe. With the principles of conditioned phenomena, He created analogies and expressions to help people go from the principles of conditioned phenomena to the true principles of unconditioned Dharma. This is so very important. So, this passage is repeated again in verse.
“Restated verses: In the past, to suit sentient being’s capabilities, the Buddha gave the limited and provisional teachings of the Small Vehicle Dharma. Now He feely carried out His original intent to teach the Great Dharma. To help people remember it, He had to restate the teachings in verse.”
“Long ago in Varanasi. You turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha initially taught the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha initially taught the Four Noble Truths this is Small Vehicle Dharma. Is this really a limited teaching? This is Small Vehicle Dharma. Is this really a limited teaching? No, it is not. It is the foundation of the Dharma, because all living things go through birth, aging, illness and death. They suffer from being parted in life or by death, or from the destruction that all things in the world undergo as they cycle through formation, existence, decay and disappearance.
If we do not understand suffering, then we will be living our lives aimlessly. Then our life will truly be filled with suffering. In this world, everyone had experienced this kind of suffering, do it is easier for them to comprehend.
In the past in Varanasi, You turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths: First, the Buddha expounded the Small Vehicle Dharma of the Four Noble Truths and then separately taught the Five Skandhas and the way things arise and cease. Now, at this time and place, He was going to turn the great Dharma-wheel.
“[He] then separately taught the Five Skandhas.” Everyone should know that the Five Skandhas are. We recite them every morning and evening. Form, feeling, perception, action, consciousness are the Five Skandhas. It is because of the Five Skandhas that in this world we do through so much arising and ceasing.
This will be explained further later on. This arising and ceasing causes endless suffering in this world. So, for over 40 years, the Buddha expounded the Four Noble Truths, the Five Skandhas and even the Twelve Links of Cycle Existence. These principles help us understand how we come to and leave this world.Then at the Lotus Assembly, after 40-plus years, He began to turn the great Dharma-wheel. Here, the heavenly beings were recalling how, more than 40 years ago, He first turned the Dharma-wheel at Deer Park and made three turning of the Dharma-wheel of Four Noble Truths.
Heavenly beings, humans and the rest said: The Buddha, in the past at Varanasi, transformed the five bhiksus by teaching the Four Noble Truths of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. This was the first turning of the Dharma-wheel.
For these five people, He gave the first turn of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. Did they understand? One person understood. That was fine; again He taught suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. Did they understand? Two more people understood but there were still the other two. That was fine; again He taught. After the third time, all five people could finally comprehend it. Thus at this time, the Three Treasures were complete. The Buddha then began to travel and teach the Dharma and in accord with sentient beings’ capabilities, transform anyone He could. This was how the Buddha turned the Dharma-wheel at the very beginning.
“Now, at this assembly, He also taught the wondrous Dharma of the One Vehicle.”
At the Lotus Dharma-assembly, He began to teach the One Vehicle Dharma. In the past, He taught the Four Noble Truths. Now, He returned to the wondrous Dharma of One Vehicle; this is turning the great Dharma-wheel.
Yes, from the Four Noble Truths He returned to the wondrous One Dharma of the Vehicle. The Dharma of the One Vehicle is supreme; it teaches us how to connect with people and with principles. When the Four Noble Truths are applied and unified with people, matters and principles, from the appearances of conditioned phenomena we can return to the principles of unconditioned Dharma. This is the supreme, wondrous Dharma of the One Vehicle.
Dear Bodhisattvas, as we learn the Buddha’s Way, we must truly begin with our minds. In the landscape of our minds, this road is actually very direct. We must try to keep things simple. A straightforward mind is where spiritual training takes places; The great Bodhi-path us direct. If we can [keep things simple], though this road is long, as long as we walk precisely forward, one day we will finally arrive at the state of realizing the true principles of the universe and connecting them with our nature of True Suchness. This will bring us a great awakening. So, I hope everyone will always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
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