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 20170330《靜思妙蓮華》佛入靜室結緣近由 (第1055集) (法華經•化城喻品第七)

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20170330《靜思妙蓮華》佛入靜室結緣近由 (第1055集)  (法華經•化城喻品第七) Empty
發表主題: 20170330《靜思妙蓮華》佛入靜室結緣近由 (第1055集) (法華經•化城喻品第七)   20170330《靜思妙蓮華》佛入靜室結緣近由 (第1055集)  (法華經•化城喻品第七) Empty周三 3月 29, 2017 10:56 pm

20170330《靜思妙蓮華》佛入靜室結緣近由 (第1055集)
(法華經•
化城喻品

 
佛入靜室寂然坐,千萬億眾疑惑,無可咨問者,故十六沙彌代為覆講,法華會上結緣眾之由。
聲聞眾中,亦有信解;其餘眾生千萬億種,皆生疑惑。佛說是經,於八千劫未曾休廢。《法華經化城喻品第七
「說此經已,即入靜室,住於禪定八萬四千劫。《法華經化城喻品第七
⊙說此經已,即入靜室:說法華經已;經明定學,勸諸眾生在於閒靜修攝其心,佛出世間,為人作則,故說經已,即入靜室。
⊙住於禪定:梵語禪那,此云寂滅。方便之定,有入、住、出,上云靜室,即入定。今云:住於禪定。
⊙八萬四千劫:在定之身,經如是劫,若表法者,為欲攝靜八萬四千塵勞煩惱。
⊙佛說經八千劫,復入靜室住八萬四千劫,謂佛入禪定之室,不起於座,共經如是劫。
⊙總言說經、住定時期之久,益以明佛壽之長也。
⊙靜室:入定之處所。八萬等:住定之時節。智佛入定,是結緣之近由,由入定不出,千萬億疑惑之眾無所咨問,故十六沙彌為其覆講法華。
 
【證嚴上人開示】

「佛入靜室寂然坐,千萬億眾疑惑,無可咨問者,故十六沙彌代為覆講,法華會上結緣眾之由。」
 
佛入靜室寂然坐
千萬億眾疑惑
無可咨問者
故十六沙彌
代為覆講
法華會上
結緣眾之由
 
我們還記得前面的(經)文嗎?前面的(經)文,是大通智勝佛講說《法華經》,因為已經因緣成熟了。一段很長的時間,就是應機逗教,一直到因緣成熟,十六沙彌請大法,這時候,大通智勝佛開始講說大法,那就是《妙法蓮華經》。十六沙彌全都信受了,聲聞眾中也有信解的人,「其餘眾生,千萬億種,皆生疑惑」,這在前面的(經)文,我們已經了解了。
 
大通智勝佛講《法華經》之後,他入靜室寂然坐,就像釋迦牟尼佛,講《無量義經》之後,還是一樣就是寂然,定中眉間放光,很長的時間久久不動搖,大家懷疑,應該我們還記得,那段<序品>的(經)文。《法華經》之前的,《無量義經》,可見大法說完之後,還是要這樣靜下來,好好思考,法的深意義,我們要很了解。
 
卻是靜下來時,有人一聞就完全心開意解,皆大歡喜,有人就是聽了,了解,好像法是這樣,就是信、解還未很成熟,有的人又是還懷疑。眾生的根機,儘管佛認為因緣成熟,但是眾生的根機還是一樣,成熟者為成熟,未成熟者還是同樣還未成熟。
 
就如天地之間,時間是永遠,時間的長河是這麼長,空間是這麼大,眾生不斷地延續。同樣的,善的(人),善法接受,身體力行;不定性的人,善惡不分,善惡不定,看到人善,隨人善,聽到惡,隨人惡。這是無始以來,眾生的根機就是這樣。
 
佛陀的時代,不論是大通智勝佛,塵點劫,無始劫以前,人性是這樣,塵點(劫)無始以來,到現在,眾生根機也是同樣這樣,信者自信,不信者懷疑,這就是人生。所以佛講經,佛佛道同,過去大通智勝佛是這樣,講大法後就是入靜室寂然坐,就是入定坐,還有千萬億種的眾生還是懷疑。
 
我們昨天說過了,有的聽懂,有的聽不懂,有的語言能通,有的不通,有的人的心性不同,有的眾生……,眾生,是所有一切生類,人類是眾生之一,其實還有其他的眾生,很多種。所以說眾生是千萬億種的眾生,就是懷疑,過去的、現在的、未來的,很多的眾生。
 
佛的慈悲──過去的眾生懷疑,今生還是不斷教育;今生的眾生再有懷疑,就為他播一顆種子,來生再教導。這種過去、現在、未來的眾生,現在有緣、無緣,還是包含在這之中,所以千萬億種眾生,惡意的懷疑,或是善意的懷疑,真的是不了解的懷疑,這全都有,都包含在千萬億種之中。所以,在這當中,有善意的,他不了解,在法會上聽了之後,還沒有很透徹,這樣的人想要再問,不過佛在定中。
 
再回想<序品>中,到底佛為什麼,《無量義經》講完了,難道這個法會還沒結束嗎?法講完了,還不能散席嗎?所以大家坐在那個地方,面面相觀,互相疑問,才又有,當中有彌勒(菩薩)與文殊(菩薩)來對答。同樣的情形,在那當中,佛入靜室,已經開始入定了,懷疑的人要如何問呢?在這當中,就有十六沙彌代為覆講。
 
就如彌勒有疑問,問文殊菩薩,文殊菩薩能為他解說。但是在大通智勝佛,大家要問誰呢?就十六沙彌已經深信、信解;深信了,他們了解了,信受再奉行。這是十六沙彌信受奉行,所以他們對法很了解,大家沒有對象可問,那就是十六沙彌在每個地方,開始就覆講《法華經》。
 
在法華會上,十六沙彌來覆講,所以在法華會有很多,與十六沙彌結緣的眾生,因為十六沙彌覆講,來解開了千萬億種眾生的疑惑;有懷疑的,聽十六沙彌各個這樣,講出了他們聽法的心得,他們所了解的,來向這些人再解釋過,每一個與每一位沙彌,都互相結緣,所以這是結緣眾。
 
釋迦牟尼佛在十六沙彌之內,十六沙彌之一,他在大通智勝佛法華會上,了解了,聽聞已經很透徹了解。不了解的人,他還是同樣為他們覆講,講到他們也能信解。這些人就是未來,釋迦牟尼佛,十六王子之一,這位現在的釋迦牟尼佛,所結緣之眾,結緣在大通智勝佛的道場。
 
我們現在有因緣聽法,也聽《法華經》,相信我們也是,在大通智勝佛那個時代,我們也是千萬(億)種懷疑、疑惑的聽眾之一,後來經過了十六沙彌之一,我們現在的釋迦牟尼佛,經過再為我們解釋過,我們在法華會上,結緣眾之一。
 
其實,大通智勝佛入靜室,就是為了要成就十六沙彌。大通智勝佛了解,十六沙彌對大乘法的體解,能夠信受奉行,以他們的心得,就是這些懷疑、有疑惑的人,十六沙彌絕對有能力,為他們來解說。所以這就是結緣,法華會上結緣眾的因由。若是大通智勝佛沒有入靜室,這些千萬億眾,他們的疑惑,絕對是同樣再問大通智勝佛,永遠這十六沙彌就沒有機會了。所以,要給十六沙彌的機會,這是大通智勝佛,成就十六沙彌的因緣,十六沙彌有這個因緣,與未來將要度化的眾生,結這分法緣。
 
我們常常都這樣說,可能我們在大通智勝佛法華會上,十六沙彌結緣眾之一。無量劫以來,生生世世,十六沙彌之一就是這樣,隨著他有緣的眾生,不斷上求,不斷下化,不斷入人群中,不斷造福緣、修福因。因緣成熟,所以,離我們二千多年前,迦毘羅衛國,悉達多太子修行成正覺了,成佛了,度化眾生,佛法延伸到現在,二千多年了。我們要將佛法再延伸下去,一直要延伸到未來,未來再有佛出世時,再接下去。
 
這尊未來的佛就是在現在,再下去,再延續下去,很長久的時間,還是不斷在受佛教化,我們眾生之一,在釋迦牟尼佛的佛法中,將要成就之一。說不定,在我們現在社會,其中之一,這是生生世世,要延續著釋迦佛的法,在人群中不斷接受佛法,不斷入人群,還是一樣要很長久的時間,所以我們要好好用心,對任何一個人,我們都要有信心、有耐心。我們過去不是說過嗎?「四修」,我們要有長時修、無餘修、無間修、尊重修。
 
是啊!我們要不斷不斷修行,修行的過程中,對任何一個人,都要尊重,要敬重,人人都是有未來成佛的可能。未來同樣,現在聞法者、說法者、傳法者,也是與十六沙彌一樣,佛入靜室了,大家懷疑,我們已經聽了,我們已經了解,我們應該了解之後,有疑惑的人,我們將我們了解的來解惑
,為他解惑,這樣再傳下去。
 
我們現在應該也要這樣,無間修、無餘修,時間不要浪費,無餘修,我們沒有有餘的時間,時間真的是來不及了,所以,不要有餘的時間浪費了,要無餘修,要長時修,所以不間斷,長時、無餘,這樣一直好好地把握時間,對人人要恭敬、要尊重,這就是我們修行之一。
 
十六沙彌是這樣修來的,這樣在各個世界,各個成佛了,釋迦牟尼佛其中之一。我們是其中的結緣眾,人人都是其中之一,要好好地自己要尊重自己,尊重修,尊重他人也是未來佛的可能。所以我們要好好用心,去體會這段(經)文,長時間以來,我們就是這樣的道場結緣過來。
 
來,看前面的(經)文。「聲聞眾中,亦有信解;其餘眾生千萬億種,皆生疑惑。」剛剛說過了,「佛說是經,於八千劫未曾休廢。」
 
聲聞眾中
亦有信解
其餘眾生
千萬億種
皆生疑惑
佛說是經
於八千劫
未曾休廢
《法華經化城喻品第七
 
佛講經之後,就是一直這樣繼續、繼續,沒有間斷,十六沙彌也是這樣,沒有間斷在修行。講大法之後,就如《無量義經》之後,入定,釋迦牟尼佛入定了;過了之後就開始講《法華經》,釋迦牟尼佛講經七八年,大乘法,但是大通智勝佛八千劫,未休廢,也是這樣行在大乘法中,講說大乘法,「未曾修廢」。
 
這樣「說此經已」,接下來的(經)文,「說此經已,即入靜室,住於禪定八萬四千劫。」
 
說此經已
即入靜室
住於禪定
八萬四千劫
《法華經化城喻品第七
 
用很長的時間來講解,身體力行,七八年。釋迦牟尼佛七八年的時間,也是這樣,邊講經,也是身體力行,沒有休廢,時間沒有休息,沒有浪費,「未曾休廢」。講完了,開始入靜室的休息,不是休息的休息,是入靜室「住於禪定八萬四千劫」,入靜室去好好地就是入定。
 
說此經已
即入靜室:
說法華經已
經明定學
勸諸眾生
在於閒靜修攝其心
佛出世間為人作則
故說經已即入靜室
 
這就是表示,《法華經》講了之後,佛就是要讓大家知道定,戒、定、慧。聽經之後,我們自己的心要好好地受持,不要有錯誤的行為,我們要防非止惡,甚至人人聞法、信解,我們的心要堅定,所以明白地讓我們了解定。不要聽法的時候這樣聽,下去的時候散心雜話;聽經這麼用心聽,離開了聽經的時間,心就散了,就是這樣雜話,說一些長短沒有用的廢話,這就不對了。聽經之後,我們的心要定,同樣在定中,在日常的生活,日常的生活同樣在定中,所以我們一定要訓練出定學。
 
當然,有時間好好調氣,稍微定一下,在日常生活中,心也要定。這就是我們要學,如何心無散亂,語無雜言,我們能不散心雜話。每次若要用餐時,大家合掌是什麼呢?不要散心雜話。同樣的道理,日常的生活就是這樣,心要定,不要散。
 
所以「勸諸眾生,(在)於閒靜修攝其心」。就是勸我們、教導我們,空閒時,心也要收攝好。這是佛陀以出世間,為人作則,就是以身作則,在人間做給大家看,不要浪費時間,荒廢時光。這樣時間過去了,我們還是散心,心不定,信不堅,這樣就是浪費了。所以佛講經完,還是長時間就是這樣在定中,佛是以身作則。所以因為這樣,顯這個事相,就是經講完了入靜室,沒有說經講完就浪費時間。已成佛的大覺者都不浪費時間,何況我們現在,在追求佛法的修行者,更要用功。
 
住於禪定:
梵語禪那
此云寂滅
方便之定
有入、住、出
上云靜室
即入定
今云:住於禪定
 
「住於禪定」。古代的禪師就是這樣說,「挑柴運水無不是禪」,在日常生活環境中,無不都是定。所以「禪」就是「定」的意思,梵語叫做「禪那」,在我們翻譯的意思「」叫做「寂滅,方便之定」。我們的心常常在靜寂清澄中,滅除了種種的煩惱,叫做「寂滅,方便之定」;心一片清淨,靜寂清澄,沒有雜念、煩惱,這叫做滅。所以叫做「寂滅,方便之定」。
 
這是在我們修行的過程,這是叫做「有餘涅槃」。「有餘涅槃」,就是我們還在修行,我們要學的,我們要學如何定,所以我們要(靜)坐,調息,讓我們的心不要散亂了,這也是一種身心健康。,或者是從這樣的(靜)坐,調我們的身心,我們離開了靜坐,日常的時間較多,最重要的,就是要練得,我們的心,靜中與動中,都沒有離開這念心的靜寂,去除煩惱的念,這都是在我們的修行中,這樣訓練出來的。
 
所以上面(經文)這樣說,「靜室」即是「入定」的意思,入靜室就是入定,在靜靜的空間裡入定了。時間,八萬四千劫,這麼長的時間。
 
八萬四千劫:
在定之身
經如是劫
若表法者
為欲攝靜
八萬四千塵勞煩惱
 
「在定之身」。看得到,身體就是坐在那裡,很長久入定。
 
「經如是劫」,過了這麼長久的時間,那就是表示這個法。常常跟你們說時間不要浪費,到底一天多少時間,知道嗎?八萬六千四百秒,這麼長久,整天坐著,我們有辦法嗎?在這樣入靜室,分秒間,心都沒有動搖。
 
我們看我們凡夫,用我們的時日,整天的心,八萬六千四百秒中,是不是我們的心,都這樣這麼靜寂清澄,沒有煩惱呢?我們有辦法嗎?卻是佛八萬四千劫,身心就是在定中,時間長,這表示法,就是說我們要攝靜,八萬四千塵勞煩惱。
 
勞勞碌碌,一天的時間,八萬多秒,八萬六千四百秒間,我們的腦海裡,不知道閃過了多少的無明煩惱,我們是不是有辦法攝,把它攝受起來在一念間?八萬四千煩惱,我們有辦法將它攝於一念嗎?清淨無染這一念心,我們有辦法這樣攝受下來嗎?
 
佛說經八千劫
復入靜室
住八萬四千劫
謂佛入禪定之室
不起於座
共經如是劫
 
「佛說經八千劫」,復入靜室也八萬四千劫,在靜室裡面,也有八萬四千劫了,這就是表示「佛入禪定之室,不起於座,共經如是劫」,經過這麼長久的時間,那個定力。大通智勝佛講經八千劫的時間,之後住在靜室八萬四千劫,這就是表示,「總言說經、住定」時間。
 
總言說經、住定
時期之久
益以明佛壽之長也
 
總而言之,我們要了解,大通智勝佛講經之後,無不都是住在定的時間裡。大通智勝佛八千劫講經,但是佛陀,釋迦牟尼佛,七八年的時間也是這樣講經,經過的時間都是那麼的定,定力沒有荒廢掉,這樣來以身作則。
 
這時間的長久,也是在生活中,講經的時間講經,生活的時間在生活,同樣都是在定中,時間很久。
 
「益以明佛壽之長」。在大通智勝佛那麼久的時間,現在釋迦牟尼佛,時間的長短,與大通智勝佛之長,釋迦牟尼佛的時間之短,這就是因為我們眾生的業力。人間眾生壽命苦短,人間的壽命很短,不只是這樣時間短,還加上了無常等等,我們更是不能休廢,不要有這樣中途休,就是這樣休息了,或者是浪費了時間,我們要好好用心去體會。
 
所以「靜室,入定之處所」,靜室就是入定的地方。
 
靜室:
入定之處所
八萬等
住定之時節
智佛入定
是結緣之近由
由入定不出
千萬億疑惑之眾
無所咨問
故十六沙彌
為其覆講法華
 
八萬等,住定之時間,八萬四千劫就是在定的時間裡,心攝在定中。大通智勝佛入定是結緣近由,就是要讓這些沙彌有機會,他在那個時間裡入定,這當中,有人大乘法有懷疑,這些人就能有十六沙彌,來為他們解惑,為他們講解,讓他們去除了惑,堅立他們的信心,這是結緣眾。
 
沙彌所說的法,那時候,可能我們在那裡,不過我們是不是有透徹了解嗎?相信我們在過去是中士,不是上士聽法;我們是中士聞法,一知半解,說不定聽進去,相信了,過了之後忘記了,這就是中根器,但是也是有聽到,有緣。或者是,是下根機的人,聽還是不懂。
 
不論如何,三根,這是永遠都是在人群中,永遠修行的團體裡,同樣有上、中、下根器。人間本來就這樣,大家若都是上根器,這個世間就沒有濁穢了,世間就是叫做淨土了。世間還會有這麼的複雜,還會這樣濁氣這麼重,就是因為根機不整齊,上、中、下的根機在聽法。所以,法,有人能信受,體解大道,能夠發無上心,多數的人,千萬億種的眾生,還是有疑惑在。大通智勝佛的時代是這樣,何況釋迦牟尼佛的時代呢?何況我們現在,目前的時代呢?這種上、中、下根器的人就是這樣,這麼的不整齊。
 
大通智勝佛入定了,就是要讓聞法者有機會去(當)說法者,將來他們能傳法者,這是大通智勝佛,要成就弟子的方法。所以這是入定,要有這結緣眾的近緣,就是他的時代,大通智勝佛的時代,那時候的近由。
 
其實這個因緣開始,要再經過很長,多長呢?塵點劫,無始的無始這麼長久以來,所說的近,是在大通智勝佛那時候,造就十六沙彌那個時代的關係,就是很近。就是為那個時候開始,未來這麼長的時間,塵點劫。所以<化城喻品>,開始說塵點劫,塵點劫的塵點劫,無始中的無始以前,這就是表示很久,就是從那個時候開始的未來。
 
所以「由入定不出」,這就是要成就弟子的機會。
 
「千萬億疑惑之眾無所咨問」。這麼多人聽經,大通智勝佛講經,雖然用了那麼長的時間,也還有很多人,無量,千萬億種的眾生還在疑惑中,所以「無所咨問」,自然沙彌就能為他們說法,這是在大通智勝佛的時代。其實這樣延續下來到現在,釋迦佛的時代,二千多年前,上、中、下根器的人也很多,出家之後,心受疑惑的,在佛陀的身邊,也有這樣的比丘。
 
一位年輕的比丘在外面托缽時,看到一位女孩子很漂亮,那個緣這樣深深地緣入,這位年輕比丘的內心,不斷糾纏,自己的內心一直糾纏。那個女孩子的美貌,這個色一直在心裡,色中起欲,念念不忘,這種迷惑在色裡。
 
生病了,他的同修者,就是僧團裡看到,只為了這件事,這樣這麼長久的時間,無法吃、不能睡,大家輪流去輔導他。但是怎麼輔導,他就這樣說:「你們說的道理,我都知道,不過我就是心一直纏,無法解開啊!到底為什麼呢?這麼美,這若是在我的懷抱裡,不知要多好啊!」這些同修,同修行者沒辦法,向佛請教:「怎麼辦呢?他已經心病這麼重了。」佛陀就說:「你叫他來,我會滿足他的願。」
 
年輕比丘很高興,就趕緊來到佛的面前,佛陀說:「大家跟我出來,來滿足這位年輕比丘的心願。」很高興,但是這些同修者心就有疑了:「修行不是要清淨嗎?這位年輕的比丘,心的染著這麼重,佛陀為什麼要滿他的心願?」所以大家也好奇了,就這樣隨佛去。
 
到了那個女孩子的家。為什麼這個家庭,怎!在辦喪事呢?是什麼事啊?原來是這位女孩子,在幾天前忽然間往生了。現在她家的父母說:「我們捨不得啊!捨不得把她送去火化,還在家裡。」佛陀就將他帶著,說:「我去看看她。」比丘進去了,佛與修行者還沒到,就聞到很臭的味道,走近這個屍體面前,整個都腫脹起來了,而且也流出屍水了,所以很臭,面目都整個腫脹了,很嚇人的一個身體。
 
佛陀就向這位比丘,年輕的比丘說:「來,你靠近過來。」「我不要,我不敢。」「你不是很喜歡嗎?」趕緊向佛懺悔:「佛陀啊,我一時的迷惑,被這個色迷了,忘記佛陀所教我們的觀身不淨。我了解了,佛啊,我懺悔了。」佛陀是用這樣的方法,來教導弟子。
 
所以我們應該,迷惑到底要如何解呢?在環境中身體力行。「你的欲心那麼大,怎麼樣都沒辦法,只是為了色,這樣病了。看,這樣的色欲,難道是真實、是乾淨的嗎?要觀身不淨啊!」心就是被間斷了,修行的心間斷了。我們若能無間修,不間斷,佛陀所說的法,「觀身不淨」,對色欲有什麼好貪戀呢?我們要長期好好地修行,我們不要浪費時間,時間苦短。
 
幾天前,很漂亮在街上走,幾天後就往生,變成這樣的屍體,人生無常啊!這是佛陀說法的過程。在日常生活中,要人人要入人群中去體會、去了解,行菩薩道,就是要從這樣的人群來體會,來堅定我們的道心。所以,時間長久,我們要攝於一心,我們將這些八萬四千的雜念,攝為一念的定心,若能這樣,就是真修行者。所以我們要時時多用心啊!


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Explanations by Master Cheng-Yan
Subject: The Buddha Entering Samadhi Led to Affinities(佛入靜室結緣近由)
Date: March. 30. 2017

“The Buddha entered His meditation room and sat in stillness. The thousands, millions, billions of people had doubts and confusion, but had no one they could ask. Therefore, the 16 novices repeated the sutra on behalf of [the Buddha]. This was the reason that they formed affinities at the Lotus Dharma-assembly.”

Do you still remember the previous sutra passage? In the previous passage, Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha taught the Lotus Sutra, because causes and conditions had already matured. For a long period of time, He had been teaching according to capabilities, until causes and conditions had matured. The 16 novices requested the Great Dharma, and it was then that Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha began teaching the Great Dharma, the Wondrous Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra. The 16 novices all faithfully accepted it, and there were those among the Hearers who also had faith and understanding. “The remaining sentient beings, those thousands, millions, billions of kinds, all gave rise to doubt and confusion.” This was in the previous passage; we have already understood this.

After the Buddha taught the Lotus Sutra, He entered His meditation room and sat in stillness. Sakyamuni Buddha was like this too. After teaching the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, He also became tranquil and calm and, while in Samadhi, radiated light from His brow. He did not move for a very long time, and everyone began to have doubts. We should still remember this section from the Introductory Chapter. Before the Lotus Sutra, [the Buddha taught] the Sutra of Infinite Meanings. We see how, after teaching the Great Dharma, [the Buddha] must settle Himself like this and earnestly contemplate. The profound meaning of the Dharma is something we must understand very well.

Yet at the time He settled Himself, some who had heard opened up their minds and completely understood. They all rejoiced. Some had heard and understood, “It seems as if the Dharma is like this.” They had faith, but their understanding was still not mature. Then there were also those who still had doubts. With sentient beings’ capabilities, though the Buddha felt that causes and conditions had matured, sentient beings’ capabilities were still not even. Those with mature capabilities had already matured. Those who had not yet matured were still not ready. This is like how in the world time is everlasting. The river of time is so long, space is so vast and sentient beings are always present. There are always virtuous people who accept the virtuous ways and put them into practice. Then there are those of undefiled nature, who cannot tell right from wrong, whose nature is neither good nor evil.

Upon seeing virtuous people, they follow them. Upon hearing evil people, they follow them as well. It has been this way from Beginningless Time. Sentient beings’ capabilities are like this.

In the time of a Buddha, even Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior’s era dust-inked kalpas ago, in Beginningless Time, human nature is like this. From dust-inked kalpas ago, from Beginningless Time up till now, sentient beigns’ capabilities have always been like this. There are those with faith who believe, and there are also those without faith who doubt. This is life.

When Buddhas teach the Dharma, all Buddhas share the same path. Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha was like this in the past, too. After teaching the Great Dharma, He entered His meditation room to sit in stillness. While He sat in meditation, there were still thousands, millions, billions of people who had doubts and confusion.

We spoke of this yesterday; some people will understand and some will not. Some speak the same language while some do not. People’s natures are all different. When we speak of sentient beings, “sentient beings” include all living beings. Humans are one type of sentient being. There are other types of sentient beings as well, of many types. So, it talks about the thousands, millions billions of kinds of sentient beings; these were the ones with doubts. In the past, present and future, there are many of these sentient beings. In the Buddha’s compassion, for those sentient beings who doubted in the past, He taught them again in that life. For those sentient beings in that life who still had doubts, He planted a seed in them so that He might again guide them in future lives.

Sentient beings of the past, present and future, those who presently had affinities and those who did not, are all included in this. So, there were thousands, millions, billions of kinds of sentient beings, those who doubted with evil intentions, those who doubted with virtuous intentions, or those who doubted due to lack of understanding.

All these were included in the thousands, millions, billions of kinds. So, among these, there were those with virtuous intentions, yet who still did not understand. After listening in the Dharma-assembly, those who had not thoroughly understood still had questions, but the Buddha was already in Samadhi. Remember the Introductory Chapter. When the Buddha had finished teaching the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, was the Dharma-assembly now finished? He had finished teaching; could they now disperse? So, everyone sat there looking at each other, questioning one another.

Only at this time did Maitreya Bodhisattva and Manjusri Bodhisattva begin to have a dialogue. It was a similar situation; the Buddha had entered His meditation room and entered Samadhi, so who was there for them to ask questions? At this time, the 16 novices began teaching the sutra again on [the Buddha’s] behalf.

This is like when Maitreya had questions and asked Manjusri Bodhisattva. Manjusri Bodhisattva then explained to him. But in Great Unhindered Buddha’s time, who were they to ask? The 16 novices already had deep faith, faith and understanding. Their faith was deep, they understood; they accepted the Dharma and put it into practice. Because the 16 novices faithfully accepted and put the teachings into practice, they understood the Dharma very well. Since no one there had anyone they could ask, the 16 novices began going everywhere to teach the Lotus again. At the Lotus Dharma-assembly, the 16 novices began to teach it again.

So, there were many sentient beings at the Lotus Dharma-assembly who formed affinities with the 16b novices. The 16 novices, by repeating the teaching, dispelled the doubts of those thousands, millions and billions of sentient beings. Those with doubts listened to each of the 16 novices expound upon what they had gained from listening to the Dharma. Whatever they had understood, they explained it to these people, so each of these people mutually formed an affinity with one of the novices.

Thus, these were the “associators.” Sakyamuni Buddha was among the 16 novices, was one of those 16 voices. In the Lotus Assembly of Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha, He thoroughly understood what He had heard. For those who did not understood, He similarly taught them again until they too reached faith and understanding. These people were those who formed affinities with Sakyamuni Buddha, then one of the 16 princes and now the present Sakyamuni Buddha. They were the associators. They formed these affinities at Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior’s assembly.

As we now have these causes and conditions that enable us to listen to the Dharma, to listen to the Lotus Sutra, I believe we must have been present in Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha’s time. We were among the thousands, millions with doubts, those in the assembly with doubts and confusion.

Later, through one of the 16 novices, our present Sakyamuni Buddha, explaining it for us again, [these were resolved]. We were among those who formed affinities with Him at that Lotus Dharma-assembly.

Actually, Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha entered His mediation room in order to help the 16 novices succeed. Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha understood the 16 novices’ realizations of the Great Vehicle Dharma, that they could faithfully accept and practice it, that with their understanding, for the sake of those who still doubted, those 16 novices undoubtedly had the power to explain things for them. So, this was the reason they could form affinities at the Lotus Dharma-assembly.

Had Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha not entered His mediation room, those thousands, millions and billions of beings who had doubts and confusion would undoubtedly have brought them to Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha, so the 16 novices would never have had a chance. Thus, He did so to give the 16 novices a chance. This was Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha creating causes and conditions to the 16 novices succeed. With these causes and conditions, the 16 novices were able to form Dharma-affinities with the sentient beings whom they would deliver and transform in the future. We often say that perhaps we were associators at the assembly of Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha who formed affinities with one of the 16 novices. For countless kalpas, for lifetime after lifetime, [the last] of those 16 novices followed those who had affinities with him. He continually sought the Dharma and transformed sentient beings, continually went among people and continually created blessed affinities and cultivated blessed causes. Causes and conditions eventually matured, and in a time 2000-plus years removed from us, in the kingdom of Kapilavastu, Prince Siddhartha engaged in spiritual practice and attained perfect enlightenment. He attained Buddhahood and transformed sentient beings, so the Buddha-Dharma has been passed down till now, over 2000 years later. We must again pass down the Buddha-Dharma so it continues on into the future. Then when another Buddha appears in the world, we can continue. This Buddha of the future is someone now who must continue to carry on the teachings for a very long time, still continuously being transformed by the Buddha’s teaching. As one of the sentient beings who, with the Buddha-Dharma of Sakyamuni Buddha, will reach attainment in the future, perhaps this is someone in our society now. Lifetime after lifetime they must carry on the Dharma of Sakyamuni Buddha. They must continually accept the Buddha-Dharma as they go among people. Constantly going among people similarly takes a very long time. So, we must be mindful. In our treatment of every single person, we must be trusting and patient.

In the past, haven’t we spoken of the Four Practices? The Four Practices mean we must engage in extended practice, practice with nothing further, uninterrupted practice and practice with reverence. That is correct; we must continually engage in spiritual practice and, over the course of our spiritual practice, whomever we meet, we should always treat them with reverence and respect, for everyone has the possibility of attaining Buddhahood in the future. In the future, it will be the same. Those who listen to the Dharma now, who teach and spread the Dharma now are just like those 16 novices. When the Buddha entered His meditation room and everyone began to have doubts, those who had already heard and understood could use their understanding to resolve the doubts of those with doubts and confusion. By resolving doubts, the Dharma can continue to be passed down. We should also be like this now, with uninterrupted practice and practice with nothing further. We should not waste time. Practice with nothing further means we have no further time to waste. Time is truly running out, so we must not waste any free time we may have. We need to have practice with nothing further and extended practice. So, our practice should be uninterrupted, extended, with nothing further. This is how we keep seizing the moment. We treat everyone with reverence and respect. This is one of our spiritual practices.

The 16 novices practiced in this way, and each in his own world attained Buddhahood. Sakyamuni Buddha was one of those novices. We were among those who formed affinities then. Each of us was on among them, so we should all thoroughly respect ourselves and practice with reverence. We respect hat others too have the possibility of becoming a Buddha in the future. So, we must be mindful and seek to understand this [sutra] passage. For such a long time, these places of practice.

Now let us look at the previous passage. “Among the Hearers in the assembly, there were also those with faith and understanding. The remaining sentient beings, those thousands, millions, billions of kind, all gave rise to doubt and confusion”. We have just said that, “The Buddha taught this sutra for 8000 kalpas without ever resting or stopping”.

The Buddha continually expounded this sutra. He never stopped teaching it. The 16 novices similarly engaged in spiritual practice without interruption. After He taught the Great Dharma, just like after [Sakyamuni Buddha] taught the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, He entered Samadhi. Sakyamuni Buddha first entered Samadhi; only later did He begin teaching the Lotus Sutra. Sakyamuni Buddha taught the Great Vehicle Dharma for seven or eight years, but Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior taught for 8000 kalpas without resting or stopping, continually practicing the Great Vehicle Dharma and expounding the Great Vehicle teachings. He did this “without ever resting or stopping”. In this way, He “had taught this sutra”.

The next passage says, “Having taught this sutra, He then entered His meditation room and abided in Samadhi for 84,000 kalpas. He abided in Samadhi for 84,000 kalpas”.

He spent a very long time to explain it; He put it into practice for seven or eight years. Sakyamuni Buddha did this for seven or eight years. He taught the sutra, and at the same time put it into practice, without ever resting or stopping. He did it without resting or wasting time, “without ever resting or stopping”. When He finished teaching, He entered His meditation room to rest, but He was not taking a break to rest; He entered His mediation room and abided in Samadhi for 84,000 kalpas”. He went into His meditation room to enter Samadhi.

Having taught this sutra, He then entered His meditation room: He had taught the Lotus Sutra, and the sutra explained the study of Samadhi. He urged all sentient beings, in free moments, to engage in tranquil practice and collect their minds. The Buddha appeared in this world to set an example for people. Therefore, having taught the sutra, He then entered the meditation room.

This shows how, after He finished teaching the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha wanted us to know Samadhi, the importance of precepts, Samadhi and wisdom. After we listen to the sutras, we must earnestly accept and uphold them in our minds and not engage in mistaken behavior. We must guard against wrongs and stop evil. Furthermore, with the faith and understanding we have upon listening to the Dharma, we must remain firm in our aspirations. So, He clearly wanted us to understand Samadhi, not simply listen to the Dharma then afterwards lost focus, engage in pointless chatter. We are so mindful in listening to the sutras; if, at the times we are not listening, we lose our focus and engage in pointless chatter, talking about whatever kind of useless nonsense, this is not right. After hearing the sutras, we must settle our minds. We must remain in Samadhi, even in our daily living. Our daily living too should be within Samadhi. So, we must train in the study of Samadhi. Of course, when we have time we can regulate our breathing and settle ourselves a little. In our daily living, our minds should also remain in Samadhi. This is something we must learn, how to keep our minds from becoming scattered and our speech from being pointless. We should not lose focus and engage in pointless chatter. Every time we have a meal, why do we all put our palms together? We do so to not lose focus and engage in pointless chatter. The principle is the same. Our daily living should also be like this, with our minds in Samadhi, not losing focus. So, “He urged all sentient beings, in free moments, to engage in tranquil practice and collect their minds”. He advised and guided us to collect our minds whenever we are free. This is how the Buddha, by appearing in the world, set an example with His actions. While in this world, He showed everyone how we should never waste time, never let time pass us by. If we remain unfocused, with a wavering mind, unresolute in our faith, that is a waste.

So, after the Buddha finished teaching the sutra, He still spent a long time in Samadhi. The Buddha was setting an example for others. So, because of this, He manifested this appearance. After finishing the sutra, He entered His meditation room He did not waste time after finishing the sutra. Great Enlightened Ones who have already attained Buddhahood still never waste any time, so what about us spiritual practitioners who are still pursuing the Buddha-Dharma? We must work even harder.

He abided in Samadhi: In Sanskrit, [meditation] is dhyana. This means tranquil extinction, skillful Samadhi. One can enter, abide or exit it. Earlier it spoke of the “meditation room,” which was entering Samadhi. Now it says He abided in Samadhi.

“He abided in Samadhi.” The ancient Zen masters said, “Chopping wood, carrying water, all is meditation.” In our daily living, everything is Samadhi. So, “meditation” is to be settled in Samadhi. In Sanskrit, this is called “dhyana.” When we translate this world, it means “tranquil extinction, skillful Samadhi.” When our mind is always tranquil and clear, when we have eliminated all kinds of afflictions, this is “tranquil extinction, skillful Samadhi.” Our mind is totally pure, tranquil and clear, without discursive thought or afflictions; this is extinction. So, this is called, “tranquil extinction, skillful Samadhi.”

It is part of the course of our spiritual practice. This is known as “Nirvana with remainder.”  “Nirvana with remainder” means we are still practicing. What we must learn is Samadhi. So, we must sit in stillness, regulate our breath and not allow our minds to become scattered. This is also good for physical and mental health.

Or, with sitting meditation, we can regulate our bodies and minds. But we spend most of our time each day away from sitting meditation, so it is most important to train ourselves so that our minds, whether we are still or moving, never leave that state tranquility and clarity where we eliminate all thoughts of affliction. This is something we must train ourselves in over the course of our spiritual practice.

So, the sutra we just mentioned speaks of the “meditation room.” This means “entering Samadhi.” Entering the meditation room means entering Samadhi. He entered Samadhi in this tranquil place and stayed there for 84,000 kalpas, which was a very long time.

For 84,000 kalpas: In Samadhi, His body passed through many kalpas. In expressing the Dharma, this means we must want to collect the mind and calm the 84,000 defilements and afflictions.

“In Samadhi, His body” was what could be seen; His body sat there, for a very long time, remaining in Samadhi. He “passed through so many kalpas.” He remained there for such a long time in order to demonstrate this teaching. I often tell you all not to waste time. How much time is there in a day, do you know? There are 86,400 seconds, such a long time. Are we able to sit all day long? When He entered the meditation room like this, His mind never wavered for even a second.

Look at us ordinary beings; over the course of a day, over the whole day, all 86,400 seconds, are our minds always this tranquil and clear, without any afflictions? Are we able to do this? Yet the Buddha, for 84,000 kalpas, remained in Samadhi with body and mind. This very long time was to express the Dharma. This means we must collect our minds and calm the 84,000 defilements and afflictions. We run around so busily throughout the entire day, those 80,000-plus seconds. During those 86,400 seconds, no one knows how much ignorance and affliction flashes through our minds. Can we collect our minds, collect and focus them in a single thought? There are 84,000 afflictions; are we able to collect them all within a single pure and undefiled mindset? Can we capture and collect them like this?

“The Buddha taught the sutra for 8000 kalpas. He then entered His meditation room and abided for 84,000 kalpas.” He entered His meditation room also for 84,000 kalpas. This shows that “The Buddha entered the meditation room and did not get up from His seat, thus passing a total of so many kalpas.

What power of Samadhi He must have had to be able to sit for so long! Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha taught the sutra for 8000 kalpas, after which He entered the meditation room for 84,000 kalpas. This was to show, “in all, the time of His teaching the sutra.”

In all, the time of His teaching the sutra and abiding in Samadhi was very long. This further explains that the Buddha’s lifespan was very long.

In any case, we should understand that after Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha finished teaching the sutra, all His time was spent abiding in Samadhi. Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha taught the sutra for 8000 kalpas. But our Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, spent seven to eight years teaching the sutra. In the time that passed, He was in Samadhi. He never neglected His power of Samadhi. This was how He used Himself as an example. These long periods of time included daily life as well. When it was time to teach, He taught; when it was time for daily living, He lived. He always remained in Samadhi. This was a very long period of time.

“This further explains that the Buda’s lifespan was very long.” Great Unhindered Buddha’s time was long, while our present Sakyamuni Buddha’s time was very short. Great Unhindered Buddha’s long life and Sakyamuni Buddha’s short time are both due to our karma as sentient beings. Life in the human realm is painfully short. Our lifespan is very short. Not only is it short, there are also [accidents] and so on. So, this is more reason for us to not rest or stop. We must not stop along the way to rest or waste time. We must mindfully seek to experience the truth.

So, “The meditation room is a place to enter Samadhi.”

The meditation room is the place to enter Samadhi. The meditation room is a place to enter Samadhi. He was in Samadhi for a period of over 80,000 [kalpas]. Wisdom Buddha entering Samadhi was the recent cause of forming affinities. By entering Samadhi and not exiting it, the billions of beings in doubt and confusion had no one to ask. Therefore, the 16 novices repeated the Lotus teachings for them.

He was in Samadhi for a period of over 80,000 [kalpas]. He spent 84,000 kalpas abiding in Samadhi. His mind collected in Samadhi. Great unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha entering Samadhi was the recent cause of forming affinities. It was to give the 16 novices an opportunity. During the time He spent in Samadhi, the many who had doubts about the Great Vehicle Dharma could have the 16 novices clear up their confusion and explain things to them, help them eliminate their confusion and establish their faith. These were the ones who formed affinities.

When the 16 novices taught the Dharma, perhaps we were there at the time. But did we thoroughly understand? I am sure we were of average capacities back then, not those listening with great capabilities. We had average capabilities when listening, only reaching a partial understanding. Upon hearing it, we might have even taken it in and believed in it, but after a while we forgot it. This is what those of average capacities are like. But we heard it and thus formed affinities.

Or, perhaps we were of only limited capabilities. We might have heard, but did not understand. No matter which, all of the three capabilities are always found among people and within communities of spiritual practitioners. There will always be those of great, average and limited capabilities.

The world has always been this way. If everyone had great capabilities, this world would have no turbidities or filth. The world would then be a pure land. The reason the world is still so complicated, with such severe turbidities, is because our capabilities are not equal. Those of great, average and limited capabilities all listen to the Dharma. Though some can faithfully accept the Dharma, comprehend the great path and form the supreme aspiration, most people, the thousands, millions, billions of kinds of sentient beings, still have doubts and confusion. If Great unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha’s era was like this, then what about Sakyamuni Buddha’s era? What about our own present era? These people of great, average or limited capabilities are just like this; they are very different. Great unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha entered Samadhi to allow those listeners of the Dharma to have a chance to become teachers of the Dharma, to become transmitters of the Dharma. Great unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha did this as a method to help His disciples succeed. His entering Samadhi was the recent cause for them to form affinities.

In His era, in Great unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha’s era, these were the causes at that time. Though these causes and conditions had begun, they would continue on for a very long time. How long? For dust-inked kalpas, like the period from Beginningless Time till now. So, “recent” refers to Great unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha’s connection with the 16 novices. This was very close, as it began then and would continue for a long time in the future, for dust-inked kalpas.

So, the Parable of the Conjured City began by speaking of dust-inked kalpas, dust-inked kalpas upon dust-inked kalpas, the time before Beginningless Time. This means a very long period of time. This would be the future from that starting point.

So, “by entering Samadhi and not exiting it,” He was giving His disciples the chance to succeed. “The billions of beings in doubt and confusion had no one to ask.” There were so many people who had listened to Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha teach. Although He taught for such a long time, there were still countless numbers of people, thousands, millions, billions of kinds of sentient beings, still in doubt and confusion. So, as “they had no one to ask,” naturally the novices could teach the Dharma to them. This was in Great Unhindered Wisdom Superior Buddha’s time.

Actually, this has continued until now, into the era of Sakyamuni Buddha. Over 2000 years ago there were still many with great, average and limited capabilities. After becoming monastics, they still had doubt and confusion in their minds. Even by the Buddha’s side there were also bhiksus like this.

There was once a young bhiksu begging for alms who saw a very beautiful girl. His affinity for her was such that it entered deep into his heart and he was continually entangled by it. His mind became so entangled by that girl’s beautiful looks that her appearance was always in his mind. Desire for her arose in his every thought, and he became deluded and lost in his lust. He fell ill, and His fellow practitioners, the others in the Sangha, saw how, just because of this matter, for such a long period of time, this bhiksu was unable to eat or sleep. Everyone took turns counseling him. But how could they counsel him? He said to them, “I know all the principles you speak of, but my mind is continually entangled. I cannot free myself.” “Why is this?” “She is so pretty; if she were in my embrace, it would be so wonderful!”

There was nothing that his fellow practitioners could do, so they went to ask the Buddha, “What should be done? He is mentally becoming sicker.”

The Buddha said, “Tell him to come and I will fulfill his wish.” He was very happy and rushed before the Buddha. The Buddha said, “Everyone, come with me to grant this bhiksu’s wish.” He was very happy, but his fellow practitioners had their doubts. “Isn’t spiritual practice about purity? The mind of this young bhiksu is so severely defiled. Why would the Buddha want to fulfill his wish?” So, everyone was also very curious as they followed the Buddha.

They arrived at that girl’s house. Why was this family preparing for a funeral? What had happened. It turned out that this girl had suddenly passed away several days ago. “And now where is she?”

Her parents said, “We cannot let go. We cannot bear to cremate her. She is still here in the house.” The Buddha led him in and said, “I want to take a look at her.” The bhiksu went inside. Before the Buddha and the practitioners went in, they could already smell the stench. When they went before the corpse, it was all bloated and fluids were seeping from it, so it smelled very bad. Her face was completely bloated; it was a terrifying corpse. The Buddha then spoke to the young bhiksu saying, “Come, draw near.” “I do not want to, I do not dare.” “Isn’t she the one you like?” He quickly repented to the Buddha “Venerable Buddha! I had a moment of confusion. I was blinded by desire. I forgot how the Buddha taught us to contemplate the body as impure. Now I understand. Venerable Buddha, I repent.”

This was the method used by the Buddha to teach His disciple. So, what should we do to release ourselves from delusion? As you practice in this environment, if your desire is so great that you are unable to do anything else, but only focus on lust , then this is an illness. Look, is this sexual desire. Something that is real, that is clean? We must contemplate the body as impure!

Otherwise this is an interruption of our spiritual aspirations. Our practice needs to be uninterrupted practice. The Buddha taught us to “contemplate the body as impure.” What lustful desire is worth clinging to? We must engage earnestly in spiritual practice for an extended time. We cannot waste any of our time. Time is painfully short. A few days prior, she was so pretty on the streets. A few days later she had passed away and had become a corpse like that. Life is impermanent!

This is how the Buddha taught the Dharma. In our daily living, we must go among people to experience and understand. When walking the Bodhisattva-path, we gain experience by [interacting] with others and thus strengthen our will to practice.

So, over a long period of time, let us collect our thoughts into one mind, take our 84,000 discursive thoughts and collect them into a single mind of Samadhi. If we can do this, we are true spiritual practitioners. Therefore, let us always be mindful!

(Source: Da Ai TV – Wisdom at Dawn program – Explanation by Master Chen-Yen)
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