Difficulties in studying Buddhism 學佛的難處

The purpose of Buddhism is to educate all sentient beings with compassion. The widespread spread of this belief was originally intended to make society more harmonious. However, many people give up their studying on Buddhism practice because it is difficult to understand. There are also some "believers" who have a "superstitious" mentality towards Buddhism and have not continued to develop their faith to the stage of "true faith". Why?

佛教的宗旨是以慈悲心來教育眾生。這個信仰的廣泛傳播，原本是為了讓社會更加和諧。然而，許多人因為佛法難以理解而放棄修行上的學習。還有一些「信徒」對佛教抱持著「迷信」心態，沒有將信仰繼續發展到「正信」階段。為什麼？

There are two most important obstacles encountered in the development of this religion: (1) Ancient scriptures from certain countries are still used to guide relatively complex doctrines, with few or no modern texts. And (2) The talk in the scriptures always mixes with the transcendental state and various realistic phenomena (problems and solutions encountered in life, Karma or Cause And Effect), but the principles of transcendence can only be understood by those who are enlightened.

該宗教的發展遇到兩個最重要的障礙：（1）仍然以某些國家的古代經文來指導相對複雜的教義，現代文本很少或根本沒有。(2) 經文中總是把超凡入聖的狀態和各種現實的現象（生活中遇到的問題和解決方法，業力或因果）混合在一起來討論，但超凡入聖的狀態只有已開悟的人才能理解。

Let's start with the text and escape the principle of transcendence. According to linguistics, every language is constantly changing, some new words are created, and some words are eliminated or given other words or meanings. Therefore, it is difficult for modern people to understand the contents written in ancient texts hundreds or even thousands of years ago, even if these contents are the product of the same culture. Thus, processing profound philosophical education with untimely words will cause serious problems with understanding, and it will destroy many people’s willingness to learn.

這裡先從文字文本入手，暫時不論超凡入聖的狀態。根據語言學，每種語言都在不斷變化，一些新詞被創造出來，一些詞被消除或被賦予其他詞義或含義。因此，現代人很難理解數百年甚至數千年前的古代文本中所寫的內容，即使這些內容是同一文化的產物。所以，用不合時宜的話語來進行高深的哲學教育，會造成嚴重的理解問題，也會摧毀許多人的學習意願。

The most complete Buddhist connotations are preserved in Sanskrit, classical Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist classics. If these Buddhist scriptures could be translated into modern languages through intralingual translation, the development of this belief would be better. Although this act may not allow unenlightened people to understand the principles of transcendence, it can make more people enlightened. Of course, it would be better if interlingual translation could be done at the same time.

梵文、漢文和藏傳佛教經典中保存了最完整的佛教內涵。如果這些佛經能夠透過語內翻譯的方式翻譯成現代語言，這種信仰的發展會更好。雖然這個舉動可能無法讓未開悟的人了解超凡入聖的狀態，但它可以讓更多的人開悟。當然，如果能同時進行跨語言翻譯就更好了。

Furthermore, through Buddhist scriptures, we should know that the Buddha often pointed out that any words, language, and expressions can be used to express his teaching, and noticed us not to be obsessed with the form of words. Therefore, the dissemination of Buddhism must keep pace with the times. The various expressions and dissemination methods that everyone can understand and that are popular among the public can be applied, including producing animations, cartoons and comics of Buddhist stories, filling in the lyrics with scriptures, Dharma talks on the Internet, multilingual forums of Buddhism on TV...

再者，透過佛教經典，我們應該知道，佛陀經常指出任何文字、語言、表達方式都可以用來表達他的教義，並告誡我們不要執著於文字的形式。因此，佛教的傳播必須與時俱進，可以採用大家都能理解的、大眾流行的各種表現形式和傳播方式，包括製作佛教故事的動畫、漫畫、漫畫，在歌詞中填入經典、網上佛法開示、電視多語種佛教論壇…

 The purpose of Buddhism is to educate all sentient beings with compassion. The widespread spread of this belief was originally intended to make society more harmonious. However, many people give up their studying on Buddhism practice because it is difficult to understand. There are also some "believers" who have a "superstitious" mentality towards Buddhism and have not continued to develop their faith to the stage of "true faith". Why?

佛教的宗旨是以慈悲心來教育眾生。這個信仰的廣泛傳播，原本是為了讓社會更加和諧。然而，許多人因為佛法難以理解而放棄修行上的學習。還有一些「信徒」對佛教抱持著「迷信」心態，沒有將信仰繼續發展到「正信」階段。為什麼？

There are two most important obstacles encountered in the development of this religion: (1) Ancient scriptures from certain countries are still used to guide relatively complex doctrines, with few or no modern texts. And (2) The talk in the scriptures always mixes with the principles of transcendental and various realistic phenomena (problems and solutions encountered in life, Karma or Cause And Effect), but the principles of transcendence can only be understood by those who are enlightened.

該宗教的發展遇到兩個最重要的障礙：（1）仍然以某些國家的古代經文來指導相對複雜的教義，現代文本很少或根本沒有。(2) 經文中總是把超凡入聖的原則和各種現實的現象（生活中遇到的問題和解決方法，業力或因果）混合在一起來討論，但超凡入聖的原則只有已開悟的人才能理解。

Let's start with the text and escape the principle of transcendence. According to linguistics, every language is constantly changing, some new words are created, and some words are eliminated or given other words or meanings. Therefore, it is difficult for modern people to understand the contents written in ancient texts hundreds or even thousands of years ago, even if these contents are the product of the same culture. Thus, processing profound philosophical education with untimely words will cause serious problems with understanding, and it will destroy many people’s willingness to learn.

這裡先從文字文本入手，暫時不論超凡入聖的原則。根據語言學，每種語言都在不斷變化，一些新詞被創造出來，一些詞被消除或被賦予其他詞或含義。因此，現代人很難理解數百年甚至數千年前的古代文本中所寫的內容，即使這些內容是同一文化的產物。所以，用不合時宜的話語來進行高深的哲學教育，會造成嚴重的理解問題，也會摧毀許多人的學習意願。

The most complete Buddhist connotations are preserved in Sanskrit, classical Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist classics. If these Buddhist scriptures could be translated into modern languages through intralingual translation, the development of this belief would be better. Although this act may not allow unenlightened people to understand the principles of transcendence, it can make more people enlightened. Of course, it would be better if interlingual translation could be done at the same time.

梵文、漢文和藏傳佛教經典中保存了最完整的佛教內涵。如果這些佛經能夠透過語內翻譯的方式翻譯成現代語言，這種信仰的發展會更好。雖然這個舉動可能無法讓未開悟的人了解超凡入聖的原則，但它可以讓更多的人開悟。當然，如果能同時進行跨語言翻譯就更好了。

Furthermore, through Buddhist scriptures, we should know that the Buddha often pointed out that any words, language, and expressions can be used to express his teaching, and noticed us not to be obsessed with the form of words. Therefore, the dissemination of Buddhism must keep pace with the times. The various expressions and dissemination methods that everyone can understand and that are popular among the public can be applied, including producing animations, cartoons and comics of Buddhist stories, filling in the lyrics with scriptures, Dharma talks on the Internet, multilingual forums of Buddhism on TV...
再者，透過佛教經典，我們應該知道，佛陀經常指出任何文字、語言、表達方式都可以用來表達他的教義，並告誡我們不要執著於文字的形式。因此，佛教的傳播必須與時俱進，可以採用大家都能理解的、大眾流行的各種表現形式和傳播方式，包括製作佛教故事的動畫、漫畫、漫畫，在歌詞中填入經典、網上佛法開示、電視多語種佛教論壇…

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。