Chanting the Buddha's name 念佛

Chanting the Buddha's name refers to the repetitive recitation on one of the names of the Buddhas. This practice may help practitioners, especially those beginners or junior lay-men, cultivate mindfulness, and focus. It is the easier way for beginners, particularly beginners in Pure Land Buddhism. What they should do is willing to believe that by chanting this Buddha's name repeatedly, they can maintain a subtle connection with this Buddha, and they are not required to memorize scriptures and teachings at once. 

念佛是指反覆念誦其中一尊佛的名號。這種修行方法可以幫助修行者，特別是初學者或初級在家人，培養正念和專注力。對於初學者，尤其是淨土宗初學者來說，這是比較容易的方法。他們應該做的就是願意相信，透過反覆念誦此佛名號，就能與此佛保持微妙的聯繫，而不需要一下子背誦經文和教義。

Chanting the Buddhas' names is a common practice in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Pure Land Buddhism. They believe that to maintain the subtle connection with the Buddhas by chanting Buddhas' names may help to reduce the troubles in this life and the ultimate aim of being reborn in the Pure Land, a realm of bliss and enlightenment, where people can continue spiritual practice under the guidance of the Buddhas. On the other hand, Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes the goal of enlightenment in this life through the awareness and adjustment of one's heart and mind, also applies the chanting of the Buddha's name as an auxiliary means to deepen their spiritual practice by achieving a state of shallow meditation.

念佛是大乘佛教，特別是淨土宗常見的修行方式。他們相信，透過念佛來保持與諸佛的微妙聯繫，可以減少今生的煩惱，並最終往生到一個充滿極樂與覺悟的淨土，在那裡人們可以在諸佛的指導下繼續修行。另一方面，強調透過心意的覺知和調整來達到今生開悟的禪宗，也以念佛來作為通往淺層禪定來加深靈修的輔助手段。

Chanting the Buddha's name, for example, "Namo Amituofo" in Sanskrit, "Namo" means "take refuge to", and "Amituofo" refers to one of the Buddhas' names. "Amituofo" can be changed to "AvalokiteZvara" (Bodhisattva Guanyin in Chinese), or other Buddhas's names. This chanting can be done as "Formal Chanting" and "Informal Chanting".

念佛，例如誦念梵文“南無阿彌陀佛”，“南無”是“皈依”的意思，“阿彌陀佛”是其中一位佛的名字。 “阿彌陀佛”可改為“觀世音菩薩”，或其他佛的名字。念佛可以分為「正唸誦」和「散唸誦」。

"Formal Chanting" refers to the chanting of mantras or the Buddhas' names with a specific intonation and rhythm. It's typically done under the lead of monks in a Buddhist monastery who engage in formal recitation by following the traditional methods and forms. It is also done by lay-men at home as their regular morning ritual or evening ritual. Formal chanting emphasizes purity and discipline, and helps in fostering a sense of reverence and solemnity, creating a sacred atmosphere.

「正唸誦」是指以特定的語調和節奏唸誦咒語或聖人的名字。它通常是在佛教寺院的僧侶的帶領下，按照傳統的方法和形式進行正式的誦讀。在家中的平信徒也將其作為他們常規的早晨儀式或晚上儀式。正式的誦經強調純潔和紀律，有助於培養敬畏感和莊嚴感，營造神聖的氛圍。

To perform a "Formal Chanting", practitioners should choose a peaceful environment without distractions (just like the monastery), where they can sit comfortably cross-legged or any posture that allows them to maintain a straight back and relaxed body. A few deep breaths to center one's focus is necessary before chanting. Keep focusing on the sound of the words when chanting is started and bring the mind back to the chant whenever it drifts.

進行「正誦唸」時，修行人應選擇一個安靜、沒有雜念的環境（就像寺院一樣），可以舒適地盤腿坐或任何能讓背部挺直、身體放鬆的坐姿。在唸誦之前，需要進行幾次深呼吸以集中註意力。當唸誦開始時，保持專注於單字的聲音，並在心時將注意力帶回唸誦上。

"Informal Chanting" is more relaxed and fewer forms, it is suitable for beginners as simple practice, or additional spiritual practice for lay-men. Since it focuses less on the sacred atmosphere, it can be done in the environment allows safe distraction, such as when one is bathing, walking in the park, doing housework, or on the commuting time without driving.

「散唸誦」比較輕鬆，形式也較少，適合初學者作為簡單修行，或在家居士的額外的靈修。由於它不太需要神聖氛圍，因此可以在可以安全分散注意力的環境中進行，例如洗澡、在公園散步、做家務、或在不用駕駛的通勤時間。

Chanting the Buddha's name is a simple and meaningful practice method that can be done with a pure mind, and regardless of wealth or social class. By chanting with the mouth or in the heart, advanced practitioners can achieve the purpose of purifying the mind and eliminating sins. For beginners, it helps to increase happiness and wisdom. Are you, the readers of this article, willing to do this practice? 

念佛是一種簡單而有意義的修行方法，任何人不論財富或社會階層如何，都可以用純淨的心靈來完成。高級修行者們透過口念或心中念誦，可以達到淨化心靈、消除罪惡的目的。對於初學者來說，有助於增加福氣和智慧。作為本文的讀者，您願意進行這種修行嗎？

The rituals of Buddhists 佛教的儀軌

Just like praying in the morning, evening and during meals for Christians, or scripture chanting in the morning and evening for Catholics, there are prayer rituals for Buddhists.

就像基督徒的早、晚、飯時祈禱，天主教徒的早、晚誦經一樣，佛教徒也有祈福儀式。

The formal prayer rituals run at a monastery. The lay-men and the followers pray with a specific intonation and rhythm led by monks. The chanting includes scriptures, mantras or the saint's name, praise, aspiration, the Three Refuges, and finally the Dedication of Merits. The scriptures, mantras, praises and the Dedication being chanted will be different for different reasons (such as for newborn, someone passed away, disasters, or commemoration of a saint, etc.)

正式的祈禱儀式（法會）在寺院舉行。居士和信徒將在僧人的帶領下，以特定的語調和節奏來誦經。念誦內容包括誦經、誦唸真言或佛號、讚謁、發願文、三皈依文，最後是迴向謁。因不同的原因（如為新生兒、過世者、災難、紀念聖人等），所念的經文、咒語、讚嘆詞和迴向詞都會有所不同。

The ritual for lay-Buddhists is easier. When there is no ritual in the monastery, they may pray at home with their own intonation and rhythm. The Three Refuges are specified and necessary both at the monastery and at home, but the scriptures, mantra, aspiration, and dedication of merits may be chosen and specified by the lay-men. Furthermore, instruments such as "wooden fish" are not necessary at home. This is a simple and flexible ritual at home that has been handed down since the peak of Chinese Buddhism in the Tang and Song Dynasties.

居士在家的儀式（課頌）比較簡單。當寺院沒有法會時，他們可以在家中用自己的語調和節奏祈禱。三皈依是在寺院和在家中必須指定的，但經典、真言、發願文、迴向文可以由居士選擇和指定。而且，「木魚」之類的法器在家裡也不是必需的。這是自唐宋時期中國佛教鼎盛時期以來一直流傳下來的一種簡單而靈活的家庭儀式。

For followers that are beginners of Buddhism and have not yet been formal Buddhists, they may not have the idea of making aspiration and dedication as to their less understanding of the scriptures and teachings from Buddha, so, chanting the saint's name is the easiest way for them to get started. 

對於剛學佛、還沒成為正式成為佛教徒的信眾來說，由於對佛經和教義的了解較少，可能沒有發願和迴向的觀念，所以誦唸佛號是他們開始修行的最簡單的方法。

Halloween 萬勝節

 

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has origins that date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter—a time often associated with human death.

10月31日慶祝的萬聖節，其起源可以追溯到兩千多年前古老的凱爾特人的薩溫節 (Samhain)。這一天標誌著夏季和收穫的結束，以及黑暗、寒冷的冬季的開始——這個時期通常與人類死亡聯繫在一起。

Celtics believed that on the night before the new year (Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st), the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred, and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. To commemorate the event, they built huge bonfires, wore costumes, and offered sacrifices.

凱爾特人相信在11月1日新年的前一天晚上，生者世界和死者世界之間的界限變得模糊，死者的鬼魂回到了地球。為了紀念這一事件，他們生起巨大的篝火，穿上盛裝，獻上祭品。

By the 9th century, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In 1000 A.D., the church made November 2nd All Souls’ Day (or Alholowmesse, from Middle English, meaning All Saints' Day). Since that, the traditional Samhain began confused with the All Soul's day and to be called All-Hallows, eventually, Halloween. In its origins and practices, does not directly relate to the belief in Jesus or the core tenets of Christianity. However, like many Christian holidays, was syncretized with local customs to ease the transition for local converts. For some Christians, Halloween is seen as a time to remember the saints (hallows) and the faithful departed.

到了九世紀，基督教的影響力已經蔓延到凱爾特人的土地上。西元1000年，教會將11月2日定為萬靈節（All Souls’ Day或Alholowmesse，源自中古英語，意為諸聖節）。從那時起，傳統的薩溫節開始與萬靈節混淆，並被稱為All-Hallows，最終被稱為萬聖節（Halloween)。就其起源和實踐而言，這節日與基督信仰或基督教的核心教義沒有直接關係。然而，像許多基督教節日一樣，它與當地習俗相融合，以方便當地的信眾的過渡。對一些基督徒來說，萬聖節被視為紀念聖徒（聖徒）和逝去的信徒的時刻。

For many, Halloween is a secular celebration focused on fun, community, and creativity. It’s an opportunity for children and adults alike to dress up, share spooky stories, and enjoy festive activities.

對許多人來說，萬聖節是一個注重樂趣、社區和創造力的世俗慶祝活動。這是兒童和成人盛裝打扮、分享恐怖故事和享受節日活動的機會。

Some Christians and religious groups feel that Halloween’s pagan origins and its associations with the supernatural and macabre make it inappropriate for those who want to keep their practices closely aligned with biblical teachings.

某些基督徒和宗教團體認為萬聖節的異教起源及其與超自然和恐怖的聯繫使得它不適合那些希望自己的習俗與聖經教義緊密結合的人。

Others may have concerns about the emphasis on scare tactics, or the commercialization of the holiday. These concerns are often balanced by those who see Halloween as a harmless cultural tradition.

其他人可能擔心強調恐嚇的策略或節日的商業化。這些擔憂往往被那些將萬聖節視為無害文化傳統的人所平衡。

Whether or not Halloween should be stopped is a personal and communal decision. It’s important to respect diverse viewpoints and consider how this holiday is perceived and celebrated within different cultural and religious contexts. What’s clear is that Halloween, with its deep historical roots and modern-day adaptations, continues to be a point of interest and discussion around the world.

是否應該停止萬聖節是個人和集體的決定。重要的是要尊重不同的觀點，並考慮在不同的文化和宗教背景下如何看待和慶祝這個節日。顯而易見的是，萬聖節有著深厚的歷史根源和現代的適應性，仍然是世界各地關注和討論的焦點。

The Dual Identity of "Indian" in English 英語"Indian"一詞的雙重身份

The English term "Indian" embodies a dual identity shaped by history and geography. It may refer to the Native American (Yan-Dai-On-Yan in Cantonese), or the people from India (Yan-Dou-Yan in Cantonese). By being mindful of the context, we should interpret this term with respect, acknowledging the rich and diverse backgrounds it represents.

英文「Indian」一詞體現了歷史和地理的雙重身份，它可能指的是美洲原住民（印第安人），也可能指來自印度的人（印度人）。透過上下文的理解，我們應該尊重地解釋這個詞語，承認它所代表的豐富多樣的背景。

"Indians" the Native Americans:    美洲原住民「印第安人」：

Historically, the term "Indian" was used by European explorers to describe the indigenous peoples of the Americas. This mislabeling occurred because explorers like Christopher Columbus mistakenly believed they had reached the Indian subcontinent when they arrived in the New World. Despite the error, the term persisted and has been deeply embedded in the history and culture of Native Americans. Today, while "Indian" is still used by some, terms like "Native American" or "Indigenous peoples" are preferred as they more accurately and respectfully represent these diverse communities.

歷史上，"Indians" 一詞被歐洲探險家用來形容美洲的土著人民。這種錯誤標記的發生是因為像克里斯多福·哥倫布這樣的探險家在到達新大陸時錯誤地認為他們已經到達了印度次大陸。儘管有錯誤，這個詞仍然存在，並深深植根於美洲原住民的歷史和文化中。如今，雖然「印第安人」仍然被一些人使用，但「美洲原住民」或「原住民」等詞語更受青睞，因為它們更準確、更尊重地代表這些多元化的社區。

Indians from India:    來自印度的「印度人」： 

On the other hand, "Indian" also refers to the people of India, a country in South Asia with a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and traditions. India's vast cultural heritage is characterized by its festivals, cuisine, classical music, dance forms, and contributions to science and philosophy. Unlike the historical mislabeling of Native Americans, the term "Indian" here accurately represents the people from India, reflecting their identity and nationality.

另一方面，"Indians" 也指來自印度的人，這個南亞國家擁有豐富的語言、宗教和傳統。印度豐富的文化遺產以其節慶、美食、古典音樂、舞蹈形式以及對科學和哲學的貢獻為特色。與歷史上對美洲原住民的錯誤標籤不同，這裡的 "Indians" 一詞準確地代表了來自印度的人民，反映了他們的身份和國籍。

Recognizing the context in which the term "Indian" is used is key to understanding its intended meaning. When referring to Native Americans, context often revolves around historical, cultural, or regional discussions within the Americas. In contrast, when referring to people from India, the conversation typically involves topics related to South Asia or India's global diaspora.

認識 "Indian" 一詞的使用背景是理解其意義的關鍵。當提到美洲原住民時，上下文通常圍繞著美洲境內的歷史、文化或區域討論。相較之下，當提到印度人時，談話通常涉及與南亞或印度全球僑民相關的議題。

Meditation and Zen 冥想與禪修

Many people today turn to practices like meditation and Zen to find peace and clarity for their mind. While both terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct origins, techniques, and goals. Let’s dive into what sets them apart.
如今，許多人投向冥想（打坐）和禪宗等練習來尋找內心的平靜和清晰。雖然這兩個用語經常互換使用，但它們具有不同的起源、技巧和目標。讓我們深入探討一下它們的與眾不同之處。

What is Meditation?  冥想是甚麼？
Meditation is a broad term that encompasses various practices aimed at achieving a state of mental clarity, emotional calmness, and heightened awareness. It has roots in multiple religious and spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and even Christianity, but it is also practiced in secular contexts.
冥想是一個廣泛的用語，包含旨在實現頭腦清晰、情緒平靜和提高意識狀態的各種練習。它植根於多種宗教和精神傳統，包括佛教、印度教，甚至基督信仰，它也能在世俗背景下修練。

Meditation involve focusing on the breath, repeating a mantra, visualizing a peaceful scene, or practicing mindfulness. The primary goals of it include reducing stress, enhancing concentration, and promoting emotional well-being. It can be practiced somewhere to help to keep both body and mind peaceful at any time, making it accessible to people with different lifestyles and schedules.
冥想涉及專注於呼吸、唸誦真言、觀想平靜的場景或正念練習。它的主要目標包括減輕壓力、提高注意力和促進情緒健康。它可以在任何時間及任何有助保持身心平靜的地方練習，適合不同生活方式和作息時間的人。

What is Zen?  襌修是甚麼？
Zen from Zen school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China and later spread to Japan. The word “Zen” is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the same Chinese word, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit word “Dhyana,” meaning "to achieve 'satori' (enlightenment) through meditative concentration".
禪修源自大乘佛教的禪宗，起源於中國，後來傳入日本。「禪」一詞源自於同一個中文單字的日文發音，而「禪」又源自梵文單字「Dhyana」，意思是「透過專於禪定來達到『satori』（開悟）」。

The beginning of Zen is “zazen,” or seated meditation. Practitioners sit in a specific posture, focusing on their breath and observing their thoughts without attachment. Advanced practitioners can focus on their meditative concentration, that means they observe their breath, feelings and thoughts in real time without attachment, even in dynamic environments such as work and activities.
禪修的開始是“zazen”，即打坐。修行者以特定的姿勢打坐，不帶執著的專注於呼吸與觀察自己的思想。高階練習者能夠進入禪定，這意味著即使在工作和活動等動態環境中，他們也可以不帶執著的即時觀察自己的呼吸、感受和思想。

Comparing Meditation and Zen  冥想與禪修的比較
While both meditation and Zen aim to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace, their approaches and philosophies differ significantly.
雖然冥想和禪修都旨在培養正念和內心平靜，但它們的進行方法和哲學卻截然不同。

Origins and Traditions  起源與傳統
Meditation has diverse origins and is practiced in various religious and secular contexts.
冥想有多種起源，並在各種宗教和世俗背景下進行。

Zen is specifically rooted in Buddhist tradition, with a strong emphasis on direct experience and enlightenment. 
禪修特別植根於佛教傳統，非常強調親身體驗和開悟。

Techniques  技巧
Meditation includes a wide range of techniques, such as mindfulness, mantra repetition, and guided visualization.
冥想包括多種技巧，例如正念、咒語重複和引導想像。

Zen primarily focuses on concentration, insight and awareness. Zen often involves the use of koans, which are paradoxical questions or statements used to provoke deep thought and insight.
禪修主要著重專注、洞察力和意識。禪修經常涉及使用公案，即是用於激發深刻的思考和洞察力的矛盾問題或陳述。

Goals  目標
Meditation aims to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional well-being.
冥想旨在減輕壓力、提高專注力並增強情緒健康。

Zen seeking to achieve enlightenment, that is, a deeper understanding of the reality of the world and one's true nature.
禪修尋求開悟，即對世界的現實和自己的本質有更深刻的了解

Practice Environment  修練環境
Meditation can be practiced anywhere, from a quiet room to a bustling city park.
冥想可以在任何地方練習，從安靜的房間到繁華的城市公園。

Zen traditionally practiced in a monastery, though it can also be adapted to other dynamic settings.
禪修傳統上在寺院進行，但也可以因應其他動態環境而調整。

Conclusion   結語
Both meditation and Zen offer valuable tools for cultivating mindfulness and inner peace. Whether you are drawn to the structured practice of Zen or the diverse techniques of meditation, both paths can lead to profound personal growth and insight. By understanding their differences, you can choose the practice that best aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
冥想和禪修都為培養正念和內心平靜提供了寶貴的工具。無論您是被禪修結構化的修習還是多樣化的冥想技巧所吸引，這兩條道路都可以帶來深刻的個人成長和洞察力。透過了解它們的差異，您可以選擇最適合您的目標和生活方式的做法。