25 May 2025

Tobacco Ban 禁煙

Scientific research has fully demonstrated that smoking is harmful to health, leading to serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Many countries have taken measures to regulate smoking through restrictions, taxation, and public health campaigns. However, global smoking bans have not yet been implemented for several reasons:
科學研究已充分證明,吸煙有害健康,會導致肺癌、心臟病和呼吸系統疾病等嚴重疾病。許多國家已採取措施,透過限制、徵稅和公共衛生運動來規範吸煙,但由於以下幾個原因,全球禁菸尚未能實施:

- Tobacco industry is a large global enterprise that generates billions of dollars in revenue and employs millions of people, and governments rely on tobacco taxes as a significant source of revenue.
- 煙草業是一個龐大的全球產業,創造了數十億美元的收入並僱用了數百萬人,並且政府依賴菸稅作為重要稅務收入來源。

- Global bans on smoking could promote illegal markets, leading to unregulated products that may be even more dangerous.
- 全球禁煙可能助長非法市場,導致產品不受監管,甚至更危險。

- Many people believe individuals should have the right to make their own choices, even if those choices are harmful.
- 許多人認為個人應該有權利做出自己的選擇,即使這些選擇是有害的。

- In some cultures, smoking is deeply rooted in traditions and social interactions, making comprehensive bans difficult to enforce.
- 在某些文化中,吸煙深植於傳統和社會互動中,因此全面禁止吸菸很難實施。


What I want to say is:
我想說的是:

First, although citizens' smoking habits can bring extra tax revenue to the government, we should not overlook the greater private and public health costs caused by smoking and secondhand smoke on smokers and those affected by it.
首先,市民的吸煙習慣雖然可以為政府帶來額外的稅收,但不要忽視吸煙對煙民及受二手煙影響的人在健康方面更大的私人與公共支出!

Second, the costs associated with tobacco control— including publicity, legislation, and enforcement—are not less than those of a ban. In essence, a smoking ban is simply to regulate tobacco products as drugs, which would only slightly increase the costs related to combating illegal substances. If there are concerns that banning smoking might not suppress illegal markets, I believe these countries are simply incapable of cracking down on any illegal activities.
第二,現在各國著眼於控煙的成本,包括宣傳、立法與執法上的人力與財力,絕不低於禁煙。禁煙簡單來說就是將煙草產品列為毒品來監管,只是稍為增加一點在打擊違禁品方面的成本吧!若然擔心禁煙後無法壓制相關的非法市場,我想,這些國家跟本無能力打擊任何違法行為!

Third, personal freedom should not infringe upon the welfare of others. Medical evidence has shown that smoking seriously affects the smoker's health and is a form of slow self-destructive behavior; the secondhand smoke exhaled by smokers can impact the health of those nearby, which is akin to chronic murder!
第三,個人自由不應該侵犯他人的福祉。已有醫學證明,吸煙會嚴重影響自己的健康,是一種慢性自殺的行為;吸煙時吐出的二手煙,會影響附近其他人的健康,這就等於慢性謀殺!

Fourth, although tobacco was once used as a medicinal substance by shamans, modern medicine and pharmaceuticals have advanced significantly. Therefore, we should not ignore its harms and preserve it solely because of its historical and cultural significance.
第四,雖然煙草曾經是巫醫所施用的藥物之一,但是現在有更先進的醫學與藥物,就不應該僅僅因為煙草與吸煙是歷史文化就無視其傷害地將其保留下來。

Since taxation and illegal markets are mentioned, here is a transition approach as reference from tobacco control to the tobacco ban: smokers can only buy and enjoy tobacco products and smoke in smoking areas with special licenses! These places need to be equipped with appropriate facilities to ensure that smokers do not bring tobacco products and secondhand smoke into the community through their skin, clothing or even lungs after smoking. This approach will allow the government to retain tax revenue, create jobs, reduce public health costs in the community caused by secondhand smoke, increase smokers' opportunity costs when smoking, and clearly convey the government's message and determination to eventually ban smoking.
既然提到了稅收與非法市場,這裡有一個從控煙到禁煙的過渡做法,可供參考:吸煙者只能在領有特別牌照的吸煙場所買到並享用煙草產品!這些場所需要設有適當的設施,以保證吸煙者在吸煙後不會透過其皮膚、衣物甚致肺部將煙草產品及二手煙帶入社區。這做法可讓政府保留這方面的稅收,創造就業機會,減少社區中因為二手煙做成的公共健康開支,增加煙民在吸煙時的機會成本,並明確帶出政府在最終禁煙方面的訊息與決心。

5 May 2025

Brief talk on "Self-Nature" 淺談「自性」

"Self-Nature" is a concept by Buddhists which refers to the state or nature where something exists on its own without depending on any condition. The challenge in the comprehension of this concept (especially for those unfamiliar with Buddhist philosophy) is that it cannot be realized in the real world. However, we can attempt to interpret it reluctantly as a concept that is the opposite of "Emptiness".

「自性」是佛教的概念,指事物不依賴任何條件而自然存在的狀態或性質。理解這一概念的挑戰(特別是對於那些不熟悉佛教哲學的人來說)在於它無法在現實世界中實現。然而,我們可以勉強地嘗試將其解讀為與「空性」相反的概念。


Through exploration of "Emptiness", we got an idea that all phenomena, including material, psychological and emotional, never possess an inherent, unchanging essence. This means everything arises due to the interdependence of causes and conditions, and is not created by nothing. This idea leads us to gradually understand that we should approach things happen with greater freedom (wisdom and flexibility) and more compassion, but not with a cold, nihilistic sense.

透過對「空性」的探索,我們認識到一切現象,包括物質、心理和情感,都不具備固有的、不變的本質。意思是說,一切事物都是因緣合而產生的,不是無中生有。這種想法使我們逐漸明白,我們應該以更大的自由(智慧和靈活性)和更多的同情心來對待發生的事情,而不是以冷漠、虛無的心態來對待。


However, the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice is to achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. When "Enlightenment" refers to the exploration and practice of "Emptiness", on the other hand, "Buddhahood" refers to the discovery of  "Buddha-Nature", a transcendental state due to "Enlightenment". This transcendental state is shared by all sentient beings (all life, physical or spiritual) and is inherent, eternal, unchanging. The achievement of Buddhahood means a thorough understanding of "Buddha-Nature", that is, the only eternal "Self-Nature".

然而,佛教修行的最終目的,是達致開悟與證得佛果。如果說「開悟」是指對「空性」的探索與修行,那麼「佛果」則是指因為「開悟」而發現(並安住於)一種超脫的境界。這是一切眾生(所有的生命體,無論是物質生命體還是精神生命體)所共有的、也是本有的、永恆的、不變的境界。「佛果」就是對「佛性」,也就是唯一的「自性」的透徹了解。


We will never be able to understand and accept the concept of "Buddha-Nature" as integration and symbiosis if we have never got a deep understanding of "emptiness". That is, we will definitely continue to compete or infringe on each other for temporary success and failure or gain and loss when we remain keeping our consciousness and cognition on the appearances that we attach. Thus, the understanding and comprehension of "Buddha-Nature", or named as "self-nature" , is a great challenge.

如果我們對「空性」沒有深刻理解,就永遠無法理解和接受「佛性」一體共生的概念。也就是說,當我們的意識和認知停留在我們所執著的外相(表像),我們仍然會為了暫時的成敗、得失而繼續相互競爭、互相侵害。因此,對「佛性」,或者說「自性」的認識和理解是一個很大的挑戰。


Even though there are great challenges in the process of understanding and finding our "Self-Nature", it does not mean there is no hope of doing that. Whether we are facing trivial incidents in our daily life, or the major events that shock the world, we can attempt to cultivate our compassion and wisdom to replace our attachment on any appearances. When we are no longer attached or trapped by the phenomena, we can achieve enlightenment gradually, and thus get known as our "Self-Nature" and achieve Buddhahood.

即使在理解和尋找我們的「自性」的過程中存在重大挑戰,但這並不意味著我們沒有希望做到這一點。無論我們是面對日常生活中的瑣碎事件,還是震撼世界的重大事件,我們都可以嘗試培養我們的慈悲和智慧,以取代我們對任何表象的執著。當我們不再被現象所束縛或執著時,我們可以逐漸實現開悟,從而認識到我們的「自性」,達致成佛。


18 Apr 2025

The apply of Artificial Intelligence tools 人工智能工具的應用

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to integrate into our daily lives, its transformative potential brings excitement to us. However, when we were alerted that in a high-profile AI-to-AI chess match, an AI tool developed by a country under severe economic sanctions won by cheating, we should be concerned about the ethical and moral surrounding the AI tools we are applying.

隨著人工智能(AI)不斷融入我們的日常生活,其變革潛力令我們興奮不已。然而,當我們得知在一場備受矚目的人工智能對人工智能的國際象棋比賽中,一個受到嚴厲經濟制裁的國家開發出來的人工智能工具透過作弊手段獲勝時,我們應該關注一下正在應用的人工智能工具的倫理和道德問題。


One of the foremost ethical concerns with AI is the privacy and security of personal data. AI systems often rely on vast amounts of data to function effectively. However, collecting, storing, and analyzing this data raises questions about consent, ownership, and potential misuse. Ensuring robust data protection measures and transparent data practices is essential to safeguard individuals' privacy.

人工智能面臨的首要的道德問題是個人資料的隱私和安全。人工智能系統通常依賴大量數據才能有效運作。然而,收集、儲存和分析這些數據引發了有關同意、所有權和潛在濫用的問題。確保強有力的資料保護措施和透明的資料實踐對於保護個人隱私至關重要。


AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the training data is biased, the AI's outputs will also be biased, leading to unfair and discriminatory outcomes. Addressing bias in AI requires diverse and representative training datasets, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure fairness and equity in AI applications.

人工智能系統的優劣取決於其所訓練的資料。如果訓練資料有偏差,人工智能的輸出也會有偏差,導致不公平和歧視性的結果。解決人工智能中的偏見需要多樣化和代表性的訓練資料集,以及持續的監測和評估,以確保人工智能應用的公平性和公正性。


When AI systems make decisions that impact individuals and society, it's crucial to have mechanisms for accountability and transparency. Users should have a clear understanding of how AI systems work, the factors influencing their decisions, and the potential consequences. Establishing clear guidelines and regulations can help ensure that AI systems are held accountable for their actions.

當人工智能系統做出影響個人和社會的決策時,問責和透明的機制至關重要。使用者應該清楚了解人工智能系統的工作原理、影響其決策的因素以及潛在的後果。制定明確的指導方針和法規有助於確保人工智能系統對其行為負責。


AI systems are increasingly being used in areas that involve ethical decision-making, such as healthcare, criminal justice, and autonomous vehicles. Ensuring that AI systems make ethical decisions requires careful consideration of moral values and principles. The developers should collaborate with ethicists, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure ethical AI decision-making.

人工智能系統越來越多地被用於涉及道德決策的領域,例如醫療保健、刑事司法和自動駕駛汽車。確保人工智能系統做出道德決策需要仔細考慮道德價值和原則。開發人員應該與倫理學家、政策制定者和利害關係人合作,以確保人工智能決策的道德性。


AI has the potential to both enhance and undermine human rights and autonomy. For example, AI can empower individuals by providing personalized services and enhancing accessibility. On the other hand, AI-driven surveillance systems can also threaten individuals' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. Balancing these competing interests is essential to ensure that AI respects and promotes human rights.

人工智能有可能增強人權和自主權,也有可能破壞人權和自主權。例如,人工智能可以透過提供個人化服務和增強可訪問性來增強個人的能力。另一方面,人工智能驅動的監控系統也可能威脅個人的隱私權和言論自由權。平衡這些相互競爭的利益對於確保人工智能尊重和促進人權至關重要。


The ethical and moral issues in the application of artificial intelligence are complex and ever-evolving. As we continue to develop and deploy AI systems, it's essential to address these concerns proactively. By fostering a culture of ethical AI development and use, we can harness the power of AI to benefit society while safeguarding our values and principles.

人工智能應用中的倫理和道德問題複雜且不斷發展。隨著我們繼續開發和部署人工智能系統,積極解決這些問題至關重要。透過培育道德的人工智能開發和使用文化,我們可以在維護我們的價值觀和原則的大前題下利用人工智能的力量造福社會。

28 Mar 2025

Emptiness 空性

In Buddhist philosophy, "Emptiness" is a profound and central concept, particularly emphasized in Mahayana Buddhism. It does not imply "nothingness" or the absence of existence. Instead, it points to the idea that all phenomena, such as success and failure, gain and loss, victory and defeat, poverty and wealth, noble and base, beauty and ugliness, life and death, etc., are not inherent or independent existences. In other words, everything exists interdependently, arising through causes and conditions, and is fundamentally impermanent and subject to change.
在佛教哲學中,「空性」是一個深刻而核心的概念,大乘佛教尤其強調這一點。它並不意味著“虛無”或不存在。相反,它指出一切現象,例如成敗、得失、勝負、貧富、貴賤、美醜、生死等等,都不是固有或獨立存在的。換句話說,一切事物都是相互依存、因緣而生,本質上都是無常且變化的。

Imagine a clay pot please! At first glance, it seems like the pot is a solid, independent object. But upon deeper examination, its existence depends on many conditions: the clay, the potter, the tools, the fire, and even the space inside it, which gives it its usefulness. The clay pot is not inherently "a clay pot" by itself, but a temporary arrangement of causes and conditions. Without these elements, it could never be a clay pot.
請想像出一個陶罐。乍一看,這個罐子似乎是一個堅固的、獨立的物體。但經過深入研究,它的存在取決於許多條件:黏土、陶工、工具、火,甚至它內部的空間,這些都賦予了它用途。陶罐並非本來就是“陶罐”,而是因緣條件暫時安排而成的。如果沒有這些元素,它就不可能成為一個陶罐。

This interconnected nature of the clay pot reflects 
"Emptiness": Lacks of an inherent and fixed essence. Its existence is entirely dependent on other factors. Similarly, all things and phenomena in life arise and exist interdependently, with no intrinsic or permanent identity.
陶罐的這種相互連結的特性反映了「空性」:缺乏內在的並且固定的本質。它的存在完全依賴其他因素。同樣,生活中的所有事物和現像都是相互依存、相互產生的,沒有內在或永恆的特性。

Again! Think about the relationship between a parent and a child. At first, we might see the parent as an independent entity and the child as another. But the identity of "parent" can only exist because of the child, and vice versa—their roles arise interdependently. Without one, the other has no meaning in this context.
再來!思考一下父母與孩子之間的關係。一開始,我們可能會將父母視為一個獨立的實體,而將孩子視為另一個實體。但「父母」的身份只有因為孩子而存在,反之亦然 -- 他們的角色是相互依存的。如果缺少了其中一個,那麼另一個在這個脈絡中就沒有意義。

This illustrates Emptiness of the identities because neither the parent nor the child has an intrinsic identity independent of the other. Their existence as "parent" or "child" is relational and mutual dependence, which is shaped by causes and conditions.
這就說明了身分的空性,因為父母和孩子都沒有獨立於對方的內在身分。他們作為「父母」或「孩子」的存在是一種關係和相互依賴,是由原因和條件形成的。

Emptiness teaches us to transcend rigid notions of reality and self-identity, guiding practitioners to see the world as fluid, interconnected, and free from fixed boundaries. This understanding serves as a cornerstone for cultivating wisdom and compassion, as the ignorance of emptiness in reality often leads to suffering.
空性教導我們超越現實和自我認同的僵化觀念,引導修行者將世界視為流動的、相互連結的、沒有固定界線的。這種理解是培養智慧和同情心的基石,因為對現實中的空性缺乏認知常常會導致痛苦。

The ultimate realization of Emptiness is not merely intellectual; it is a direct experience that transforms how one perceives and engages with life. Through practices such as Zen meditation and mindfulness, one begins to see the interdependent nature of existence and to embrace the freedom and peace that arises from letting go of clinging and false notions of permanence.
最終對空性的認知不僅僅是理性的;這是一種直接的體驗,可以改變人們看待和參與生活的方式。透過禪修和正念等練習,人們開始看到存在的相互依存性,並接受放棄執著和錯誤的永恆觀念而產生的自由與和平。

9 Mar 2025

Zen meditation 禪修

Zen meditation, or Zazen, is a practice that emphasizes observing one's thoughts. It is never emptying one's mind during practice as other mainstream meditation practices suggest. The goal of Zen meditation is to increase awareness and insight into the nature of the mind and heart. Here are some reasons for taking this approach:

禪修,或坐禪,是一種強調觀察自己思想的修行。它絕不像其他主流冥想練習所建議的那樣在練習過程中清空大腦。禪修的目的是提高對思想和心靈本質的認識和洞察力。以下是採用這種方法的一些原因:


Understanding the Nature of Thought: Observing thoughts allows practitioners to gain insights into the nature of their own minds. It reveals how thoughts are transient and impermanent, helping individuals to understand that they are not their thoughts. This realization can reduce attachment and aversion to thoughts and emotions.

了解思想的本質:思想的觀察可以讓修行者洞察自己思想的本質。它揭示了思想是如何短暫和無常的,並幫助人們理解這些思想不是他們的想法。認識這一點可以減少對思想和情感的執著和厭惡。


Cultivating Non-attachment: By recognizing thoughts without judgment (that is, let the thoughts without identification, such as good or bad), practitioners learn to let go of attachments and judgments. This non-attachment can lead to greater emotional resilience and a sense of inner peace.

培養不執著:透過對想法不帶批判(即對想法不做好壞等識別)的認識,修行者學會放下執著和評判。這種不執著可以帶來更強的情緒復原力和內心的平靜感。


Encouraging a Non-dual Perspective: There is a focus on the non-dual nature of reality in Zen meditation, where the distinctions between self and other, and thought and experience, blur. Observing thoughts helps cultivate a perspective that transcends binary thinking. This can lead to a more compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards oneself and others without unnecessary resistance.

鼓勵非二元視角:禪修注重現實中的非二元性,其中自我與他人、思想與經驗之間的界線變得模糊。觀察思想有助於培養超越二元思維的觀點。這可以為自己和他人帶來更加富有同情心和不帶批判的態度,並且不會產生不必要的阻力。


Developing Concentration and Insight: The practice of self-observation helps enhance concentration and insight. It encourages mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present and aware at each moment. This is the wisdom and core teachings of Buddhism and is seen as a path to enlightenment that helps in living a more conscious and intentional life.

培養專注力和洞察力:在自我觀察上的實踐有助於提高專注力和洞察力。這鼓勵正念,即在每一刻都全心投入並保持警覺的練習。這是佛教的智慧和核心教義,有助於過著更有意識和更有目的的生活,是通往開悟的道路。


In essence, Buddhist Zen meditation aims to develop a profound understanding of the mind and achieve a state of awareness, peace, and insight. It's a journey of self-discovery and transformation through mindful observation that guides practitioners toward insight and enlightenment ultimately.

從本質上來說,佛教禪修的目的是加深對心靈的理解,並達到一種覺知、平和和洞察的狀態。這是一段透過專注觀察進行自我發現和轉變的旅程,最終引導修行者獲得洞察力和啟蒙。


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