20150326《靜思妙蓮華》勤修德業令法住世(第530集)
（法華經•譬喻品第三）
⊙「世間財富五家共有，田宅榮枯生滅非常，三界無安愚童玩火，出世諦法累世菩提。」
⊙「舍利弗，若國邑聚落，有大長者，其年衰邁，財富無量」《法華經譬喻品第三》
⊙長者：喻德業豐碩有成，高風亮節，名位殷實。
⊙年高：則衰邁，喻法住人間，有正、像、末法之衰邁。
⊙長者德業：有內外，內則智德悲願，弘誓化眾立典範，外則資財豐碩，年高則博達古今。
【證嚴上人開示】
「世間財富五家共有，田宅榮枯生滅非常，三界無安愚童玩火，出世諦法累世菩提。」
世間財富五家共有
田宅榮枯生滅非常
三界無安愚童玩火
出世諦法累世菩提
各位，學佛真的要，看透世間一切萬物。生來人間，為什麼目的來人間？世間人非常的茫然，以為若可以得很多很多的財富，這叫做福。是這樣嗎？「世間財富五家共有」，佛陀是這樣說。
確實，世間之財就是，為王與賊、火、水、惡子等，這叫做五家共有。到底「五家」，為什麼說是王與賊？也就是國土若不平安，領導者心念一動，使整個國家全都不平安的時候，或者是，這個國家的國政治理若不好，不只是稅重，貪官又多，所以國王共有。
或者是賊，賊，就是說小偷，或者是賊、強盜等等。這個強盜，實在是讓人很擔心，也是很怕，這是人人為什麼銅牆鐵壁，造得那麼的堅固呢？就是預防著賊，或者是盜來偷、來劫、來搶，有錢人也是同樣心不安。
又最擔心的就是火，萬一火災的時候，火是無情，一旦發生也是焚燒殆盡。而水也是無情，所以我們常常看，看到國際間，這個水，一旦下雨，也就是這樣及時雨，或者是很急、超級的大雨水，瞬間淹水，半樓、一樓、二樓，一直淹上去，實在是水火無情。
又再最擔心的就是惡子、就是逆子，這種的逆子、惡子，帶來家庭的困擾，這世間有多少啊？新聞掀開，每天比比皆是。
富有的人，你說他是不是幸福呢？不幸福。對國稅、或者是貪官，或者是對強盜、小偷，或者是對水、火等等，都是擔心。人生無常，要知道，世間一切都是身外物。
記得二、三十年前，常常在看個案，在壽豐有一位差不多是中年人，所住的地方就是這樣很破爛，平時就都說他苦啊，身體有病，水腫是這樣整個身體都脹起來，都出去乞討，看起來很辛苦。所以我們就幫助他，每個月給他米，給他費用，告訴他，看醫師，也曾到我們的義診所拿藥。醫師的診斷：高血壓、糖尿病，應該要洗腎。勸他去洗腎，他又不肯，卻是一直去乞討。
但是，有一天，忽然間在那裡哭，「是什麼事情呢？」鄰居去看他，他說：「你看，我的房子外面，這樣挖這麼大洞。老實說，那裡面有五甕錢在那裡，從我年輕時，阿公、爸爸留下來的。家已經燒了，我向銀行領一領，就這樣不捨得用，想比較老時再用，所以我就放進甕裡，埋在地下。」
大家覺得很無奈，這個消息傳來給我們，說：「那個人現在真的什麼都沒有了。以前他那麼有錢，你們幫他。而現在真的全都沒有了。」
真的我們再去看他，那時候還是一樣一直哭，問他是怎麼了？就是同樣的話，他想要留著更老，需要的時候，「你現在病得那麼嚴重，難道不需要嗎？現在想說看能不能，多乞討一點、多積一點，等到不能乞討時。」這是心理病啊！這不只是生理的病，和醫師在檢討，後來醫生說，「師父，那不是身病而已，那是心病。」想一想，是啊，心病。
看到這段文，「世間財，五家共有」，甚至有的人想要保護它，辛辛苦苦一直賺錢，要求再多一點，這樣的人生，為了那些錢，心理病態，守財奴，還是一直乞討，身體不顧，這是不是顛倒人生呢？
尤其是放眼天下，天下間的災難，就像最近很多國家很不安全。敘利亞的難民，這樣四竄逃難，有的逃到約旦。為了這波難民，我們臺灣寄了，好幾個貨櫃的冬衣，要讓他們去發放，所以在約旦陳居士，還有當地的一位志工，要和難民營的管理人，要去和他們洽商，商量要如何發放。到中午的時候，就要找一間餐廳吃飯，進到那間餐廳，將要用餐時，裡面有一位打工的人，是敘利亞逃過來的難民，這樣指著我們這群人，就那個心的憤氣：「中國人如何、如何……」，很兇，一直罵。我們的陳居士，就向他解釋：「我們是來自臺灣，我們是要為這個難民營裡面，這麼冷的氣候，我們要送冬衣來給他們，我們今天是先來看一看，商量要如何發(放)。」
這個人就對他說：「抱歉、抱歉！我不知道你們不是中國人，你們從臺灣來的，我知道有慈濟這個團體在幫助，我告訴你們，有比這個逃難來的人，在逃難醫院裡面很可憐！」
就開始提供有一些人，除了逃難之後了，身體受傷，提供很多的個案出來，真的去看到那些，已經在難民營的醫療站，收容不下了，醫院也沒辦法，沒床可收了，所以另外在那個民宅，在民宅的地方，又有好幾間房子提供出來，讓這些受傷、病苦的人住。真的去看了，很多很多悽慘的故事，真的是說不完。這些人，他過去在他的國家，若能平平安安、社會祥和、安居樂業，這全都是幸福的人生。那就是因為國土不安，少數人的心態，造成了全國幾百萬人家園破碎，人民就是這樣沖散，或者是天人永隔，那種苦不堪！
人生難道需要，為了這個財的利欲，這樣，那麼辛苦嗎？難道需要守得那麼艱難嗎？所以說世間的財富是五家共有，「田宅榮枯」，田園、屋宅，只要是世間有形的東西，「生滅非常」，不是很永久的。
所以三界之內，那實在是無安，沒有永遠平安。這種無常、苦、空的事情很多。這個三界之內，為什麼這麼多的苦難？就是有一群愚癡的人，像小孩一樣無知，這樣在玩火，玩火，一不小心就變成了，三界如火宅，欲界、色界、無色界，苦不堪啊！
這唯有就是「出世諦法」，出世的道理、出世的真理，才是真正我們累世的菩提。生生世世，我們發菩提心、行菩薩道，我們可以為人間，撫平了人心的無明、煩惱，能夠度眾生，人人能夠瞭解道理，這樣才能夠使這個三界平安，這間大宅才能夠很安全。天地之間的平安、四大調和、國泰民安，這才是真正人間的淨土。
就如昨天說過了，「若國邑聚落」。「國」，那就是很開闊，就如佛，佛陀他瞭解字宙的道理，所以智慧覺海，所有的道理無不都是，含藏在他的豐富的智海中，那個智慧如海，就如他的財富，好像一個大國非常豐富。「邑」，就是縣城、首都，首都，縣城。「聚落」，就是鄉鎮、村莊。這譬喻佛的大智慧，或者是緣覺、菩薩的智慧，或者是我們凡夫的心靈境界。這都是我們昨天分析了，可見我們人人，還是在鄉村、舍宅，我們瞭解的範圍，知識是這樣而已，我們應該要向佛陀，對天地萬物的真理，要多去體會、瞭解。
人身難得，能夠聽到佛法，解開我們的心，不是只守在那個有形財富，有形的物欲，或者是有形的情。短情、小愛對我們心會困擾，心靈的欲念，權、利等等的爭奪，就會造成了，人間不平安的動亂，這都是人的心所造成。所以我們不通達道理，就容易惹火燒身，惹火，燒毀掉了，所有大地的一切。所以我們應該要好好用心。
舍利弗
若國邑聚落
有大長者
其年衰邁
財富無量
《法華經譬喻品第三》
再接下來就說，「有大長者，其年衰邁，財富無量」。還有一位大長者，已經年紀大了，身體也已經比較虛弱了。這個長者，是什麼樣的人，稱為長者呢？那就是譬喻德業豐碩有成，這叫做長者；年紀大也叫做長者；再者，有修養也叫做長者。
長者：
喻德業豐碩有成
高風亮節
名位殷實
所以，這個「長者」的名詞，就是表示有道德，一切都很成熟，德行在那個高風亮節，就是很乾淨，那個心，不只是身年長、年紀大，累積的智慧也很多，財產也有，這是一個人格者，他的名，人人若聽到，就起尊敬，他的地位，也很實，所以這叫做長者。
這個年高則衰邁，這是人生的法則。但是就譬喻法，釋迦佛他住世八十年，釋迦牟尼佛過了之後，正法住世五百年，像法住世一千年，再接下來就是末法了。
年高：
則衰邁
喻法住人間
有正、像、末法
之衰邁
所以，在那個佛在世，與佛滅度後，那近幾百年間，佛法很昌盛，修行的人也很正確，不過，短暫。再接下來，就造像、建塔、寺廟，修行人慢慢，那個清高的心，就慢慢衰退了，愈來修行者與世俗人，愈來愈近，同樣貪名逐利、享受等等，同樣就是這樣慢慢享受等等，不守於戒法，雖然是在修行，卻是也煩惱滿滿，滿滿就是煩惱。這樣佛法從像法，轉到末法來，這叫做衰邁。
佛法，這麼好的佛法，為什麼不能正法永久住世呢？也是人的心！佛在世的時候，雖然一時很昌盛，大家都知道這樣的佛法是正確。不過，佛滅度之後，獅子蟲食獅子肉，就慢慢地，佛法隨著佛陀的入滅之後，慢慢地，修行者慢慢地，佛行的心，淡薄了。
所以印度外道教，又將佛法衰微下去，外道，印度教再度昌盛起來，所以真正佛法在印度是很少。幸好有鳩摩羅什，及竺法蘭、摩騰竺法蘭等等，有幾位從龜茲國，這樣將法傳到中國，這個過程也是很辛苦。還有我們中國在唐朝，對佛法開始很昌盛起來。還有玄奘法師等等，往印度取經；還有很多發心大德去取經，傳來中國，中國將佛法興盛起來。
所以我們現在有，這麼多法可讀，但是還是，法與正法(時期)，已經差很多，所以說年高就體衰邁，這是譬喻佛法。儘管長者財富無量，但是這位長者，他還是同樣有年高衰邁的時候，所以這樣佛法就開始衰墮。不過，我們現在還很有幸，還有經典可讓我們看，我們若能夠用心去體會，佛陀的正法還是同樣在人間。
所以長者德業，他有內外的分別，內就是智德悲願，弘誓化眾生典範。
長者德業：
有內外
內則智德悲願
弘誓化眾立典範
外則資財豐碩
年高則博達古今
「智德悲願」，這個德、智慧，人人本具，啟發我們的心，不忍世間眾生受苦難；「眾生無邊誓願度……」，這四弘誓願，我們若能夠身體力行，這叫做內財，我們內化的財產，這叫做長者的德業，長者的德。
而若外財呢？那就是「資財豐碩」，也就是財產很多。只要你將每一個人的愛心，啟發出來，人人瞭解道理，就從外財付出，內財收入，這個身外的財富，可以付出，這就是愛心；愛心的付出，收入來的那就是道德、智慧。這種內外合一，那就是德，所以有內外之德。只要人人要多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Cultivate Virtue so Dharma Remains in the World (勤修德業令法住世)
Date: March.26. 2015
“Worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us]. Farmlands and houses flourish and decay, arise and cease and are never permanent. There is no safety in the Three Realms, here we are like foolish children playing with fire. Only world-transcending truths [learned] over many lifetimes can lead to Bodhi.”
Everyone, to learn the Buddha’s Way, we must truly see all things in the world clearly. We are born into the human realm, but for what purpose were we born here? People in the world are in a state of delusion. They believe that being able to attain many riches is considered a blessing. But is this really true? “Worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us].” This is what the Buddha said. Indeed, worldly treasures and wealth belong to kings, thieves, water, fire and unfilial children. Therefore, [they never truly belong to us]. Why do these five groups include kings and thieves? This happens when a kingdom becomes unstable. If certain thoughts arise in a country’s leader, this can destabilize the entire country. Or, if the kingdom is not administered well, not only may there be heavy taxes, but there may also be many corrupt officials. Thieves also own part of it. Thieves include pickpockets, bandits, robbers and so on. Indeed, people worry a lot about robbers and are very afraid of them. Why else would everyone build such solid walls? They are protecting themselves from thieves. Robbers may steal, raid or grab another’s wealth, thus the rich do not feel at ease. Fire is even more worrisome. In the event of a fire breaking out, the flames are heartless; once it starts, it burns until nothing is left. Water, too, is heartless.
We have often seen in the international news that when it starts to rain, sometimes with this sudden rain, or with a torrential downpour, the heavy rain can instantly cause floods to occur. Half a story, a whole story, maybe two, the water just keeps rising. Water and fire are heartless indeed. Also worrisome are poorly-behaved children. These are rebellious children. These kinds of children can cause many problems for their families. How many stories like this have we heard? When we open up the newspaper, we see this kind of story every day. Do you think that rich people are fortunate? Not necessarily. There are taxed, corrupt officials, robbers, thieves, [disaster of] water, fire and so on.
All of these worry them. Life is impermanent. We must understand that nothing in this world [will last]. I recall 20 or 30 years ago, I would often visit a certain care recipient. He was a middle-aged man in the Shoufeng. The place he lived in was very run down and he would always complain that he was suffering and that his health was poor. His entire body was swollen with excess fluids, and he would always go out to beg. It seems his life was very difficult. We helped him by giving him rich every months, along with some living expenses. We told him, “Go see a doctor.” He also came to our free clinic to get some medicine. The doctor diagnosed him and told him, “You have high blood pressure and diabetes. You need to undergo dialysis for your kidneys.” Though given this advice, he refused to undergo treatment and kept going out to panhandle.
One day, he was seen crying. When his neighbors asked, “What happened?” he said, “Look, outside my house, someone has dug a big hole. To tell you the truth, there were five jars of money down there.”When I was young, the house my father and grandfather left to me was burned down. I took the money out of the bank but could never bring myself to spend it, thinking I would save it for when I was older. So, I put it in jars and buried it in the ground.” People around him felt helpless and shared this news with us.“That man really has nothing at all now. He had lots of money before, while you were helping him, but now he rally has nothing.”
When we went to see him again, he was still crying.
When we asked what was wrong, he told us the same thing that he had told them, that he had been saving it for when he was older and needed it more.“But you have been terribly ill, haven’t you needed it? I thought maybe I could be a little and accumulate more money. Then when I was no longer able to beg…”This is an illness of the mind.
He did not merely have a physical illness.After further review with the doctor, the doctor said, “Master, he is not only physically ill, he is also mentally ill.”I thought about it and could see that indeed, this was illness of the mind.
I think about him when I read the saying, “Worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us].”
Some people try to guard their wealth.This man suffered so much just to make money, wanting just a little more.Look at the kind of life he led.For the sake of that bit of money, he developed the problematic mentality of being enslaved to wealth.He kept begging and disregarded his health.Isn’t this a deluded way of living?
When you look at the disasters around the world, it seems that many countries are not at peace.Syrian refugees have fled in all directions, some of them to Jordan.For their sake we shipped many containers of winter clothing from Taiwan for volunteers to distribute.
Mr. Chen, one of our volunteers in Jordan, alone with a local volunteer, had to work with the people in charge of the refugee camps to discuss how the distribution would be carried out.
At noon, they went to a restaurant to have lunch.When they entered the restaurant and were about to eat, one of the workers at the restaurant, who was a Syrian refugee, pointed at our group and voiced his anger, “Chinese people, they do this and that.”He was very fierce and kept yelling at them.
Mr. Chen then explained to him, “We are from Taiwan. We are here in the refugee camp, because with these could temperatures, we want to provide them with winter clothing. We are here today to discuss how the distribution might proceed.”
That man then said, “I apologize, I didn’t know that you are not from China, but have come from Taiwan. I know about your organization, Tzu Chi. Let me tell you about people who are even worse off than the refugees. They are the people in the refugee hospitals.”He began to talk about several individuals who had been wounded while fleeing their country.He told us of many individuals.
Our volunteers saw for themselves that the medical stations at eh refugee camps could not take in any more [patients].Because the hospitals were also full, elsewhere in the settlements, many houses were provided for the sick and wounded to stay in.
Our volunteers went to see this for themselves.They heard so many miserable stories, they could not recount them all.These people had once lived peacefully in their own country.Their society was harmonious, and they lived and worked happily.
They had very blessed lives, but their country became unstable.The mindset of a few people resulted in the destruction of the homes of hundreds of thousands of people.
The people were forced to flee and many were killed; truly this is unbearable suffering.In our lives, do we really need to work so hard to satisfy our desire for personal gain?Must we go to such lengths to hoard our wealth?
It is said that worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us].“Farmlands and houses flourish and decay.”Everything tangible in this world arises and ceases and is not permanent.It will not last forever.
So, in the Three Realms, there is no safety, no everlasting peace.There are many examples of impermanence, suffering and emptiness.Why is there so much suffering in the Three Realms?Because there are many foolish people who are like ignorant children playing with fire.
In playing with fire, the instant they are careless the Three Realms become like a burning house; the desire realm and form realm are filled with unbearable suffering. Only “world-transcending truths”, the principles for transcending the world, [learned] over lifetimes, can truly lead to Bodhi. Lifetime after lifetime, we give rise to Bodhisattva and walk the Bodhisattva-path. Then we can help calm the ignorance and afflictions in people’s minds and transform sentient beings. Only when everyone understands the principles will there be peace in the Three Realms; only then can this big house be safe. When there is peace in the world, when the four elements are in balance and when all countries and their people are safe, we will truly be in a pure land on earth.
Yesterday, we discussed “in a certain kingdom’s city or settlement”. A “kingdom” is very vast and expansive, just like the Buddha’s state of mind. After He understood the truths of the universe, His wisdom and enlightenment was like an ocean. All principles were contained in His ocean of abundant wisdom; His wisdom was as vast as an ocean. Similarly, His wealth was like that of a very prosperous country.
A “city” can be the major city in a province or the capital city. A “settlement” is like a town or village. This is an analogy for the Buddha’s great wisdom as compared to the wisdom of Solitary Realizers and Bodhisattvas, or to the state of mind of ordinary people. This is what we analyzed yesterday.
Clearly, we are still like a village or a house. The scope of our understanding is limited, so we must learn from the Buddha’s understanding of true principles in the universe to better realize and understand them. It is rare to be born human and to hear the Buddha-Dharma, so we must open up our minds and not only focus on material wealth and the desire for material things or tangible affections. Limited affection and love will trouble our minds. The desires of our mind, such as the striving for power and profit, will cause turmoil and danger in the world. All this is created by the minds of human beings. If we do not thoroughly understand principles, we will stir up a fire that will burn us and burn and destroy everything in this land. Therefore, we must truly be mindful.
“Sariputra, in a certain kingdom’s city or settlement, there was a great elder who was old and frail. He possessed limitless wealth.”
Next, we will discuss how “There was a great elder who was old and frail. He possessed limitless wealth”.
There was a great elder who was already advanced in age. His body had already become frail. What kind of person is considered an “elder”? Someone who is accomplished is considered an elder. Older people are also referred to as elders. These who are spiritually refined are also called elders.
“Elder: One who is virtuous and accomplished. With noble character and sterling integrity, his renown and status are well-deserved”.
So, the label “elder” is applied to someone who is virtuous and mature in all respects. His virtue is his noble character and sterling integrity. His mind is very pure. Not only does he have many years behind him, he has also accumulated much wisdom. He has wealth as well. This is a man of character. Upon hearing his name, everyone has a sense of respect. His status is also well-deserved. This is what makes an elder. With advancing age, the body becomes frail; this is a law of nature.
But this is also an analogy for the Dharma. Sakyamuni Buddha lived for 80 years. After He entered Parinirvana, the era of Right Dharma lasted for 500 years. The next 1000 years was the era of Dharma-semblance. It was followed by the era of Dharma-degeneration.
“Advanced in years, he was old and frail. Similarly, the Dharma that abides in the world become frail over the eras of Right Dharma, Dharma-semblance and Dharma-degeneration.”
During the Buddha’s time in the world and after He entered Parinirvana, for several hundred years the Buddha-Dharma flourished. People cultivated proper spiritual practice. However, this era was short. Next, people created images, stupas and temples. However, the pure and virtuous minds of spiritual practitioners gradually weakened. Spiritual practitioners came to be more like ordinary people in the world. They began to pursue fame and personal gain and gradually began to indulge in pleasures and so on. They ceased to uphold precepts.
Even though they engaged in spiritual practice, their minds were filled with afflictions. In this way, the Dharma decayed from the era of Dharma-semblance to that of Dharma-degeneration. This is like getting old and frail.
The Buddha-Dharma is so wonderful. Why can’t Right Dharma forever abide in the world? Because of the human mind. During the Buddha’s lifetime, the Buddha-Dharma flourished, because everyone recognized this as the Right Dharma. But after the Buddha entered Parinirvana, “The lion’s parasites eat the lion’s flesh.” Gradually, after the Buddha entered Parinirvana, the will of spiritual practitioners to engaged in spiritual cultivation gradually faded.
In India, there were many other religions. With the decline of the Buddha- Dharma, other religious teachings flourished again. So, now it is rare to find the Buddha-Dharma there. Kumarajiva, Dharmaraksa, Matanga and others, as well as several monks from Kucha, brought the Dharma to China. This process was filled with hardship.
During the Tang Dynasty, the Buddha-Dharma began to flourish in China. Master Xuan Zang and other traveled to India to seek and bring back the sutras. There were many virtuous layproplr who also went to bring the sutras back to China. So, the Buddha-Dharma began to flourish in China.This is how we now have so much Dharma to study.
But this Dharma was not the same as it was in the era of Right Dharma. With old age, the body becomes frail. This is analogous to the Buddha-Dharma.
Even though the elder had unlimited wealth, as he aged he still experienced physical decline and frailty. The Buddha-Dharma also degenerated in this way.
Yet, we are still quite fortunate that we still have sutras that we can read and study. If we can experience everything mindfully, then Right Dharma is still in the world. So, the virtues of an elder are both internal and external. Internally, the virtue of wisdom leads to compassionate vows. He made great vows to transform sentient beings and set an example.
The elder’s virtues are both internal and external. Internally, the virtue of wisdom leads to compassionate vows. He made great vows to transform sentient beings and set an example. Externally, he had an abundance of material wealth. Advanced in years, he had extensive knowledge of the past and present.
“Virtue of wisdom leads to compassionate vows.” This virtue, this wisdom, is intrinsic to all of us. It awakens our hearts so that we cannot bear to let sentient beings suffer. “We vow to deliver countless sentient beings.” if we can put the Four Great Vows into practice, then we have internal, or spiritual wealth. This is the virtue of an elder.
What about external wealth? “An abundance of material wealth” means having many riches. If we awaken the love in every person’s heart and help everyone understand the principles, then we will contribute our external wealth as we gain internal wealth. We can give away our external wealth. This happens out of love. Giving out of love will bring us virtue and wisdom. By doing this, we are consistent inside and out. This is our virtue. So, we have internal and external virtue, as long as we can always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
（法華經•譬喻品第三）
⊙「世間財富五家共有，田宅榮枯生滅非常，三界無安愚童玩火，出世諦法累世菩提。」
⊙「舍利弗，若國邑聚落，有大長者，其年衰邁，財富無量」《法華經譬喻品第三》
⊙長者：喻德業豐碩有成，高風亮節，名位殷實。
⊙年高：則衰邁，喻法住人間，有正、像、末法之衰邁。
⊙長者德業：有內外，內則智德悲願，弘誓化眾立典範，外則資財豐碩，年高則博達古今。
【證嚴上人開示】
「世間財富五家共有，田宅榮枯生滅非常，三界無安愚童玩火，出世諦法累世菩提。」
世間財富五家共有
田宅榮枯生滅非常
三界無安愚童玩火
出世諦法累世菩提
各位，學佛真的要，看透世間一切萬物。生來人間，為什麼目的來人間？世間人非常的茫然，以為若可以得很多很多的財富，這叫做福。是這樣嗎？「世間財富五家共有」，佛陀是這樣說。
確實，世間之財就是，為王與賊、火、水、惡子等，這叫做五家共有。到底「五家」，為什麼說是王與賊？也就是國土若不平安，領導者心念一動，使整個國家全都不平安的時候，或者是，這個國家的國政治理若不好，不只是稅重，貪官又多，所以國王共有。
或者是賊，賊，就是說小偷，或者是賊、強盜等等。這個強盜，實在是讓人很擔心，也是很怕，這是人人為什麼銅牆鐵壁，造得那麼的堅固呢？就是預防著賊，或者是盜來偷、來劫、來搶，有錢人也是同樣心不安。
又最擔心的就是火，萬一火災的時候，火是無情，一旦發生也是焚燒殆盡。而水也是無情，所以我們常常看，看到國際間，這個水，一旦下雨，也就是這樣及時雨，或者是很急、超級的大雨水，瞬間淹水，半樓、一樓、二樓，一直淹上去，實在是水火無情。
又再最擔心的就是惡子、就是逆子，這種的逆子、惡子，帶來家庭的困擾，這世間有多少啊？新聞掀開，每天比比皆是。
富有的人，你說他是不是幸福呢？不幸福。對國稅、或者是貪官，或者是對強盜、小偷，或者是對水、火等等，都是擔心。人生無常，要知道，世間一切都是身外物。
記得二、三十年前，常常在看個案，在壽豐有一位差不多是中年人，所住的地方就是這樣很破爛，平時就都說他苦啊，身體有病，水腫是這樣整個身體都脹起來，都出去乞討，看起來很辛苦。所以我們就幫助他，每個月給他米，給他費用，告訴他，看醫師，也曾到我們的義診所拿藥。醫師的診斷：高血壓、糖尿病，應該要洗腎。勸他去洗腎，他又不肯，卻是一直去乞討。
但是，有一天，忽然間在那裡哭，「是什麼事情呢？」鄰居去看他，他說：「你看，我的房子外面，這樣挖這麼大洞。老實說，那裡面有五甕錢在那裡，從我年輕時，阿公、爸爸留下來的。家已經燒了，我向銀行領一領，就這樣不捨得用，想比較老時再用，所以我就放進甕裡，埋在地下。」
大家覺得很無奈，這個消息傳來給我們，說：「那個人現在真的什麼都沒有了。以前他那麼有錢，你們幫他。而現在真的全都沒有了。」
真的我們再去看他，那時候還是一樣一直哭，問他是怎麼了？就是同樣的話，他想要留著更老，需要的時候，「你現在病得那麼嚴重，難道不需要嗎？現在想說看能不能，多乞討一點、多積一點，等到不能乞討時。」這是心理病啊！這不只是生理的病，和醫師在檢討，後來醫生說，「師父，那不是身病而已，那是心病。」想一想，是啊，心病。
看到這段文，「世間財，五家共有」，甚至有的人想要保護它，辛辛苦苦一直賺錢，要求再多一點，這樣的人生，為了那些錢，心理病態，守財奴，還是一直乞討，身體不顧，這是不是顛倒人生呢？
尤其是放眼天下，天下間的災難，就像最近很多國家很不安全。敘利亞的難民，這樣四竄逃難，有的逃到約旦。為了這波難民，我們臺灣寄了，好幾個貨櫃的冬衣，要讓他們去發放，所以在約旦陳居士，還有當地的一位志工，要和難民營的管理人，要去和他們洽商，商量要如何發放。到中午的時候，就要找一間餐廳吃飯，進到那間餐廳，將要用餐時，裡面有一位打工的人，是敘利亞逃過來的難民，這樣指著我們這群人，就那個心的憤氣：「中國人如何、如何……」，很兇，一直罵。我們的陳居士，就向他解釋：「我們是來自臺灣，我們是要為這個難民營裡面，這麼冷的氣候，我們要送冬衣來給他們，我們今天是先來看一看，商量要如何發(放)。」
這個人就對他說：「抱歉、抱歉！我不知道你們不是中國人，你們從臺灣來的，我知道有慈濟這個團體在幫助，我告訴你們，有比這個逃難來的人，在逃難醫院裡面很可憐！」
就開始提供有一些人，除了逃難之後了，身體受傷，提供很多的個案出來，真的去看到那些，已經在難民營的醫療站，收容不下了，醫院也沒辦法，沒床可收了，所以另外在那個民宅，在民宅的地方，又有好幾間房子提供出來，讓這些受傷、病苦的人住。真的去看了，很多很多悽慘的故事，真的是說不完。這些人，他過去在他的國家，若能平平安安、社會祥和、安居樂業，這全都是幸福的人生。那就是因為國土不安，少數人的心態，造成了全國幾百萬人家園破碎，人民就是這樣沖散，或者是天人永隔，那種苦不堪！
人生難道需要，為了這個財的利欲，這樣，那麼辛苦嗎？難道需要守得那麼艱難嗎？所以說世間的財富是五家共有，「田宅榮枯」，田園、屋宅，只要是世間有形的東西，「生滅非常」，不是很永久的。
所以三界之內，那實在是無安，沒有永遠平安。這種無常、苦、空的事情很多。這個三界之內，為什麼這麼多的苦難？就是有一群愚癡的人，像小孩一樣無知，這樣在玩火，玩火，一不小心就變成了，三界如火宅，欲界、色界、無色界，苦不堪啊！
這唯有就是「出世諦法」，出世的道理、出世的真理，才是真正我們累世的菩提。生生世世，我們發菩提心、行菩薩道，我們可以為人間，撫平了人心的無明、煩惱，能夠度眾生，人人能夠瞭解道理，這樣才能夠使這個三界平安，這間大宅才能夠很安全。天地之間的平安、四大調和、國泰民安，這才是真正人間的淨土。
就如昨天說過了，「若國邑聚落」。「國」，那就是很開闊，就如佛，佛陀他瞭解字宙的道理，所以智慧覺海，所有的道理無不都是，含藏在他的豐富的智海中，那個智慧如海，就如他的財富，好像一個大國非常豐富。「邑」，就是縣城、首都，首都，縣城。「聚落」，就是鄉鎮、村莊。這譬喻佛的大智慧，或者是緣覺、菩薩的智慧，或者是我們凡夫的心靈境界。這都是我們昨天分析了，可見我們人人，還是在鄉村、舍宅，我們瞭解的範圍，知識是這樣而已，我們應該要向佛陀，對天地萬物的真理，要多去體會、瞭解。
人身難得，能夠聽到佛法，解開我們的心，不是只守在那個有形財富，有形的物欲，或者是有形的情。短情、小愛對我們心會困擾，心靈的欲念，權、利等等的爭奪，就會造成了，人間不平安的動亂，這都是人的心所造成。所以我們不通達道理，就容易惹火燒身，惹火，燒毀掉了，所有大地的一切。所以我們應該要好好用心。
舍利弗
若國邑聚落
有大長者
其年衰邁
財富無量
《法華經譬喻品第三》
再接下來就說，「有大長者，其年衰邁，財富無量」。還有一位大長者，已經年紀大了，身體也已經比較虛弱了。這個長者，是什麼樣的人，稱為長者呢？那就是譬喻德業豐碩有成，這叫做長者；年紀大也叫做長者；再者，有修養也叫做長者。
長者：
喻德業豐碩有成
高風亮節
名位殷實
所以，這個「長者」的名詞，就是表示有道德，一切都很成熟，德行在那個高風亮節，就是很乾淨，那個心，不只是身年長、年紀大，累積的智慧也很多，財產也有，這是一個人格者，他的名，人人若聽到，就起尊敬，他的地位，也很實，所以這叫做長者。
這個年高則衰邁，這是人生的法則。但是就譬喻法，釋迦佛他住世八十年，釋迦牟尼佛過了之後，正法住世五百年，像法住世一千年，再接下來就是末法了。
年高：
則衰邁
喻法住人間
有正、像、末法
之衰邁
所以，在那個佛在世，與佛滅度後，那近幾百年間，佛法很昌盛，修行的人也很正確，不過，短暫。再接下來，就造像、建塔、寺廟，修行人慢慢，那個清高的心，就慢慢衰退了，愈來修行者與世俗人，愈來愈近，同樣貪名逐利、享受等等，同樣就是這樣慢慢享受等等，不守於戒法，雖然是在修行，卻是也煩惱滿滿，滿滿就是煩惱。這樣佛法從像法，轉到末法來，這叫做衰邁。
佛法，這麼好的佛法，為什麼不能正法永久住世呢？也是人的心！佛在世的時候，雖然一時很昌盛，大家都知道這樣的佛法是正確。不過，佛滅度之後，獅子蟲食獅子肉，就慢慢地，佛法隨著佛陀的入滅之後，慢慢地，修行者慢慢地，佛行的心，淡薄了。
所以印度外道教，又將佛法衰微下去，外道，印度教再度昌盛起來，所以真正佛法在印度是很少。幸好有鳩摩羅什，及竺法蘭、摩騰竺法蘭等等，有幾位從龜茲國，這樣將法傳到中國，這個過程也是很辛苦。還有我們中國在唐朝，對佛法開始很昌盛起來。還有玄奘法師等等，往印度取經；還有很多發心大德去取經，傳來中國，中國將佛法興盛起來。
所以我們現在有，這麼多法可讀，但是還是，法與正法(時期)，已經差很多，所以說年高就體衰邁，這是譬喻佛法。儘管長者財富無量，但是這位長者，他還是同樣有年高衰邁的時候，所以這樣佛法就開始衰墮。不過，我們現在還很有幸，還有經典可讓我們看，我們若能夠用心去體會，佛陀的正法還是同樣在人間。
所以長者德業，他有內外的分別，內就是智德悲願，弘誓化眾生典範。
長者德業：
有內外
內則智德悲願
弘誓化眾立典範
外則資財豐碩
年高則博達古今
「智德悲願」，這個德、智慧，人人本具，啟發我們的心，不忍世間眾生受苦難；「眾生無邊誓願度……」，這四弘誓願，我們若能夠身體力行，這叫做內財，我們內化的財產，這叫做長者的德業，長者的德。
而若外財呢？那就是「資財豐碩」，也就是財產很多。只要你將每一個人的愛心，啟發出來，人人瞭解道理，就從外財付出，內財收入，這個身外的財富，可以付出，這就是愛心；愛心的付出，收入來的那就是道德、智慧。這種內外合一，那就是德，所以有內外之德。只要人人要多用心。
Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: Cultivate Virtue so Dharma Remains in the World (勤修德業令法住世)
Date: March.26. 2015
“Worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us]. Farmlands and houses flourish and decay, arise and cease and are never permanent. There is no safety in the Three Realms, here we are like foolish children playing with fire. Only world-transcending truths [learned] over many lifetimes can lead to Bodhi.”
Everyone, to learn the Buddha’s Way, we must truly see all things in the world clearly. We are born into the human realm, but for what purpose were we born here? People in the world are in a state of delusion. They believe that being able to attain many riches is considered a blessing. But is this really true? “Worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us].” This is what the Buddha said. Indeed, worldly treasures and wealth belong to kings, thieves, water, fire and unfilial children. Therefore, [they never truly belong to us]. Why do these five groups include kings and thieves? This happens when a kingdom becomes unstable. If certain thoughts arise in a country’s leader, this can destabilize the entire country. Or, if the kingdom is not administered well, not only may there be heavy taxes, but there may also be many corrupt officials. Thieves also own part of it. Thieves include pickpockets, bandits, robbers and so on. Indeed, people worry a lot about robbers and are very afraid of them. Why else would everyone build such solid walls? They are protecting themselves from thieves. Robbers may steal, raid or grab another’s wealth, thus the rich do not feel at ease. Fire is even more worrisome. In the event of a fire breaking out, the flames are heartless; once it starts, it burns until nothing is left. Water, too, is heartless.
We have often seen in the international news that when it starts to rain, sometimes with this sudden rain, or with a torrential downpour, the heavy rain can instantly cause floods to occur. Half a story, a whole story, maybe two, the water just keeps rising. Water and fire are heartless indeed. Also worrisome are poorly-behaved children. These are rebellious children. These kinds of children can cause many problems for their families. How many stories like this have we heard? When we open up the newspaper, we see this kind of story every day. Do you think that rich people are fortunate? Not necessarily. There are taxed, corrupt officials, robbers, thieves, [disaster of] water, fire and so on.
All of these worry them. Life is impermanent. We must understand that nothing in this world [will last]. I recall 20 or 30 years ago, I would often visit a certain care recipient. He was a middle-aged man in the Shoufeng. The place he lived in was very run down and he would always complain that he was suffering and that his health was poor. His entire body was swollen with excess fluids, and he would always go out to beg. It seems his life was very difficult. We helped him by giving him rich every months, along with some living expenses. We told him, “Go see a doctor.” He also came to our free clinic to get some medicine. The doctor diagnosed him and told him, “You have high blood pressure and diabetes. You need to undergo dialysis for your kidneys.” Though given this advice, he refused to undergo treatment and kept going out to panhandle.
One day, he was seen crying. When his neighbors asked, “What happened?” he said, “Look, outside my house, someone has dug a big hole. To tell you the truth, there were five jars of money down there.”When I was young, the house my father and grandfather left to me was burned down. I took the money out of the bank but could never bring myself to spend it, thinking I would save it for when I was older. So, I put it in jars and buried it in the ground.” People around him felt helpless and shared this news with us.“That man really has nothing at all now. He had lots of money before, while you were helping him, but now he rally has nothing.”
When we went to see him again, he was still crying.
When we asked what was wrong, he told us the same thing that he had told them, that he had been saving it for when he was older and needed it more.“But you have been terribly ill, haven’t you needed it? I thought maybe I could be a little and accumulate more money. Then when I was no longer able to beg…”This is an illness of the mind.
He did not merely have a physical illness.After further review with the doctor, the doctor said, “Master, he is not only physically ill, he is also mentally ill.”I thought about it and could see that indeed, this was illness of the mind.
I think about him when I read the saying, “Worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us].”
Some people try to guard their wealth.This man suffered so much just to make money, wanting just a little more.Look at the kind of life he led.For the sake of that bit of money, he developed the problematic mentality of being enslaved to wealth.He kept begging and disregarded his health.Isn’t this a deluded way of living?
When you look at the disasters around the world, it seems that many countries are not at peace.Syrian refugees have fled in all directions, some of them to Jordan.For their sake we shipped many containers of winter clothing from Taiwan for volunteers to distribute.
Mr. Chen, one of our volunteers in Jordan, alone with a local volunteer, had to work with the people in charge of the refugee camps to discuss how the distribution would be carried out.
At noon, they went to a restaurant to have lunch.When they entered the restaurant and were about to eat, one of the workers at the restaurant, who was a Syrian refugee, pointed at our group and voiced his anger, “Chinese people, they do this and that.”He was very fierce and kept yelling at them.
Mr. Chen then explained to him, “We are from Taiwan. We are here in the refugee camp, because with these could temperatures, we want to provide them with winter clothing. We are here today to discuss how the distribution might proceed.”
That man then said, “I apologize, I didn’t know that you are not from China, but have come from Taiwan. I know about your organization, Tzu Chi. Let me tell you about people who are even worse off than the refugees. They are the people in the refugee hospitals.”He began to talk about several individuals who had been wounded while fleeing their country.He told us of many individuals.
Our volunteers saw for themselves that the medical stations at eh refugee camps could not take in any more [patients].Because the hospitals were also full, elsewhere in the settlements, many houses were provided for the sick and wounded to stay in.
Our volunteers went to see this for themselves.They heard so many miserable stories, they could not recount them all.These people had once lived peacefully in their own country.Their society was harmonious, and they lived and worked happily.
They had very blessed lives, but their country became unstable.The mindset of a few people resulted in the destruction of the homes of hundreds of thousands of people.
The people were forced to flee and many were killed; truly this is unbearable suffering.In our lives, do we really need to work so hard to satisfy our desire for personal gain?Must we go to such lengths to hoard our wealth?
It is said that worldly treasures and wealth [never truly belong to us].“Farmlands and houses flourish and decay.”Everything tangible in this world arises and ceases and is not permanent.It will not last forever.
So, in the Three Realms, there is no safety, no everlasting peace.There are many examples of impermanence, suffering and emptiness.Why is there so much suffering in the Three Realms?Because there are many foolish people who are like ignorant children playing with fire.
In playing with fire, the instant they are careless the Three Realms become like a burning house; the desire realm and form realm are filled with unbearable suffering. Only “world-transcending truths”, the principles for transcending the world, [learned] over lifetimes, can truly lead to Bodhi. Lifetime after lifetime, we give rise to Bodhisattva and walk the Bodhisattva-path. Then we can help calm the ignorance and afflictions in people’s minds and transform sentient beings. Only when everyone understands the principles will there be peace in the Three Realms; only then can this big house be safe. When there is peace in the world, when the four elements are in balance and when all countries and their people are safe, we will truly be in a pure land on earth.
Yesterday, we discussed “in a certain kingdom’s city or settlement”. A “kingdom” is very vast and expansive, just like the Buddha’s state of mind. After He understood the truths of the universe, His wisdom and enlightenment was like an ocean. All principles were contained in His ocean of abundant wisdom; His wisdom was as vast as an ocean. Similarly, His wealth was like that of a very prosperous country.
A “city” can be the major city in a province or the capital city. A “settlement” is like a town or village. This is an analogy for the Buddha’s great wisdom as compared to the wisdom of Solitary Realizers and Bodhisattvas, or to the state of mind of ordinary people. This is what we analyzed yesterday.
Clearly, we are still like a village or a house. The scope of our understanding is limited, so we must learn from the Buddha’s understanding of true principles in the universe to better realize and understand them. It is rare to be born human and to hear the Buddha-Dharma, so we must open up our minds and not only focus on material wealth and the desire for material things or tangible affections. Limited affection and love will trouble our minds. The desires of our mind, such as the striving for power and profit, will cause turmoil and danger in the world. All this is created by the minds of human beings. If we do not thoroughly understand principles, we will stir up a fire that will burn us and burn and destroy everything in this land. Therefore, we must truly be mindful.
“Sariputra, in a certain kingdom’s city or settlement, there was a great elder who was old and frail. He possessed limitless wealth.”
Next, we will discuss how “There was a great elder who was old and frail. He possessed limitless wealth”.
There was a great elder who was already advanced in age. His body had already become frail. What kind of person is considered an “elder”? Someone who is accomplished is considered an elder. Older people are also referred to as elders. These who are spiritually refined are also called elders.
“Elder: One who is virtuous and accomplished. With noble character and sterling integrity, his renown and status are well-deserved”.
So, the label “elder” is applied to someone who is virtuous and mature in all respects. His virtue is his noble character and sterling integrity. His mind is very pure. Not only does he have many years behind him, he has also accumulated much wisdom. He has wealth as well. This is a man of character. Upon hearing his name, everyone has a sense of respect. His status is also well-deserved. This is what makes an elder. With advancing age, the body becomes frail; this is a law of nature.
But this is also an analogy for the Dharma. Sakyamuni Buddha lived for 80 years. After He entered Parinirvana, the era of Right Dharma lasted for 500 years. The next 1000 years was the era of Dharma-semblance. It was followed by the era of Dharma-degeneration.
“Advanced in years, he was old and frail. Similarly, the Dharma that abides in the world become frail over the eras of Right Dharma, Dharma-semblance and Dharma-degeneration.”
During the Buddha’s time in the world and after He entered Parinirvana, for several hundred years the Buddha-Dharma flourished. People cultivated proper spiritual practice. However, this era was short. Next, people created images, stupas and temples. However, the pure and virtuous minds of spiritual practitioners gradually weakened. Spiritual practitioners came to be more like ordinary people in the world. They began to pursue fame and personal gain and gradually began to indulge in pleasures and so on. They ceased to uphold precepts.
Even though they engaged in spiritual practice, their minds were filled with afflictions. In this way, the Dharma decayed from the era of Dharma-semblance to that of Dharma-degeneration. This is like getting old and frail.
The Buddha-Dharma is so wonderful. Why can’t Right Dharma forever abide in the world? Because of the human mind. During the Buddha’s lifetime, the Buddha-Dharma flourished, because everyone recognized this as the Right Dharma. But after the Buddha entered Parinirvana, “The lion’s parasites eat the lion’s flesh.” Gradually, after the Buddha entered Parinirvana, the will of spiritual practitioners to engaged in spiritual cultivation gradually faded.
In India, there were many other religions. With the decline of the Buddha- Dharma, other religious teachings flourished again. So, now it is rare to find the Buddha-Dharma there. Kumarajiva, Dharmaraksa, Matanga and others, as well as several monks from Kucha, brought the Dharma to China. This process was filled with hardship.
During the Tang Dynasty, the Buddha-Dharma began to flourish in China. Master Xuan Zang and other traveled to India to seek and bring back the sutras. There were many virtuous layproplr who also went to bring the sutras back to China. So, the Buddha-Dharma began to flourish in China.This is how we now have so much Dharma to study.
But this Dharma was not the same as it was in the era of Right Dharma. With old age, the body becomes frail. This is analogous to the Buddha-Dharma.
Even though the elder had unlimited wealth, as he aged he still experienced physical decline and frailty. The Buddha-Dharma also degenerated in this way.
Yet, we are still quite fortunate that we still have sutras that we can read and study. If we can experience everything mindfully, then Right Dharma is still in the world. So, the virtues of an elder are both internal and external. Internally, the virtue of wisdom leads to compassionate vows. He made great vows to transform sentient beings and set an example.
The elder’s virtues are both internal and external. Internally, the virtue of wisdom leads to compassionate vows. He made great vows to transform sentient beings and set an example. Externally, he had an abundance of material wealth. Advanced in years, he had extensive knowledge of the past and present.
“Virtue of wisdom leads to compassionate vows.” This virtue, this wisdom, is intrinsic to all of us. It awakens our hearts so that we cannot bear to let sentient beings suffer. “We vow to deliver countless sentient beings.” if we can put the Four Great Vows into practice, then we have internal, or spiritual wealth. This is the virtue of an elder.
What about external wealth? “An abundance of material wealth” means having many riches. If we awaken the love in every person’s heart and help everyone understand the principles, then we will contribute our external wealth as we gain internal wealth. We can give away our external wealth. This happens out of love. Giving out of love will bring us virtue and wisdom. By doing this, we are consistent inside and out. This is our virtue. So, we have internal and external virtue, as long as we can always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
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