Conflicts Between Modern Life and Traditional Festivals 現代生活與傳統節慶的衝突

As the Lunar New Year approaches, I find clashes between traditional and modern life become pronounced in cognition, views, values, life patterns, etc.
隨著農曆新年的臨近，我發現傳統生活和現代生活的衝突在認知、觀點、價值觀、生活模式等方面變得更加明顯。

Cognition: In the fast-paced world we live in, our cognitive frameworks have evolved. The ways we perceive and process information have been shaped by technology and globalization. The Lunar New Year, with its deep-rooted customs and rituals, sometimes feels distant to those who are immersed in the digital age. While these customs still hold significance, they often compete with modern rationalism and scientific thinking. This shift in cognition presents a challenge in maintaining the essence of the festival while embracing the advancements of the present.
認知：在我們所處的快節奏世界中，我們的認知框架已經改變了。我們感知和處理資訊的方式已經受到科技和全球化的影響。農曆新年有著根深蒂固的風俗和儀式，但對於沉浸在數位時代的人來說，它有時顯得遙遠。雖然這些習俗仍具有重要意義，但它們常常與現代理性主義和科學思維相衝突。這種認知的轉變對如何在擁抱當代的進步的同時保持節日的本質提出了挑戰。

Values: Traditional festivals like the Lunar New Year are steeped in values and performances of a great family, togetherness, and respect for ancestors. However, modern life, with its emphasis on individualism and career aspirations, can sometimes overshadow these values. The hustle and bustle of daily routines, coupled with the demands of work and personal ambitions, can make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the spirit of the festival. Furthermore, some traditional customs may have adverse effects, such as excessive frying of food during festivals may affect health, and inappropriate throwing of firecrackers may cause fires or public casualties. Indeed, it is painful to choose between honoring traditional values and accommodating modern priorities.
價值觀：農曆新年等傳統節日蘊含著大家庭、團結和尊重祖先的價值觀和表現。然而，現代生活強調個人主義和職業抱負，有時會掩蓋這些價值觀。日常生活的忙碌，加上工作和個人抱負的要求，會讓人很難完全沉浸在節慶的氣氛中。此外，一些傳統習俗也可能帶來不良影響，例如節慶期間過度的煎炸食物會影響健康；不當地燃放爆竹可能引發火災或造成公眾傷亡。的確，在尊重傳統價值觀和適應現代優先事項之間做出選擇是痛苦的。

Life Patterns: The rhythm of life during traditional Chinese festivals often contrasts sharply with the tempo of modern existence. The Lunar New Year calls for a slower pace and the observance of age-old customs. In contrast, the relentless speed of modern life leaves little room for such pauses. It is a huge challenge to keep harmony between the traditions that connect us to our cultural roots without disrupting the flow of our contemporary lives.
生活規律：傳統中國節日的生活節奏往往與現代生活的節奏形成鮮明對比。農曆新年要求我們放慢節奏並遵守古老的習俗。相較之下，現代生活的急速發展讓我們幾乎沒有時間進行這樣的停頓。在不擾亂我們當代的生活節奏下，保持將我們與文化根源聯繫起來的傳統的和諧，是一個巨大的挑戰。

The way to reduce the conflict between tradition and reality is to be aware that reunion can be without a designated time and place. Virtual gatherings, online cultural events, and digital storytelling can bring the spirit of the Lunar New Year or other festivals into the modern era without giving up the realities of modern life. Technology can help with the expression of festival greetings, preserve and promote cultural practices, and make them more accessible to younger generations.
減少傳統與現實衝突的方法就是認識到團聚可以不限時間和地點。虛擬聚會、線上文化活動和數位化故事敘述可以將農曆新年或其他節日的精神帶入現代，同時又不放棄現代生活的現實。科技可以幫助表達節慶祝福，保護和推廣文化習俗，並使年輕一代更容易接觸到這些習俗。

Wish everyone a happy and safe Lunar New Year.
祝願大家都有一個愉快又安全的農曆新年。

Kindness vs Great Compassion 善良與大悲心

In our everyday lives, we often encounter acts of kindness: a warm smile from a stranger, a helping hand when needed, or a kind word of encouragement. These small yet significant acts at a time make the world a better place. However, what distinguishes these acts of kindness from the profound and encompassing nature of Great Compassion that is highly valued by Buddhists?
在我們的日常生活中，我們經常會遇到善良的行為：陌生人的一個溫暖的微笑，需要時伸出的援助之手，或一句鼓勵的話語。這些行為雖小但意義重大，每次發生都讓世界變得更美好。但這些善良的舉動與佛教徒所推崇的既深刻又有包容性的大悲心有何不同呢？

Kindness is a fundamental human trait, characterized by small, considerate actions. It's the simple but powerful gesture of helping someone carry their groceries, sharing a meal, or offering a listening ear to a friend in need. Kindness is often spontaneous and focuses on immediate , tangible assistance. It's these everyday acts that weave the fabric of a caring and supportive community.
善良是人類的基本特徵，其特徵是細微的、體貼的舉動。這是一個簡單但有力的舉動，例如幫助別人拿雜物、分享一頓飯或傾聽有需要的朋友的傾訴。善良一般都是自發性的並且注重直接、實際的幫助。正是這些日常行為編織了一個充滿關懷和支持的社區。

Great Compassion, on the other hand, delves much deeper. It embodies a profound empathy and understanding of the suffering of all beings. Those who possess Great Compassion are driven by a selfless desire to alleviate suffering on a larger scale. This compassionate spirit goes beyond individual acts; it seeks to address the root causes of suffering and promote long-term well-being and harmony.
另一方面，大悲心的探究則更加深入。它體現了對所有眾生苦難的深刻同情和理解。具有大悲心的人具有無私的願望，希望能更大程度地減輕人們的痛苦。這種慈悲精神超越個人行為；它尋求解決痛苦的根源並促進長期的福祉與和諧。

Differences on both     兩者的區別

Scope of Action: While kindness involves everyday actions directed towards individuals, Great Compassion encompasses sustained efforts aimed at the well-being of all beings.
行動範圍：善良涉及針對個人的日常行為，而大悲心則包含旨在造福所有眾生的持續努力。

Depth of Empathy: Kindness is characterized by consideration and helpfulness in the moment, whereas Great Compassion reflects a deep and abiding empathy that understands the interconnectedness of all life.
同理心的深淺：善良的特徵是當下的體貼和幫助，而大悲心則反映出一種深刻而持久的同理心，理解所有生命的相互連結。

Motivation: Acts of kindness often arise from a desire to be helpful and considerate, whereas Great Compassion is driven by a profound commitment to alleviating suffering, even at a personal cost.
動機：善良的行為常源自於想要提供幫助和體貼，而大悲心則源自於減輕痛苦的深刻承諾，即使要付出個人代價。

Example: A person with kindness would support (short-term or long-term) the daily needs of the poor, when a person with great compassion would guide the poor with skills and experience for life-improvement.

例如：一個善良的人會（短期或長期）支持窮人的日常需求，而一個有大悲心的人會用技能和經驗來指導窮人改善生活。

Both kindness and Great Compassion are invaluable qualities that contribute to a more compassionate and just world. Acts of kindness can be seen as the seeds that, when nurtured with wisdom and intelligence, grow into the full bloom of Great Compassion. By cultivating both qualities, we can create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. 

善良和大悲心都是寶貴的特質，有助於創造一個更富同情心和公正的世界。善良就像種子，經過智慧和聰明的培育，會長成大悲心的花朵。透過培養這兩種品格，我們可以創造出遠遠超出我們周圍環境的正向變化的漣漪。

Different orthodox religions and beliefs contain different wisdoms that help these two qualities develop. Religions should cooperate with each other, so these two qualities can be developed better. Conversely, the development of kindness and great compassion may embody all the orthodox religions with wisdom, goodness and beauty.
不同的正信宗教和信都仰蘊含著有助於這兩種特質發展的不同的智慧。各宗教之間應該要互相合作，才能更好地發展這兩種特質。反過來說，善良和大悲心的發展，可以體現各正信宗教的智慧、善與美。

Great Compassion 大悲心

People born in countries deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhist culture, regardless of whether they are Buddhists or not, will naturally arouse compassion as long as they come into contact with the name or image of
Avalokitesvara. 

出生在深受大乘佛教文化影響的國家的人們，無論是否信奉佛教，只要接觸到觀世音菩薩的名號或形象，就會自然而然地生起慈悲之心。

Let's explore the concepts of the Great Compassion, and how it works with the Great Wisdom, Great Vow, and Great Implementation. These four forces are core tenets in Mahayana Buddhism and they work harmoniously to guide individuals on their path to enlightenment and altruism. 

讓我們來探索一下大悲心的概念，以及它如何與大智慧、大願心和大行一起發揮作用。這四種力是大乘佛教的核心原則，它們和諧地引導人們走上開悟和利他主義的道路。

What is the Great Compassion?   什麼是大悲心？

The Great Compassion is the deep, boundless compassion that drives a Bodhisattva (the enlightened being) towards selfless acts for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is rooted in the understanding of the suffering present in the world and the genuine desire to alleviate it. This compassion is not limited or selective; it extends to all beings without exception.

大悲心是一種深沉、無限的慈悲，它驅使菩薩（覺者）為了利益所有眾生而做出無私的行為。它根植於對世界上存在的苦難的理解以及減輕苦難的真誠願望。這種同情心不是有限的、也不是選擇性的；它適用於一切眾生，無一例外。

It works with the other three forces   它與其他三種力量一起發揮作用

The Great Wisdom is the profound understanding of the true nature of reality. It allows one to see beyond illusions and comprehend the interconnectedness of all things. Great Wisdom guides the application of Great Compassion, ensuring that actions taken are effective and lead to true liberation from suffering.

大智慧是對現實本質的深刻理解。它能讓人看透幻想，理解萬物的相互連結。大智慧指導大慈悲的運用，確保所採取的行動有效並真正擺脫痛苦。

The Great Vow represents the deep commitment to achieving enlightenment and aiding all beings. These vows are the powerful resolutions that keep a Bodhisattva steadfast on their path. It is the motivational force behind the practice of Great Compassion and Great Wisdom.

大願心代表著獲得覺悟和幫助一切眾生的堅定承諾。這些誓言是讓菩薩堅定不移走上修行之路的強大決心。這是修行大慈悲和大智慧的動力。

Great Implementation is the actual practice and execution of compassionate and wise actions. It involves putting into practice what has been understood through wisdom and committed to through vows.

大行是慈悲和智慧行為的實際實踐和執行。它涉及將透過智慧理解和透過誓言承諾的事物付諸實踐。

The Synergy of the four Great forces  四大力量的協同作用

In essence, the Great Compassion forms the heart that feels the suffering of beings, the Great Wisdom is the mind that understands the best ways to alleviate that suffering, the Great Vow is the resolve to act for the benefit of all, and the Great Implementation is the physical embodiment of these principles. Together, they create a holistic approach to spiritual practice that is both compassionate and effective.

從本質上來說，大悲心是體會眾生苦難的心，大智慧是懂得減輕眾生苦難的最佳方法的心，大願心是為利益大眾而採取行動的決心，大行是就是這些原則的具體體現。他們共同創造了一種既富有同情心又有效的整體精神修煉方法。

It should be noted that there is Renunciation, a practice for self-liberation. As well as Great Compassion, it is based on the understanding of suffering and involves wisdom, vows and implementation, but it goes on one's own suffering only, and has fewer concepts to benefit sentient beings. It is a kind of personal practice to achieve the state of an Arhat, and thus it is never "Great".

值得注意的是，還有一種出離心，一種為了自我解脫的修行。它和大悲心一樣，是基於對苦難的了解，也涉及智慧、願心、實行，但這種修行只針對自己的苦難，對於利益眾生的理念較少。這是一種可以達到阿羅漢果位的個人的修行，也因此它永遠不能「偉大」。

Great Compassion should indeed be learned by us who have not yet attained Buddhahood, since these have been learned and are shown to us in different forms by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Also, it can be taken as references by the believers of other religions who wish to contribute the world.

大悲心的確是我們還沒有成佛的人應該學習的，因為這些都是諸佛菩薩已經學習過，並且以不同的形式展現給我們的。它也可成為其他宗教的信徒在為世界作出貢獻時作為參考。