What is Spiritual Practice 甚麼是修行

Many people think that spiritual practices are vegetarianism, scripture chanting, worshiping, doing charity work, opening up the meridians in the body, or even gaining supernatural abilities such as mind reading or future predicting. In fact, spiritual practice, briefly, is the effort to correct the deviations in one's thoughts, words and deeds. Spiritual practice is the act of achieving this goal through any reasonable means.

很多人以為修行就是吃素、念經、拜佛、做慈善、打通經絡，甚至是獲得讀心術、預知未來等超自然能力。其實修行，簡單來說，就是努力改正自己思想與言行上的偏差。修行是透過任何合理的手段來實現這一目標的行為。

The above-mentioned acts such as vegetarianism, scripture chanting and worshiping can indeed help to achieve peace and tranquility of mind and body. These are the methods of spiritual practice, but we should understand clearly that these are never the purpose. As for the gaining of supernatural abilities, as well as all the current conditions and the coming opportunities, based on the view of Buddhism, they depend on Karma (cause and effect, or the gradual improvement by one's own efforts).

上述的吃素、念經、拜佛等行為，確實能幫助達到身心的安寧。這些都是修行的方法，但是我們要清楚的了解，這些絕不是修行的目的。至於超自然能力的獲得，以及一切現在的境遇、及將來的機緣，按照佛教的觀點，都是依靠業力（因果，即靠自己的努力來逐漸改善）。

It is certainly a good start in spiritual practice with skill at reciting scriptures and worshiping. However, scripture chanting can not be beyond the understanding of it, and scripture understanding can not be beyond the implementation of it. The scriptures show us the methods of spiritual practice, and let us gain the benefits by our comprehension and implementation step by step. There is no benefit to blaming others' superficial efforts on spiritual practice, as this can not correct our thoughts, words and deeds.

熟練地誦讀經文和拜佛無疑是修行的一個好開始。但誦經不能超越對經文的理解，對經文的理解也不能超越對經文內容的實行。經典裡告訴我們修行的方法，讓我們透過一步一步的領悟與實踐來獲得利益。責怪別人在修行上所做的表面功夫是沒有好處的，因為這不能糾正我們的思想與言行。

We need to change our thoughts, words and deeds, that is, correct the bad habits of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt. When getting along with others, in addition to being compassionate, tolerant, and forgiving of others' mistakes, you must also be able to use rationality and wisdom anytime and anywhere to resolve various solve problems. Therefore, a person with profound spiritual practice will not only benefit himself, his behavior will also benefit others.

我們要改變自己的思想、言語、行為，也就是改正貪、瞋、癡、慢、疑等不良習慣。與人相處時，除了要有同情心、寬容心、原諒別人的錯誤之外，還要能夠隨時隨地運用理性與智慧去解決各種問題。所以，一個修行深厚的人，不但自己會受益，他的行為也會讓別人受益。

Therefore, practicing is to completely change one's habits and make oneself a rational and wise person. It may not only bring us physical and mental well-being and helps to keep us calm in any adverse environment, but also help those around us develop their inner wisdom. This is the connotation of spiritual practice.

所以修行就是要徹底改變自己的習慣，使自己成為一個理性、有智慧的人。它不僅能為我們帶來身心健康，幫助我們在任何不利的環境中保持冷靜，還能幫助周遭的人發展內在的智慧。這就是修行的內涵。

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。