20 Dec 2024

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。

9 Dec 2024

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) 經文中總是凡入聖的原則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 peoples 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…

26 Nov 2024

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?

17 Nov 2024

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。

31 Oct 2024

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.

1031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111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112日定為萬靈節(All Souls’ DayAlholowmesse,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.

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。

20 Oct 2024

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),也可能指來自印度人(印度人)。透過上下文的理解,我們應該尊重地解釋這個語,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。

11 Oct 2024

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。

30 Sept 2024

The Six Paramitas (Six Perfections) of Buddhism V.S. Business Administration 佛教六度波羅密與工商管理

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective administration and management is crucial for organizational success. However, the principles of management can often benefit from deeper philosophical insights. One such source of wisdom is Buddhism, particularly its concept of the "Six Perfections" : Generosity, Ethical Discipline (keep precepts), Patience (endure humiliation), Joyful Effort (Energy), Meditative Concentration, and wisdom. In order to offer valuable lessons that can enhance management practices, we will explore how these two seemingly disparate fields intersect and complement each other.
在當今快節奏的商業環境中,有效的行政和管理對於機構組織的成功至關重要。然而,管理原則往往可以從更深入的哲學見解中受益。佛教就是這樣的智慧泉源之一,特別是它的「六度(波羅密)」概念:布施、持戒、忍辱、精進、禪定和般若(智慧)。為了提供能夠增強管理實務的寶貴經驗,我們將探討這兩個看似不同的領域如何交接和互補。

1. Generosity vs. Resource Allocation  布施與資源分配
Effective resource allocation is key to achieving organizational goals. Generosity, as one of the Six Perfections, emphasizes that logical personal giving without expecting anything in return will be rewarded more favorably. In a management context, this can translate to fostering a culture of sharing knowledge, resources, and support among team members. For the aim of cultivating loyalty and enhancing collaboration, ultimately leading to improved performance, a good manager should ensure that resources (whether time, money, or talent) are distributed in a way that benefits the entire team and organization. 
有效的資源分配是實現組織目標的關鍵。作為六波羅蜜之一,布施強調個人不求回報的合理施予,會得到更豐厚的回報。在管理環境中,這可以轉化為培養團隊成員之間共享知識、資源和支持的文化。為了培養忠誠度和加強協作,最終提高績效,優秀的管理者應該確保資源分配(無論是時間、金錢或人才)有利於整個團隊和組織。

2.  Ethical Discipline vs. Corporate ethical Governance   持戒與企業道德治理
Ethical Discipline is fundamental in Buddhism. The Buddhist principle encourages individuals to act with integrity and respect for others. In the corporate world, ethical governance is essential for building trust with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors. Managers who embody ethical conduct create a transparent environment that promotes accountability and fosters a positive organizational culture.
持戒是佛教的根本。佛教原則鼓勵個人誠信行事並尊重他人。在企業界,道德治理對於與利害關係人(包括員工、客戶和投資者)建立信任至關重要。體現道德行為的管理者會創造一個透明的環境,促進問責制並培養正向的組織文化。

3. Patience vs. Conflict Resolution  忍辱與解決衝突
Patience is a key virtue in Buddhism, teaching individuals to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. In the realm of management, this equates to effective conflict resolution. A patient manager listens to all sides, mediates disputes, and fosters a harmonious workplace. Patience helps in understanding different perspectives and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
忍辱是佛教的重要美德,教導人們在逆境面前保持冷靜和沈著。在管理領域,這相當於有效解決衝突。有耐心的經理傾聽各方意見,調解糾紛,營造和諧的工作場所。忍辱(耐心)有助於理解不同的觀點並找到互利的解決方案。

4. Joyful Effort vs. Motivation and Drive  精進與動機及動力
Joyful Effort in Buddhism refers to the diligent effort and perseverance in pursuing spiritual goals. In management, this is akin to motivation and drive. A manager with high energy levels can inspire and motivate their team to achieve their goals. This relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement is essential for organizational growth and success.
佛教中的精進指的是追求精神目標的勤奮和毅力。在管理中,這類似於動機和驅動力。精力充沛的經理可以激勵和激勵團隊實現目標。這種對卓越的不懈追求和持續改進對於組織的成長和成功至關重要。

5. Meditative Concentration  (Dhyana) vs. Strategic Planning   禪定與策略規劃
Meditative Concentration involves deep concentration and mindfulness, leading to clarity and insight. In management, this can be compared to strategic planning. Just as Meditative concentration helps in gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, strategic planning enables managers to foresee challenges, set clear objectives, and devise effective strategies for the future.
禪定涉及深度專注和正念,從而帶來清晰度和洞察力。在管理中,這可以與策略規劃進行比較。有如禪定有助於更深入地了解自己和世界一樣,策略規劃使管理者能夠預見挑戰,設定明確的目標,並為未來制定有效的策略。

6. Wisdom vs. Decision-Making   般若與決策
Wisdom in Buddhism is the ultimate understanding of the nature of reality. In management, this translates to decision making. Wise managers make informed decisions based on a thorough analysis of data and an understanding of the broader context. Wisdom in decision making ensures that choices are beneficial in the long term and align with the organization’s values and goals.
佛教的智慧是對現實本質的終極了解。在管理中,這轉化為決策。明智的管理者會根據對數據的徹底分析和對更廣泛背景的理解來做出明智的決策。決策的智慧確保選擇從長遠來看是有益的,並且符合組織的價值觀和目標。

Conclusion  結語
By integrating the Six Perfections of Buddhism into management practices, leaders can cultivate a more compassionate, ethical, and effective approach to leadership. This fusion of ancient wisdom and modern management can lead to a more harmonious and productive workplace.
透過將佛教六度波羅蜜融入管理實踐,領導者可以培養更具同情心、道德和有效的領導方式。古代智慧與現代管理的融合可以帶來更和諧、更有效率的工作場所。

18 Sept 2024

The perspective of Buddhists on fortune-telling 佛教對算命的看法

Whether in the West or the East, there have been people who have provided divination and fortune-telling services since ancient times. Their advice sounds very reasonable, so many people, regardless of their knowledge or status, are very fascinated by it. Even some materialists, although they say they don't believe it on the surface, are actually somewhat dubious.

無論是西方或東方,自古以來就有人提供占卜、算命服務。他們的建議聽起來很有道理,所以很多人,無論其知識或地位如何,都對此非常著迷。就連一些唯物主義者,雖然表面上說不相信,但其實也有些半信半疑。


Fortune-telling, in some respects, can really calculate a person's fate. However, the fate of people born on the same year, the same month and the same day, may not be exactly the same. Even people born at the same time will have different futures due to different family backgrounds and geographical environments. In addition, if you rely on fortune-telling for everything, you may have to calculate before going out every day about the best time or best direction to go out ... These may make you suspicious and tie up you're life.

算命,從某些方面來說,確實可以推算一個人的命運。然而,同年同月同日出生的人,命運卻未必完全相同。即使是同一時間出生的人,也會因為不同的家庭背景、地理環境而有不同的未來。另外,如果你什麼事都靠算命,你可能每天出門前都要計算一下出門的最佳時間或最佳方向……這些可能會造成你對生活產生懐疑與束縛。


The technology of divination and fortune-telling is based on physical phenomena, the inheritance of experience, and the presentation of natural laws. From the point of a Buddhist, divination is not completely nonsense, but it has never been an eternal teaching that is worth being addicted to.

占卜算命的技術是基於物理現象、經驗的傳承、自然法則的呈現。從佛教徒的角度來看,占卜並不完全是無稽之談,但它從來都不是值得沉迷的永恆教義。


According to the law of "cause and effect" (or "Karma") that is taught by Buddhism, it is more reliable and more advantageous for sustainable development than relying on divination and fortune-telling. It is a positive way to create a happy destiny. Through the accumulation of ability improvement (by learning and observing) and external force support (by benefiting others), people may extend their powerful creative force on any challenges without calculating their complicated and trivial fate negative to avoid danger only.

根據佛教所宣揚的「因果」(或「業力」)法則,比依賴占卜算命更可靠,更有利於永續發展。這是創造幸福命運的積極的方式。透過能力提升(透過學習和觀察)和外力支持(透過造福他人)的積累,人們可以在任何挑戰中發揮強大的創造力,而不必消極的只是為了避免危險而計算自己複雜又瑣碎的命運。


4 Sept 2024

Breaking Addictions with Mindfulness 用正念戒除成癮

Understanding Addiction   對成癮的了解

Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. It can manifest in various forms, including substance abuse (like drugs and alcohol), behavioral addictions (such as gambling or internet use), and more. The underlying mechanisms of addiction involve changes in brain chemistry and function, particularly in areas related to reward, motivation, and memory. The impact of addiction can be devastating, affecting not only the individual but also their loved ones and the broader community. 
成癮是一種複雜的病症,其特徵是不顧不良後果,強迫性地參與獎勵性刺激。它可以以多種形式表現出來,包括藥物濫用(如毒品和酒精)、行為成癮(如賭博或網路使用)等等。成癮的潛在機制涉及大腦化學和功能的變化,特別是與獎勵、動機和記憶相關的領域。成癮的影響可能是毀滅性的,不僅影響個人,還影響他們的親人和更廣泛的社區。

At its core, addiction is often a response to underlying emotional or psychological issues. Individuals may turn to substances or behaviors as a means of coping with stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression. Over time, these behaviors can lead to physical and psychological dependence , making it increasingly difficult to break free. The cycle of addiction is often reinforced by cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the brain's reward system, which can create a powerful urge to continue the addictive behavior.
從本質上講,成癮通常是對潛在情緒或心理問題的反應。個人可能會求助於物質或行為來應對壓力、創傷、焦慮或憂鬱。隨著時間的推移,這些行為會導致身體和心理上的依賴,使其越來越難以掙脫。成癮的循環往往會因渴望、戒斷症狀和大腦的獎勵系統而強化,這會產生繼續成癮行為的強烈衝動。

The Role of Mindfulness in Breaking Addiction  正念在戒除成癮方面的作用

Mindfulness, a practice  of being fully present in the moment,, involves paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgment. It has gained significant attention in recent years as a powerful tool for addiction recovery. Here’s how mindfulness can help break the cycle of addiction:
正念是一種完全活在當下的練習,涉及以開放、好奇和不帶判斷力的方式關注當下。近年來,它作為成癮康復的有力工具而受到廣泛關注。以下是正念如何幫助打破成癮的循環:

* Increased Awareness of Triggers  提高對觸發因素的認識
One of the first steps in overcoming addiction is recognizing the triggers that lead to cravings and compulsive behaviors. Mindfulness helps individuals develop a heightened awareness of their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to identify these triggers more effectively. By understanding what prompts their addictive behaviors, individuals can create strategies to avoid or cope with these situations.
克服成癮的第一步是識別導致渴望和強迫行為的觸發因素。正念可以幫助個人提高對自己想法和感受的認識,使他們能夠更有效地識別這些觸發因素。透過了解導致成癮行為的原因,個人可以製定策略來避免或應對這些情況。
* Emotional Regulation  情緒調節
Addiction often stems from an inability to manage emotions effectively. Mindfulness teaches individuals to observe their emotions without judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and reducing the impulse to escape through addictive behaviors. By learning to sit with uncomfortable feelings, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce reliance on substances or behaviors.
成癮往往源自於無法有效管理情緒。正念教導人們不帶判斷地觀察自己的情緒,培養接受感,減少透過成癮行為逃避的衝動。透過學會忍受不舒服的感覺,個人可以發展更健康的應對機制並減少對物質或行為的依賴。

* Breaking the Cycle of Cravings  打破渴望的循環
Mindfulness can help disrupt the automatic responses associated with addiction. When cravings arise, individuals can practice mindfulness techniques to acknowledge the craving without acting on it. This practice can create a space between the urge and the response, allowing individuals to choose a different path— whether that be engaging in a healthy activity, practicing self-care, or simply breathing through the moment.
正念可以幫助破壞與成癮相關的自動反應。當渴望出現時,個人可以練習正念技巧來承認渴望而不採取行動。這種做法可以在衝動和反應之間創造一個空間,讓個人選擇不同的道路——無論是從事健康的活動、練習自我保健,還是只是在這一刻呼吸。

* Enhancing Self-Compassion  增強自我同情心
Many individuals struggling with addiction experience feelings of shame and guilt, which can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. Mindfulness encourages self-compassion, allowing individuals to treat themselves with kindness, understanding and a non-judgmental attitude. This shift in perspective can be transformative, helping individuals to forgive themselves for past mistakes and focus on their journey toward recovery.
許多與成癮作鬥爭的人都會經歷羞恥和內疚感,這可能會使成癮的循環永久化。正念鼓勵自我慈悲,讓個人以仁慈、理解和不批判的態度對待自己。這種觀點的轉變可能具有變革性,幫助個人原諒自己過去的錯誤並專注於康復之旅。
* Building Resilience  增強韌性
Mindfulness practices can enhance resilience, equipping individuals with the tools to face challenges and setbacks in their recovery journey. By fostering a non-judgmental attitude and encouraging a focus on the present moment, mindfulness helps individuals develop a greater sense of control over their thoughts and behaviors, ultimately empowering them to make healthier choices.
正念練習可以增強復原力,為個人提供應對恢復過程中的挑戰和挫折的工具。透過培養不評判的態度並鼓勵關注當下,正念可以幫助個人對自己的思想和行為產生更大的控制感,最終使他們能夠做出更健康的選擇。

Mindfulness Techniques for Addiction Recovery  從成癮到康復的正念技巧

Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath, observing each inhale and exhale.  This simple practice can ground you in the present moment and reduce anxiety.
正念呼吸:專注於呼吸,觀察每次吸氣和呼氣。 這個簡單練習可讓你專注於當下並減少焦慮。

Body Scan Meditation: Pay attention to different parts of your body, noticing any sensations without judgment. This practice can help you become more attuned to your physical state and reduce stress.
身體掃描冥想:注意身體的不同部位,不帶批判地注意任何感覺。這練習可以幫助您更適應自己的身體狀態並減輕壓力。

Mindful Walking: Take a walk or a jog, paying close attention to the sensations in your body and the environment around you. This practice can help clear your mind.
正念行走:散步或慢跑時,密切注意身體和周圍環境的感覺。這練習可以幫助你理清思緒。

Compassion Meditation: Cultivate compassion for yourself and others by silently repeating phrases like “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be free from suffering.” This practice can enhance emotional well-being and reduce the need for addictive behaviors.
慈悲冥想:透過默默地重複諸如「願我快樂,願我健康,願我遠離痛苦」之類的短語來培養對自己和他人的同情心。這種做法可以增強情緒健康並減少成癮行為的需求。

Breaking free from addiction is a challenging journey, but mindfulness offers a powerful approach to support recovery. By cultivating awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion, individuals can navigate the complexities of addiction (or other problems such as smooth-less life or illness) with greater resilience and clarity. As mindfulness practices become more integrated into addiction treatment programs, they provide a holistic framework for healing that addresses both the mind and the body. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider exploring mindfulness as a valuable tool on the path to recovery. Remember, every step taken toward mindfulness is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
擺脫成癮是一個充滿挑戰的旅程,但正念提供了一種支持康復的強大方法。透過培養意識、情緒調節和自我同情,個人可以以更大的彈性和清晰度來應對成癮的複雜性(或其他問題,例如不順利的生活或疾病)。隨著正念練習越來越融入成癮治療計劃,它們提供了一個針對心靈和身體的整體治療框架。如果您或您認識的人正在與成癮作鬥爭,請考慮探索正念作為康復之路上的寶貴工具。請記住,邁向正念的每一步都是邁向更健康、更充實的生活的一步。

13 Aug 2024

A brief talk of Mindfulness

"Mindfulness" has deep roots in Buddhism. It is one of the core practices in Buddhist teachings, particularly emphasized in the Noble Eightfold Path, which guides individuals towards enlightenment and the cessation of suffering. In Buddhism, mindfulness is not just a technique but a way of being that involves maintaining awareness of the present moment with an attitude of acceptance and non-judgment. This practice helps individuals develop a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the self, ultimately leading to spiritual awakening. Mindfulness is the beginning of "Zen" practice for Buddhist.

「正念」在佛教中有著深厚的根源。它是佛教教義的核心修行之一,在八正道中特別強調,它引導個人走向開悟和止息痛苦。在佛教中,正念不僅僅是一種技巧,而是一種存在方式,涉及以接受和不評判的態度保持對當下時刻的認識。這種做法有助於個人對現實和自我的本質有更深入的了解,最終導致精神覺醒。這正念是佛教徒修習「禪」的開始。


The core concept of mindfulness is quite simple, which is "awareness", that is, observing and being curious at the same time. Observing and accepting all your thoughts without any judgment. For example, when eating, we should focus on and taste every bite of food. Even if it is junk food, we should treat it equally. There is no need to feel guilty, as long as we enjoy the delicious feeling at the moment. Even if we have guilty thoughts, it doesn't matter, just let it go. All thoughts arise and pass away naturally because they are part of practicing mindfulness.

正念的核心概念很簡單,就是“察覺”,即同時觀察和好奇。不帶任何判斷地觀察並接受你的所有想法。例如,吃東西的時候,我們應該專注並品嚐每一口食物。即使是垃圾食品,我們也應該平等對待。沒有必要感到內疚,只要享受當下美味的感覺就好了。即使我們有罪惡的想法,也沒關係,放下吧。所有念頭都會自然地生起和消失,因為它們是修習正念的一部分。


A very common misconception is that mindfulness and meditation are synonymous. Mindfulness means observing yourself in the present moment without taking any stance or judging. Therefore, it is a state of "observing". Although meditation, through applying the skill of mindfulness to focusing on quiet and peace, can be one of the way to cultivating mindfulness, it is not the only way. Mindfulness can be practiced during dynamic daily activities, by focusing on the present moment. Whether it's eating, walking, or even washing dishes. This distinction is crucial because it emphasizes that mindfulness is about being fully present in what you are doing, rather than trying to achieve a state of tranquility.

一個十分常見的誤解是正念和冥想是同義詞。正念意味著在當下不採取任何立場或判斷來觀察自己。因此,是一種「觀察中」的狀態。雖然冥想透過運用正念技巧來專注於安靜與平和,可以是培養正念的方法之一,但不是唯一的方法。透過專注於當下,正念可以在無論是吃飯、散步,甚至洗碗的動態的日常活動中練習。這種區別至關重要,因為它強調正念是要完全投入正在做的事情中,而不是試圖達到平靜的狀態。


The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn (born Jon Kabat, June 5, 1944), an American professor emeritus of medicine and the creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He was also a student of Zen Buddhist teachers such as Philip Kapleau and Thich Nhat Hanh. His appreciation of Zen led him to integrate the teachings with scientific findings. He found that mindfulness can help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain, and illness.

「正念減壓」(MBSR)課程由美國醫學教授喬恩·卡巴金 (Jon Kabat-Zinn,1944 年 6 月 5 日出生) 創立,他是馬薩諸塞大學醫學院減壓診所和醫學、健康正念中心的創建者。他也是菲利普·卡普勞(Philip Kapleau)和一行禪師(Thich Nhat Hanh)等佛教禪宗老師的學生。他對禪宗的欣賞促使他將禪宗的教義與科學發現結合。他發現正念可以幫助人們應對壓力、焦慮、疼痛和疾病。


In summary, the benefits of mindfulness practice reflected in enhance both personal and professional aspects of life. It helps reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional resilience. By being more present, individuals can better manage their reactions to challenging situations, leading to improved relationships and overall well-being. Mindfulness also promotes better mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it can enhance physical health by lowering blood pressure and improving sleep quality. In essence, mindfulness helps individuals live more fully and authentically, making each moment of life more meaningful and fulfilling.

總之,正念練習的好處體現在提升個人和職業生活。它有助於減輕壓力、提高專注力並增強情緒恢復能力。透過更多地活在當下,個人可以更好地管理自己對挑戰性情況的反應,從而改善人際關係和整體福祉。正念還可以透過減少焦慮和憂鬱症狀來促進更好的心理健康。此外,它還可以透過降低血壓和改善睡眠品質來增強身體健康。從本質上講,正念可以幫助個人生活得更充實和真實,讓生活的每一刻都更有意義和充實。

31 Jul 2024

The resolution of our bad luck 厄運的化解

We all experience moments of joy and success, but there are also times when we face challenges and bad luck. When faced with bad luck, we easily succumb to negativity and despair. However, we have the power to change our circumstances through positive actions and a strong belief in karma. By shifting our focus towards acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, we can begin to sow the seeds of good karma that will eventually lead to a brighter future. Whether it's lending a helping hand to those in need, practicing gratitude for the blessings in our lives, or simply spreading positivity through our words and actions, every small gesture has the potential to create a ripple effect of goodness that will come back to us in unexpected ways. 

我們都會經歷喜悅和成功的時刻,但也有面臨挑戰和厄運的時候。當面對厄運時,我們很容易屈服於消極和絕望。然而,我們有能力透過積極的行動和對業力的堅定信念來改變我們的處境。透過將我們的注意力轉向仁慈、同情和慷慨的行為,我們可以開始播下善業的種子,最終將帶來更光明的未來。無論是向有需要的人伸出援助之手,對生活中的祝福表達感激之情,還是只是透過我們的言語和行動傳播積極的態度,每一個小舉動都有可能產生善良的連鎖反應,並最終回到我們身上。


The following are the ways to improve your life match the concept of Karma and theories of Management or Psychology:

以下是符合業力概念和管理學或心理學理論的改善生活的方法:


Helping Others: One of the most effective ways to generate good karma is by helping others. Whether it's through volunteering, offering a kind word, or simply lending a hand to someone in need, acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity. When you help others, you not only improve their lives but also cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your own.

幫助他人:產生善業最有效的方法之一就是幫助他人。無論是參與義工服務、提供善意的話語,或是只是向有需要的人伸出援手,善意的行為都可以產生正面的連鎖反應。當您幫助他人時,您不僅可以改善他們的生活,還可以培養自己的成就感和目標感。


Empathy: Taking the time to understand someone else's perspective and showing empathy can significantly influence your karma. It fosters strong, positive relationships and creates a supportive community around you.

同理心:花時間理解別人的觀點並表現出同理心可以顯著影響你的業力。它可以培養牢固、積極的關係,並在您周圍創建一個支持性的社區。


Expressing Thanks: Make it a habit to thank people who contribute positively to your life. Whether it's a family member, friend, or a stranger, expressing gratitude can strengthen bonds and invite more positive experiences.

表達感謝:養成感謝對你的生活有正面貢獻的人的習慣。無論是家人、朋友或陌生人,表達感激之情都可以加強聯繫並帶來更多正面的經驗。


Honesty and Transparency: Being honest and transparent in your dealings with others builds trust and respect. When you act with integrity, you create a solid foundation for positive karma to flourish.

誠實和透明:在與他人交往時誠實和透明可以建立信任和尊重。當你誠信行事時,你就為善業的蓬勃發展奠定了堅實的基礎。


Consistency in Actions: Consistently aligning your actions with your values ensures that you stay true to yourself, which invariably leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

心與行一致:始終使你的行動與你的價值觀保持一致,確保你忠於自己,這必然會帶來更真實和充實的生活。


Releasing Grudges: Holding onto grudges and resentment only adds to your negative karma. By forgiving those who have wronged you, you free yourself from the burden of negative emotions, allowing space for positive energy to enter your life. For example, you could keep losing your temper and resenting the person who encoute you in a traffic jam. This is helpless to the situation, and also harm your health because of hatred. You could also keep adjusting your mood to prevent harm to your health by enjoying wonderful music inside the car in this period.

釋放怨恨:持有怨恨和怨恨只會增加你的惡業。透過原諒那些冤枉你的人,你可以擺脫負面情緒的負擔,讓正面的能量進入你的生活。例如,您可能會不斷發脾氣並怨恨導致您陷入交通擁堵的人。這既是於事無補,又因自己的恨意而損害健康。在這段時間也可以在車內享受美妙的音樂來調整自己的情緒,避免對健康造成傷害。


Self-Forgiveness: Equally important is forgiving yourself for past mistakes. Acknowledging and learning from your errors can help you move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and positivity.

自我寬恕:同樣重要的是寬恕自己過去的錯誤。承認錯誤並從中學習可以幫助您以新的目標感和積極性繼續前進。


Goal Setting: Setting positive and achievable goals gives you direction and motivation. When you work towards these goals with determination and optimism, you attract opportunities and success.

目標設定:設定積極且可實現的目標可以為您提供方向和動力。當您堅定而樂觀地朝著這些目標努力時,您就會吸引機會和成功。正念可以幫助釋放怨恨和自我寬恕。


Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to maintain a positive outlook even during tough times. It also help on stay present and focused. It allows you to respond to situations with clarity and calmness, rather than reacting impulsively. Mindfulness can help on release grudges, self-forgiveness and goal setting.

正念練習:進行冥想等正念練習可以減輕壓力和焦慮,即使在困難時期也能更容易保持積極的態度。它也有助於保持活在當下和保持專注。它使您能夠清晰、冷靜地應對情況,而不是衝動地做出反應。正念可以幫助釋放怨恨、自我寬恕和設定目標。


Prayer: Not only can you ask for help when you pray to the saint (such as Jesus or the Buddha) in your faith, you are also comforted when you recall the toleration, patience and forgiveness he showed when he was in suffering.

祈禱:當你向所信奉的聖人(如耶穌或佛陀)祈禱時,你不僅可以尋求幫助,當你回想起他在受苦時所表現出的寬容、耐心和寬恕時,你也會感到安慰。


When bad luck strikes that brings failure or misfortune, it also brings opportunities for growth and transformation. By focusing on generating good karma, you can turn luck around and create a life filled with positivity and abundance. It is important to remember that karma is not about instant gratification or immediate rewards, but rather a long-term investment in our own happiness and well-being. By staying true to our values, remaining resilient in the face of adversity, and trusting in the power of positivity, we can gradually transform our lives and attract the abundance and joy that we truly deserve.

當厄運來襲帶來失敗或不幸時,也帶來成長和轉型的機會。透過專注於積累善業,你可以扭轉運氣,創造一個充滿正面和豐富的生活。重要的是要記住,業力不是即時滿足或立即獎勵,而是對我們自己的幸福和福祉的長期投資。透過忠於我們的價值觀,在逆境中保持韌性,並相信正面的力量,我們可以逐漸改變我們的生活並吸引我們真正應得的豐富和快樂。

23 Jul 2024

Do Buddhist idolatry? 佛教崇拜偶像嗎?

When the believers of the Western religions first started their missionary journey in China, they, based only on the rituals they saw and the teaching they ignored, accused the traditional religions (including Buddhism and Taoism) in China of idolatry. Even if the Nostra Aetate (1965), a Vatican declaration, emphasized understanding and respect for other religions, including Buddhism, and interfaith dialogue has continued since then, there are still a few believers of these monotheistics today insist on this superficial argument.

當西方宗教的信徒剛開始在中國傳教時,他們僅僅根據所看到的儀式,忽略了教義,便指責中國的傳統宗教(包括佛教和道教)為偶像崇拜。即使梵蒂岡的《Nostra Aetate》(1965)宣言強調了對包括佛教在內的其他宗教的理解和尊重,並且自那時以來宗教間對話一直在持續,但今天仍然有一些這些一神論的信徒堅持這種膚淺的論點。


According to Judaism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Christianity, "idolatry" is the worship of something or someone other than God, as if it were the god they follow. It was considered "worship of false gods" and prohibited by texts such as the Ten Commandments. In these monotheistic traditions, the worship of physical images or idols, and the existence of other divinities are considered problematic.

根據猶太教、天主教、東正教和基督教的說法,「偶像崇拜」是對上帝以外的某物或某人的崇拜,就像是他們所追隨的神一樣。這種被視為「崇拜假神」的做法被《十誡》等文本所禁止。在這些一神教傳統中,對實體圖像或偶像的崇拜,都被認為是有問題的。


Buddhists venerate all the material forms that refer to the Dharma of Buddhism, such as the icons of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, even the "wooden fishs" and prayer beads, as these objects remind the due belief of practitioners, and help them connect spiritually with ideas and qualities. However, it is not these objects worth me toworship, but the Buddha and those who achieved Buddhahood with perfect personality, virtue and wisdom. This is the same as the religions mentioned: they veneration (respect) but not worship of saints and icons.

佛教徒尊敬一切與佛法有關的物質,例如佛菩薩像,甚至「木魚」、念珠等,因為這些物品提醒著修行者應有的信仰,幫助他們在精神上與觀念相聯繫。然而,值得我敬拜的不是這些東西,而是佛陀以及具有圓滿人格、德智的成佛者。這與上述的宗教相同:他們崇敬(尊重)但不崇拜聖人和聖像。


The Diamond Sutra, and the (Sixth Patriarch's) Altar Sutra, are significant Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, teaches wisdom that cuts through illusions that include idolarty and meaningless attachment. The Diamond Sutra has clearly pointed out that it is the wrong way if a person contemplates the Tathagata through any appearances of matter (physical substance) or means of voice. This issue is also metaphorically mentioned in the Altar Sutra. Both sutra prove that Buddhism never promotes idolatry but emphasizes understanding reality beyond material forms. The focus of Buddhist's practice are the Integration of Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path with life, and the realization of enlightenment through inner transformation. 

《金剛經》和《六祖壇經》都是重要的大乘佛教經典,教導我們斷除偶像崇拜和無意義執著等幻象的智慧。 《金剛經》明確指出,如果以任何色相、聲音的方式來觀照如來,那都是邪道。這問題在《壇經》中也有隱喻性的提及。這兩部經都證佛教從不宣揚偶像崇拜,而是強調理解物質形式以外的現實。佛教修行的重點是將四聖諦和八正道與生命融為一體,透過內在的轉化來證悟。


Besides worshiping the Buddha and venerating the material forms which are the symbol of Buddhism, I also pay my respect to the followers of other orthodox religions. They contribute to the purification of the world when they practice the relevant teachings in their lives. This is one of the goals they share with all Buddhists.

除了禮拜佛及尊敬像徵佛教的東西外,我也向其他正信宗教的信徒表示敬意。當他們在生活中實踐相關教義時,他們為淨化世界做出了貢獻。這是他們與所有佛教徒共同的目標之一。


8 Jul 2024

AI Writing 人工智能寫作

Since I started blogging in April 2023, I have published no more than fifty articles.  The reason for the low output is not my insistence on bilingual release, but the organization of the content.
自從我2023年4月開始寫部落格以來,我發表的文章不超過五十篇。產量低的原因不是我堅持雙語發布,而是內容的組織。

When ChatGPT from Open-AI became hot news, I started trying to find smart tools to assist my writing.  It is better if the tool is free.  This search process is not easy.  First, the registration of ChatGPT was a process of being angry.  To protect the related technology from being stolen, Open-AI requests that the users provide a phone number outside the area of the People's Republic of China (including the areas of Hong Kong and Macau) to receive the register code.  It means I, as a resident of Macau, was not a qualified user of ChatGPT.
當 Open-AI 的 ChatGPT 成為熱門新聞時,我開始嘗試尋找智慧工具來輔助我的寫作。如果該工具是免費的就更好了。這個尋找的過程並不容易。首先,ChatGPT的註冊是一個讓我生氣的過程。為保護相關技術不被竊取,Open-AI要求用戶提供中華人民共和國地區(含香港、澳門地區)以外的電話號碼以接收註冊碼。這意味著我身為澳門居民,不是ChatGPT的合格用戶。


Writesonic is the first writing tool I have tried.  I have done nothing since the first registration, just clicked "Sign-in with Google" and logged in with my Google account. Besides the variety of writing patterns it has provided, the chatbot Chatsonic also helps as an "information station" when I need to find information for my writing. Although it is one of the tools that supports multiple languages, I found that the fluency of its Chinese text generating is lower, and it is also a lot of confusion when I asked the chatbot to define in English for certain Chinese terms for distant relatives. However, it is a good assistant for English writing. Unfortunately, after I used up the free word count it offered for trial, I had to deactivate it, as it promoted various plans for different amounts of word counts, but none of them were suitable for an amateur writer who writes not much.
Writesonic 是我嘗試的第一個書寫工具。 自從第一次註冊以來,我什麼也沒做,只是點擊「使用 Google 登入」並使用我的 Google 帳戶登入。除了提供多種寫作模式外,聊天機器人 Chatsonic 還可以在我需要尋找寫作資訊時充當「資訊站」。雖然它是支援多種語言的工具之一,但我發現它生成的中文文本流暢度較低,而且當我要求聊天機器人用英文定義某些遠親的中文稱謂時也很混亂。不過,它卻是英文寫作的好幫手。不幸的是,當我用完它提供的免費試用字數後,我不得不停用它,因為它推廣了各種不同字數的計劃,但沒有一個適合寫得不多的業餘作家。


I found Rytr and Smodin for half a year. Both of them are my writing assistants now. The free plan of Rytr allows me to write up to 10k characters every month. On the other hand, the limited plan (for trial) of Smodin allows me 3 writing credits per day. Each credit is equal to a text in 1000 characters. Both of them own their own chatbot, and can "Sign-in with Google" or register with another e-mail. Although their performance of generating articles in languages besides English, there is still room for improvement, and the combination of productivity of both seems not much, but enough for me. Their task was to make up for my own shortcomings: generating the first draft of an English article in a very short time, which was organized by the information on the network that related to the topics and key-phrases provided by me. As for the later editing, such as proofreading, rhetoric, Chinese translating and comparison of bilingual texts, I can handle it easily.
我用 Rytr 和 Smodin 半年了。他們現在都是我的寫作助手。Rytr 的免費方案給我每月最多一萬 個用於寫作的字元。另一方面,Smodin 的有限計劃(試用計劃)允許我每天獲得 3 個寫作額。每個額相當於一篇 1000 個字元的文字。他們倆都擁有自己的聊天機器人,並且可以「使用 Google 登入」或使用其他電子郵件地址註冊。雖然他們在生成英語以外的語言文章的表現上仍有改進的空間,而且兩者的生產力結合起來似乎不多,但對我來說已經足夠了。他們的任務是彌補我自己的不足:根據我提供的與主題和關鍵字相關的網路訊息,在很短的時間內產生一篇英文文章的初稿。至於後期的校對、修辭、做中文譯本、雙語文本對比等編輯工作,我都能輕鬆應付。


I have now started testing two new tools, ChatGTPfree and Microsoft's Copliot. I have not tested the deeper functions of both yet, but my sense that the accuracy of information and the completeness of (English) articles generated from the chatbot of ChatGTPfree is slightly superior to the chatbot of Copliot.
我現在開始測試兩個新工具,ChatGTPfree 和 Microsoft 的 Copliot。我還沒有測試過兩者的更深層的功能,但我覺得 ChatGTPfree 的聊天機器人生成的資訊的準確性和(英文)文章的完整性略優於 Copliot 的聊天機器人。


After my casual talk about the writing tools I have tested, I have to remark that the contents generated by these tools may not be all correct, users must perform manual review and proofreading to ensure the reliability of the content.
閒聊完了我測試過的寫作工具,我必須說一句,些工具產生的內容不一定都是全部正確的,使用者必須進行人工審核和校對,以確保內容的可靠性。

The tests of the writing tools mentioned above were against their web versions. Here is their URL:
上述書寫工具的測試都是針對其網頁版進行的。這是他們的網址:
Writesonic  -  https://writesonic.com/
Rytr  -  https://app.rytr.me/
Smodin  -  https://smodin.io/
ChatGTPfree  -  https://chatgptfree.ai/
Copilot  -  https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Finally, is there anyone who could solve my problem that I am not good at doing the article organization? I have to experience my nightmare again to release this article. This release is the 38th edition and the tools I mentioned are less help in this text issue, as the organization of second-hand information on the Internet can not express my personal experience and senses. 
最後,有誰能解決我不擅長文章組織的問題嗎?我不得不再次經歷我的噩夢才能發布這篇文章。這次發布是第38版,我提到的工具對於本文的幫助不大,因為網路上二手資訊的整理無法表達我個人的經驗和感受。


26 Jun 2024

Buddhism and Management 佛教與管理

In today's fast-paced and competitive business world, leaders are constantly seeking ways to improve productivity, foster positive work environments, and enhance employee well-being. Surprisingly, one source of inspiration for effective management practices can be found in the ancient teachings of Buddhism.
在當今快節奏、競爭激烈的商業世界中,領導者不斷尋求提高生產力、創造積極的工作環境和增強員工福祉的方法。令人驚訝的是,有效管理實踐的靈感來源之一可以在古代佛教教義中找到。

Buddhism, with its emphasis on mindfulness, compassion, and ethical behavior, shares several key principles with modern management theories. By understanding and incorporating these common points, leaders can create a more harmonious and successful workplace.
佛教強調正念、慈悲和道德行為,與現代管理理論有幾個共同的關鍵原則。透過理解和整合這些共同點,領導者可以創造一個更和諧和成功的工作場所。

One of the fundamental concepts shared between Buddhism and management is the importance of mindfulness. In Buddhism, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the moment. This can be applied in management to promote focus, clarity, and decision-making. By cultivating mindfulness in the workplace, leaders can enhance productivity and reduce stress among employees.
佛教和管理之間共有的基本概念之一是正念的重要性。在佛教中,正念是對修行的全神貫注和當下的意識。這可以應用於管理中,以促進重點、清晰度和決策的產生。透過在工作場所培養正念,領導者可以提高生產力並減輕員工的壓力。
Another common point between Buddhism and management is the idea of self-awareness. Buddhism teaches the importance of understanding oneself and one's motivations. In management, self-awareness can help leaders identify their strengths and weaknesses, leading to more effective leadership and decision-making.
佛教與管理的另一個共同點是自我意識的概念。佛教教導了解自己和動機的重要性。在管理中,自我意識可以幫助領導者識別自己的優勢和劣勢,從而實現更有效的領導和決策。

Compassion is also a key principle shared between Buddhism and management. In Buddhism, compassion is the practice of showing kindness and empathy towards others. In management, compassion can foster a positive work culture, improve employee morale, and enhance team collaboration.
慈悲也是佛教與管理學共同的關鍵原則。在佛教中,慈悲是對他人表現出仁慈和同理心的做法。在管理中,同情心和適當的仁慈可以培養積極的工作文化,提高員工士氣,並增強團隊協作精神。

Furthermore, both Buddhism and management theories emphasize the importance of ethical behavior. By following ethical principles and values, leaders can build trust with their employees, customers, and stakeholders, leading to long-term success and sustainability.
此外,佛教和管理理論都強調道德行為的重要性。透過遵循道德原則和價值觀,領導者可以與員工、客戶和利害關係人建立信任,從而實現持久的成功和永續發展。

Both Buddhism and the study of Management emphasize the importance of personal growth, self-awareness, and reaching one's highest potential. They both offer frameworks for individuals to understand themselves better, overcome obstacles, and achieve a state of fulfillment and inner peace. This can be explained through the next paragraph:
佛教和管理學都強調個人成長、自我意識和發揮最大潛力的重要性。它們都為個人提供了更好地了解自己、克服障礙、實現成就感和內心平靜的框架。這可以透過下一段來解釋:

In Buddhism, the path to Buddhism involves practices such as meditation, mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living. These practices help individuals cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, ultimately leading to a state of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.  On the other hand, 
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which is always mentioned in the lessons on Management, a theory of psychological development that suggests individuals must fulfill basic needs such as physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization in order to reach their full potential. This concept aligns with Buddhism's teachings on the importance of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching a state of enlightenment or Buddhahood.
在佛教中,通往佛教的道路涉及冥想、正念、慈悲和道德生活等修行。這些修行幫助個人培養內心的平靜、智慧和慈悲,最終帶來開悟和從痛苦中解脫的境界。 另一方面,管理學課程中經常提到的馬斯洛人格金字塔,一種心理學理論,概述了一種心理發展理論,建議個人必須滿足基本需求,如生理、安全、愛/歸屬、尊重和自我實現,以充分發揮潛力。這個概念與佛教關於自我意識、自我完善和達到開悟或成佛狀態的重要性的教義相一致。

In general, the common points between Buddhism and management offer valuable insights for leaders looking to create a more mindful, compassionate, and ethical work environment. By incorporating these principles into their leadership practices, managers can cultivate a workplace that promotes well-being, productivity, and success for all.
總的來說,佛教與管理之間的共同點為那些尋求創造更專注、富有同情心和道德的工作環境的領導者提供了寶貴的見解。透過將這些原則融入領導實踐中,管理者可以打造一個促進所有人福祉、生產力和成功的工作場所。

Many philosophies from Buddhism (or other orthodox religions), I believe, can be applied to modern management and other sciences. However, most people regard these philosophies as metaphysics or even outright superstition. Only a few people with academic accomplishments know and are willing to accept that the study of religious philosophy can help to innovate academic theories.
我相信,佛教(或其他正統宗教)的許多哲學都可以應用於現代管理和其他科學。然而,大多數人將這些哲學視為形而上學,甚至是徹頭徹尾的迷信。只有少數有學術造詣的人知道並願意接受宗教哲學研究有助於學術理論創新。

16 Jun 2024

Confession 懺悔

Confessions typically involve admitting one's faults or wrongdoings to another person or the supreme being ( God, the deity, the Buddha...etc.), often seeking forgiveness or absolution. It's when an individual hands up and says "yep, that was me, my bad." It's about taking responsibility for his actions and being accountable. When he musters the courage to admit his wrongdoings, it's a sign of maturity and a crucial step towards growth and improvement. 
懺悔通常涉及向另一個人或至高無上的存在(上帝、本尊、佛陀等)承認自己的錯誤或錯誤,通常尋求寬恕或赦免。當一個人舉起手來說「是的,那是我,我的錯」。這是關於對自己的行為負責並承擔責任。當他鼓起勇氣承認自己的錯誤時,這是成熟的標誌,也是邁向成長和進步的關鍵一步。

Self-reflection is the accompaniment of confession. It involves introspection and examining one's thoughts, feelings, and actions to gain insight and self-awareness. It is a process of understanding why one does these things and how to improve himself. This process allows him to gain valuable insights into his own motivations and areas that need work. 
自我反省是懺悔的伴隨。它涉及內省和檢查一個人的思想、感受和行為,以獲得洞察力和自我意識。這是一個理解一個人為什麼要做這些事情以及如何提升自己的過程。這個過程使他能夠深入了解自己的動機和需要努力的領域。

The cool thing is, both are actually work together in a complementary way. Confessions can be a great starting point for self-reflection. When one owns up to his mistakes, it opens the door to really digging into why he made those choices in the first place. Conversely, by examining the root causes and factors that led to his actions, he can develop a deeper understanding of himself, and thus identify the reason of admitting faults and the opportunities for positive change. 
很酷的是,兩者實際上以互補的方式一起工作。懺悔可以是自我反省的一個很好的起點。當一個人承認自己的錯誤時,就會打開一扇大門,讓他真正深入探討他最初為何做出這些選擇。相反,透過檢視導致自己行為的根源和因素,他可以對自己有更深入的了解,從而找出承認錯誤的原因和正向改變的機會。

A complete process of confessions, that is  the cooperation of both admit faults and examine movtivations, is not only a discussion points in religion and philosophy, but also a scientific means of self-management. It is a powerful tool that can help an individual become the best version of himself. This is the only way to make those meaningful improvements one's seeking, indeed, It may be challenges when processing, but the rewards of self-awareness and personal development are well worth the effort. So don't be afraid to get real with yourself.
一個完整的懺悔過程,即承認錯誤和審視動機的配合,不僅是宗教和哲學的討論點,也是一種科學的自我管理手段。它是一個強大的工具,可以幫助個人成為最好的自己。這是實現那些有意義的改進的唯一方法,確實,處理時可能會遇到挑戰,但自我意識和個人發展的回報是非常值得付出努力的。所以不要害怕面對真實的自己。

27 May 2024

Anapanasati 安那般那

Anapanasati, a form of meditation that involves mindfulness of breathing, has been a significant practice method in various traditional spiritual practices, particularly in Buddhism. By focusing on the natural breath, anapanasati aims to cultivate awareness, concentration, and emotional balance. In addition to its spiritual significance, controlled breathing techniques associated with anapanasati have been found to have numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. 

安那般那(安般守意/數息)是一種涉及以正念來呼吸的禪修形式,一直是各種傳統精神修行(尤其是佛教)中的重要修行方法。透過專注於自然呼吸,安那般那旨在培養意識、專注力和情緒平衡。除了在靈性上的意義外,與安那般那相關的控制呼吸技術也被發現對身心健康有許多好處。


Anapanasati, which originates from the Pali language, consists of two parts: "anapana" meaning inhalation and exhalation, and "sati" meaning mindfulness. This technique has been popularized by the teachings of the Buddha and is a fundamental practice in various schools of Buddhism.

安般守意(Anapanasati)源自巴利語,由兩部分組成:「anapana」意為吸氣和呼氣,「sati」意為正念。這項技術已透過佛陀的教義所普及,並且是佛教各宗派的基本修行。


Benefits of Anapanasati Meditation

安那般那禪修的好處

Mindfulness:Anapanasati helps in developing mindfulness by anchoring awareness to the breath, allowing practitioners to observe the changing nature of their thoughts and emotions.

正念:安那般那透過將意識錨定在呼吸上來幫助培養正念,讓練習者能夠觀察他們在思想上和情緒上的變化的本質。

Concentration:Focusing on the breath enhances concentration as individuals learn to redirect their attention back to the breath whenever distractions arise.

專注力:專注於呼吸可以增強專注力,因為人們會學到當出現分心時將注意力重新轉移到呼吸上。


Emotional Regulation: Regular practice of Anapana can optimize emotional regulation, helping individuals respond to challenging situations with greater clarity and calmness.

情緒調節:定時練習安那般那可以優化情緒的調節,幫助個人更清晰、更平靜地應對具有挑戰性的情況。


How to Practice Anapanasati

如何練習安那般那

Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Begin by bringing your attention to the natural rhythm of your breath, notice the inhalation and exhalation without trying to control it. Observe the sensations associated with breathing - the rise and fall of the abdomen, the airflow through the nostrils, or the expansion of the chest. When distractions arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently return your focus to the breath. 

選擇一個安靜舒適的地方,讓您可以坐下或躺下而不會分心。首先將注意力集中在呼吸的自然節奏上,注意吸氣和呼氣,而不是試圖控制呼吸。觀察與呼吸相關的感覺:腹部的起伏、通過鼻孔的氣流或胸部的擴張。當出現分心時,承認並且不要批判這個這個分心,然後輕輕地將注意力放回呼吸上。


Consistent practice is key to reaping the benefits of Anapanasati. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.

持續的練習是透過安那般那獲得益處的關鍵。先從簡短的練習開始,當對練習感到更加熟悉時,請逐漸增加持續時間。


Anapanasati is a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and emotional well-being. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can experience greater clarity of mind and a deeper connection to the present moment.

安那般那是培養正念、專注力和情緒健康的強大工具。透過將這種練習融入日常生活中,可以體驗到更清晰的頭腦以及與當下這一刻的更深入的關連。


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