二十四節氣 The Twenty-Four Solar Terms

二十四節氣是中國傳統的根據太陽在天空中的位置來劃分一年的方式。受平年和閏年的影響，每年同一個節氣的日期可能會提前或推遲一天。每一個節氣都與特定的自然現像或農業活動相關，農民用它們來確定種植、收穫和其他農業活動的最佳時間。其中一些更與中國的文化習俗有著密切的聯繫。

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms are the traditional Chinese way of dividing the year based on the position of the sun in the sky. Affected by ordinary and runnian years, the date of the same solar term in every year may be a day earlier or late. Each of these solar terms is associated with a specific natural phenomenon or agricultural activity, and farmers use them to determine the best times for planting, harvesting, and other agricultural activities. Some of them are also closely linked with Chinese culture and customs. 

以下是二十四節氣的a日期（根據2023年）、名稱和含義：

Here are the dates (according to 2023), names and meanings of the twenty-four solar terms:

1月5日小寒：天氣變得更加寒冷，人們開始使用爐灶取暖的時候。

Minor Cold at 05 Jan: the weather becomes even colder and people begin to use the stove to keep warm.

1月20日大寒：天氣最冷，人們需要穿厚衣服保暖。

Severe cold (Major Cold) at 20 Jan: the weather is at its coldest and people need to bundle up to stay warm.

2月4日立春：春天的開始和農業年的開始。

Spring Commences at 04 Feb: the beginning of spring and the start of the agricultural year.

2月19日雨水：降雨量增加和天氣開始變暖。

Spring Showers (Rain Water) at 19 Feb: the time when rainfall increases and the weather starts to warm up.

3月6日驚蟄：昆蟲開始從冬眠中甦醒並再次活躍起來。

Awakening of Insects at 06 Mar: insects start to come out of hibernation and become active again.

3月21日春分：晝夜長度相等的一天。

Vernal Equinox at 21 Mar: the day when the length of day-time and night-time are equal.

4月5日清明：天氣晴朗，人們外出掃墓。

Clear and Bright (Ching Ming) at 05 Apr: the weather becomes clear and bright, and people go out to sweep tombs.

4月20日穀雨：糧食作物開始成熟。

Grain Rain at 20 Apr: the grain crops start to ripen.

5月6日立夏：夏天的開始，天氣開始炎熱。

Summer Commences at 06 May: the beginning of summer and the time when the weather starts to get hot.

5月21日五穀豐登：穀物成熟的日子。

Grain Full at 21 May: the grain crops become full and ripe.

6月6日出穗：穀物開始抽穗的時間。

Grain in Ear at 06 Jun: the grain crops start to sprout ears.

6月21日夏至：太陽到達天空最高點，也是一年中白晝最長的一天。

Summer Solstice at 21 Jun: the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and the day of the longest day-time of the year.

7 月 7 日小暑：天氣開始變熱，人們開始尋找陰涼處。

Minor Heat at 07 Jul: the weather starts to get hotter and people begin to seek shad

7月23日大暑：天氣最熱，農作物需要大量的水。

Major Heat at 23 Jul: the weather is at its hottest and the crops need a lot of water.

立秋8月8日：秋天的開始，天氣開始轉涼。

Autumn Commences at 08 Aug: the beginning of autumn and the time when the weather starts to cool down.

8月23日處暑：夏季的炎熱開始消散。

Limit of Heat (End of Heat) at 23 Aug: the heat of Summer begins to dissipate.

9月8日白露：草地上結出露水，天氣變涼。

White Dew at 08 Sep: dew forms on the grass and the weather becomes cooler.

9月23日秋分：晝夜長度相等的一天。

Autumnal Equinox at 23 Sep: the day when the length of day-time and night-time are equal.

10月8日寒露：天氣變冷，露水結霜。

Cold Dew at 08 Oct: the weather becomes colder and dew forms into frost.

10月24日霜降：霜開始形成，天氣變得更加寒冷。

Frost Descent at 24 Oct: frost starts to form and the weather becomes even colder.

11 月 8 日立冬：冬季開始，天氣明顯變冷。

Winter Commences at 08 Nov: the beginning of winter, the weather becomes significantly colder.

11月22日小雪（小雪）：可能出現初雪，氣溫進一步下降。

Minor Snow (Light Snow) at 22 Nov: the first snowfall may occurs and the temperature drops even further.

12月7日大雪（大雪）：氣溫下降幅度更大，降雪量更大。

Major Snow (Heavy Snow) at 07 Dec: the temperature drops even more and the snowfall becomes heavier.

12月22日冬至：太陽在天空中達到最低點的這一天，也是一年中白晝最短的一天。

Winter Solstice at 22 Dec: the day when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky and when the shortest day-time of the year.

南傳佛教與大乘佛教 Theravada and Mahayana

佛教有兩個主要分支：南傳佛教側重於通過修行實現個人證悟和解脫，而大乘佛教則側重於實現個人和有緣眾生的開悟。這兩個分支在某些方面有所不同，但它們具有共同的基礎。

There are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism focuses on achieving personal enlightenment and liberation through practice, while Mahayana Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment of both personal and related sentient beings. The two branches differ in some ways, but they share a common foundation.

南傳佛教一般以釋迦牟尼佛為領袖。他是引導弟子證悟的老師，也是唯一證得圓滿證悟的人。因此，他們嚴格遵守佛陀所製定的戒律和指引，幾乎不能做出任何形式的修改。另一方面，大乘佛教認為，釋迦牟尼是不同時空無數諸佛之一，不同的佛會提出既不違背正念、又能因應不同的環境靈活應對的教法。所以，大乘佛教的戒律和指引會因應不同的地域和環境而略有調整。

Theravada Buddhism generally regards Sakyamuni Buddha as the leader. He is the teacher who guides his disciples to enlightenment, and the only person who has achieved perfect enlightenment. Therefore, they strictly follow the precepts and guidance set by the Buddha and can hardly make any form of modification. On the other hand, Mahayana Buddhism believes that Sakyamuni is one of countless Buddhas in
different times and space, and the different Buddhas will propose teaching methods that do not violate mindfulness but can flex respond to the different situations they are in. So, the precepts and guidance of Mahayana Buddhism will be slightly adjusted in response to different areas and environments.

南傳佛教注重通過自我修行來成就“阿羅漢”（一種解脫的狀態，在這狀態下，所有的業力都已被補償或抵消，無需擔心新的業力因清淨而穩定的心而產生，因此沒有精神上的負擔。這也是衡量佛法修行成就的基本標準）。他們很少主動介入別人的事情，只能給有緣的人建議或祝福，因為他們注意到因果報應是無法由別人來抵銷的。 不過，大乘佛教注重通過修行“菩薩道”（將對他人的積極關心融入到實踐中）來實現最終的佛果。 他們認為，增加自己福祉或減少業力痛苦的另一個方法是在力所能及的範圍內幫助他人，儘管這種努力可能無法完全抵消自己的業力。

Theravada Buddhism focuses on the achievement of "Arahant" (a state of liberation in which all karma has been compensated or offset, and no need to worry about new karma being created by a pure and stable mind, so there is no mental burden. It is also the basic standard for measuring the achievements of Buddhist practice) by self-practice. They rarely take the initiative to intervene in other people's affairs, they can only give advice or blessings to those who are associated, as they have noticed that Karma cannot be compensated by others. However, Mahayana Buddhism focuses on the achievement of final Buddhahood  by practising the "Bodhisattva way" (incorporating active concern for others into practice). They believe that another way of practice might increase their own blessings or reduce the suffering of karma is to help others as much as possible within their abilities,  even though such efforts may not completely offset their own karma.

南傳佛教提倡三學（戒、定、慧）、四聖諦、四念處、八聖道（我之前的文章有簡單介紹）、禪宗（佛教正念禪修）。 這些科目有助於糾正個人在思想、言語和行為上的問題。 大乘佛教除南傳佛教的科目外，還包括與慈悲行為有關的科目，如四受德、六波羅蜜（布施、持戒、忍辱、精進、禪宗、般若）等。

Theravada Buddhism advocates the Three Studies (precepts, samadhi, and wisdom), the Four Noble Truths, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Noble Eightfold Path (a brief introduce at my article before), and Zen (meditation with Buddhism mindfulness).  These subject help with correcting individual problems in thinking, words and deeds. Mahayana Buddhism, in addition to the subjects according to Theravada Buddhism, also include subjects related to compassion behavior, such as the Four Embracing Virtues and the Six perfections (giving, keeping precepts, patience, diligence, Zen, and prajna).

在教義上，南傳佛教普遍主張“空性”，認為一切主觀感受和客觀現像都只是暫時的，都會成為過去。 大乘佛教進一步認為，“空性”是以“緣起”為基礎的，即一切“法”（感受、事物、現像等）都是條件(因緣)充足而形成，條件不足而消散。因此，一切現像都是幻相。

In terms of doctrine, Theravada Buddhism generally advocates "emptiness" and believes that all subjective feelings and objective phenomena are only temporary and will become the past. Mahayana Buddhism further believes that "emptiness" is based on "dependent origination", that is, all "dharmas" (feelings, things, phenomena, etc.) are formed by the sufficient of causes and conditions, and dismissed when insufficient. Therefore all appearances are illusions.

南傳佛教和大乘佛教在歷史上都為佛教的豐富遺產做出了重大貢獻。 雖然他們在修行、證悟等方面可能有不同的做法（例如南傳可能認為中國僧侶“必須”吃素是違戒的表現之一，但從大乘的角度和歷史淵源來看） （在中國，這是慈悲的體現。而且，佛並沒有禁止我們吃素），但他們最終有一個共同的願望：脫離痛苦。

Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism has historically contributed significantly to the rich heritage of Buddhism. Although they may have different approaches to spiritual development, attainment of enlightenment, and other aspects (for example, Theravada may consider that Chinese monks "must" be vegetarians is one of the performence of against the precepts, but from the Mahayana perspective and historical origin, it is a manifestation of compassion in China. Furthermore, Buddha did not prohibit us from being vegetarian), but they ultimately have a common desire: to be freed from suffering.

這兩個分支都有其優點和缺點。 我們不需要也不應該為了支持一方而批評對方，批評只會給我們帶來麻煩。 我們可以簡單地按照自己選擇的一方的指導方針進行練習，同時適當地引用對方的長處。 請注意，我們修行的目的是從痛苦中解脫出來，而不是被囚禁在我們自招的煩惱之中。

Both branches has its advantages and disadvantages. We don't need and should not criticize the other in order to support one, criticism will only bring us trouble. We may simply do our practice according to the guidelines of the side we choose, and appropriately cite the strengths of the other side at the same time. Be noticed, the aim of our practice is to be freed from suffering, but not be imprisoned in the troubles we inflicted.

農歷七月的中國節日 Chinese Festivals in the 7th month of Lunar calendar

在農曆中，七月在中國文化中具有特殊的意義，因為它充滿了各種節日和傳統。 讓我們深入了解這段時間最著名的四個節日。

In the lunar calendar, the 7th month holds special significance in Chinese culture as it is filled with various festivals and traditions. Let's dive into four of the most celebrated festivals during this time.

首先，我們有七月初七。這個稱為七夕節或七七節是一個慶祝愛情和浪漫的節日。傳說織女和牛郎這對不幸的戀人每年只能在這一天見面一次。

First up, we have the 7th day of the 7th month. Known as the Qixi Festival or the Double Seventh Festival, it's a celebration of love and romance. Legend has it that two star-crossed lovers, Zhinü and Niulang, are allowed to meet each other only once a year on this day. 

接下來是鬼節，又稱月闌節或中元節。 這個節日是為了紀念和安撫不安的祖先與其他已故親人。人們相信在這一天，鬼魂在我們中間自由遊蕩，所以家家戶戶都會供奉食物及燒香。 

Next comes the Ghost Festival at the 15th day, also known as Zhongyuan Festival. This festival is all about honoring and appeasing restless ancestors and other deceased relative. It's believed that during this day, ghosts roam freely among us, so every family will offer food and burn incense. 

佛教的孟蘭節（或餓鬼節）一般在正月十五，與中元節相同。這是僧伽（印度的僧侶團體）夏季閉關的最後一天。佛教信徒相信，在這一天，通過向修行者供養，可以獲得神通力，拯救過去的祖先、世世代代父母親人的亡靈，脫離痛苦。當佛教傳入中國時，印度僧人的這種孝道儀式也開始在中國土地上萌芽。

The Meng Lan Festival (or Hungry Ghost Festival) from Buddhism typically falls on the 15th day, same as the Ghost Festival. It is the last day of the summer retreat for the sangha (the group of monks in India). Buddhist believers believe that on this day, by making offers to practitioners, they may earn the miracle power to save the ancestors of the past, the dead souls of parents and relatives for many generations, and escape from suffering. When Buddhism was introduced to China, this ritual of filial piety by Indian monks also began to sprout in Chinese land.

最後是農曆七月底地藏菩薩的生日。他被尊為慈悲的佛教菩薩，能幫助大眾減輕今生和來世的痛苦，因為他曾發願：地獄不空，決不成佛。信徒們在這天會到寺院獻花、燒香、念經，以表達對地藏菩薩的敬意。

Last, the birthday of Ksitigarbha on the end of the 7th lunar month. He have been revered as a compassionate Bodhisattva of Buddhism who helps alleviate suffering in both this world and afterlife, as he vowed that he will never become a Buddha unless the hell have be clear. In this day, devotees pay homage to Ksitigarbha by offering flowers, incense and chanting scriptures at monasteries.

時代的進步讓社會不再那麼傳統，人們開始減少思考傳統節日的意義。 我擔心這些傳統節日在我成為祖先之前就會消失。

The progress of the times has made society less traditional, and people have begun to think less about the meaning of traditional festivals. I worry that these traditional festivals will disappear before I have became an ancestor.

"心流"，內心的能量 "Flow", the energy of mental

正如心理學家 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 所描述的，心流狀態是指完全沉浸並專注於一項活動的狀態。 當處於心流狀態時，個人會體驗到深刻的享受感、創造力和生產力。他們會完全專注於當下，忘記了時間和自我意識。

The state of flow, as described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, refers to a state of complete immersion and focus in an activity. When in a state of flow, individuals experience a deep sense of enjoyment, creativity, and productivity. They become fully absorbed in the present moment, losing track of time and self-consciousness. 

心流與禪修（或冥想）類似，都是強調全神貫注於當下的重要性。它可以通過從事具有挑戰性的活動來體驗，例如工作、運動或愛好。要求個人完全專注於自己的活動，並鼓勵他們培養正念和提高意識。

Similar to Zen (or meditation), flow emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment. It can be experienced through engaging in a challenging activity, such as work, sports, or hobbies. It requires an individual to be completely absorbed in their activities and encourages them to cultivate mindfulness and heightened awareness. 

禪宗需要有意識的練習和紀律，強調活在當下，並且不執著於任何特定的結果。然而，心流可以在與個人技能和挑戰相匹配的活動中自發地實現，它通常與目標導向的活動相關。

Zen requires intentional practice and discipline, emphasis on being present and do not attachment to any particular outcome. However, flow can be achieved spontaneously during activities that match one's skills and challenges, it is often associated with goal-oriented activities.

總之，心流和禪都可以達到正念和精神能量的狀態。心流是在日常生活中進行的活動中體驗到的，而禪則
是一種冥想和超脫世俗干擾的練習。這兩個概念都有其獨特的特點，並且有助於增強注意力、創造力和整體幸福感。

In summary, both Flow and Zen offer pathways to achieving a state of mindfulness and mental energy. While Flow is experienced during engaging activities in daily life, Zen is a formal practice of meditation and detachment from worldly distractions. Both concepts have their unique characteristics and can be beneficial in enhancing focus, creativity, and overall well-being.

順便一提，我，亞佳，也經歷過心流的狀態。有一次，我吃完早餐開始工作，完全忘記了自己的新陳代謝、午餐時間和下班時間。下班後我還應該繼續愉快地工作……我的老闆真不應該提醒我下班。她的好心舉動讓我突然受到飢渴之苦。

By the way, I, ArKai, have experienced the state of flow. Once, I completely forgot my metabolism, lunch hour and duty-off hour when I started work after my breakfast. I should still continue my work with joy after my office hours... My boss really shouldn't have reminded me to leave work. What she kindly did made me suffer from hunger and thirst suddenly.

八正道 The Noble Eightfold Path

八正道是佛教的一個基本概念，是過上健康和充實的生活的指南。它是佛陀的核心教義之一，旨在幫助個人發展智慧、道德行為和精神紀律。這些由八個相互關聯的方面組成，每個方面都在修行者的精神發展中發揮著至關重要的作用。
The Noble Eightfold Path is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that serves as a guide to living a wholesome and fulfilling life. It is one of the core teachings of the Buddha and is aimed at helping individuals develop wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. These consists of eight interconnected aspects, each of which plays a crucial role in the spiritual development of a practitioner.  

正見：正確無誤地理解和看待一切諸法（特別是四聖諦）的合理性，並深刻了解我們的行為和信仰會在死後產生後果。
Right Understanding (Right View): Understand and view the rationality of all dharmas (particular of the Four Noble Truths) correctly and infallibly, with a deep know that our actions and beliefs have consequences after death.

正思（正志）：培養積極善意，遠離不正當的慾樂干擾。
Right Thought (Right Intention): Cultivating positive and wholesome intentions, and free from distractions of improper sensuality.

正語：強調使用真實、友善、有益的言語的重要性。練習者應避免說謊、分裂性言論、粗俗語言和流言蜚語等導致人際關係破裂的行為。
Right Speech: Emphasizes the importance of using words that are truthful, kind, and beneficial. Practitioners should avoid lying, divisive speech, vulgar language and gossip, etc. that cause a breakdown in relationships.

正業（正行）：通過學習五戒來控制和促進行為。正業包括從事有道德和促進福祉的行為，這有助於提高個人修養並避免造成惡業。
Right Action (Right Conduct): To control and promote behavior by learning the Five Precepts. Right action involves engaging in actions that are ethical and promote well-being, this helps improve personal cultivation and avoid create bad karma.

正命：以誠實、道德、不傷害自己或他人的方式謀生。這是鼓勵修行人避免從事給他人身心或財產安全造成不合理損失的職業。
Right Livelihood: To earning a living in a way that is honest, ethical, and does not cause harm to oneself or others. It encourages practitioners to avoid occupations that involve unreasonable losses on the physical and mental or property safety of others. 

正精進：不斷努力修善言行，隨時發現並捨棄惡行。 它要求修行者在練習中培養正念、能量和熱情。
Right Effort: Continuous efforts to cultivate good words and deeds, and to detect and abandon unvirtuous words and deeds at any time. It requires the practitioner to develop mindfulness, energy and enthusiasm in their practice.

正念：一種健康的心態，時刻保持對自己的思想、感受、身體感覺和周圍環境的覺知。它需要全神貫注及專心，不帶有批判或執著。
Right Mindfulness: A wholesome state of mind that keep maintaining a moment-to-moment awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. It involves being fully present and attentive, without criticism or attachment. 

正定：指發展集中的、專一的注意力。通過冥想等練習，修行者的目標是培養平靜、鎮定的心態，遠離干擾和精神躁動，最終達到平和與正念。
Right Concentration: Refers to the development of focused and one-pointed attention. Through practices such as meditation, practitioners aim to cultivate a calm and collected mind, free from distractions and mental agitation, and culminating into peace and mindfulness.

通過遵循八正道，修行人的努力可以消除痛苦的根源，並從生死輪迴中獲得解脫。八聖道不是一個線性的進程，而是一個相互支持和加強的修行網絡。當修行者遵循八正道時，他們可以發展智慧、慈悲，以及對實相本質的深刻理解。
By following the Noble Eightfold Path, the practitioners' efforts can eradicate the source of suffering and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Noble Eightfold Path is not a linear progression, but a network of practices that support and strengthen each other. Practitioners may develop wisdom, compassion, and a deep understanding of the nature of reality when they follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

即使是一個沒有經過禪修或戒律訓練的普通人，也可以通過學習八正道並將其融入日常生活中，來培養對自己和世界的更深刻的理解。這有助於個人的優化或減少因惡業而造成的痛苦。
Even if an ordinary person without any training of zen or precepts, may also cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world by learning and incorporating the Noble Eightfold Path into daily lives. It helps for personal optimization or reduce suffering due to bad karma.