20 Oct 2023

修心 Cultivating our mind

如果說修行是糾正我們的態度、言行等外在表現的一系列行為,那麼修心,即糾正我們的思想和意識的過程,就是展現我們內在智慧的方式。外在表現是受心引導和影響的,所以第一步,也是修行中常重複的步驟,就是修心。如果心修得正確,外在表現的糾正就會變得更容易。

If practice is a series of acts to correct our external performances such as attitude, words and deeds, then cultivating our mind,  the process to correct our thought and consciousness, is the way to show our inner wisdom. External performances are guided and affected by the mind, so the first step, and the step which is always repeated in practice, is cultivating our mind. The correction of our external performances will become easier, if the mind has been cultivated correctly.


修心的原因有很多。最主要的理由是,它可以幫助我們更了解和留意我們的想法、情緒和行為。這樣可以提高自我意識,並可以進一步幫助我們在日常生活中做出更明智和有意識的決定。此外,還可以幫助我們對他人產生更大的同情心、仁慈和同理心,從而建立更和諧和充實的人際關係。

There are many reasons for cultivating our minds. The majority one is that it can help us to become more aware and mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It can lead to greater self-awareness, and can further help us to make more informed and conscious decisions in our daily lives. Additionally, it can also help us to develop greater compassion, kindness, and empathy towards others, which can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling relationships.


修心的方法有很多,具體方法取決於個人的信仰和喜好。常見的方法包括冥想、正念、自我反省以及對他人的仁慈和慷慨行為。

There are many ways to cultivate our minds, and the specific methods depend on our personal beliefs and preferences. The common ways include meditation, mindfulness, self-reflection, and acts of kindness and generosity towards others.


打坐是修心的有效方法。它包括安靜地坐著,專注於我們的呼吸、特定的物體、現像或真言。打坐可以幫助平靜心靈,減輕壓力和焦慮,增加內心的平靜和幸福感。(順便說一下,根據關節和肌肉的身體狀況,打坐期間不一定要像佛一樣盤腿而坐。)

Meditation is an effective way to cultivate our mind. It involves sitting quietly and focusing on our breath, a particular object, phenomenon or mantra. It can help to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase one's sense of inner peace and well -being. (By the way, depending on the physical condition of joints and muscles, sitting cross-legged like a Buddha in the period of meditation is not a must.)


正念是另一種強力的修心的練習,讓我們以開放和不批判的態度專注於當下。它可以幫助我們更了解自己的想法和情感,並更清晰和深入地了解我們的內在運作。

Mindfulness is another powerful practice on cultivate our mind, it pays our attention to the present moment with an open and non-judgmental attitude. It can help us to become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and to develop greater clarity and insight into our inner workings .


自我反思也是修心的一個重要面向。我們需要花時間反思我們的想法、感受和行動,並找出我們可以改進和成長的領域。寫日記、與值得信賴的朋友或治療師交談,或進行其他形式的自我探索都有助我們反思。

Self-reflection is also an important aspect on cultivate our mind. It requires us to take time to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to identify areas where we can improve and grow. The acts that help with self-reflection include journaling, talking with a trusted friend or therapist , or engaging in other forms of self-exploration.


最後,對他人仁慈和慷慨的行為也可以成為一種強大的修心方式。它包括志願服務、向慈善機構捐款,或只是對我們周圍的人表現出友善和同情心。透過學習相關的行為,我們可以對他人產生更大的同理心和同情心,並培養與他人的相互連結和團結感。

Finally, acts of kindness and generosity towards others can also be a powerful way of cultivate our mind. It includes volunteering, making donations to charity, or simply being kind and compassionate towards those around us. By learning from related acts, we can develop greater empathy and compassion towards others, and cultivate a sense of interconnectedness and unity with others.


我們在某些宗教的修行中,總會得到要修心的指導。但修心不僅僅是宗教上的教義。那些關注「改變心態」或「成長心態」等術語的人,會將「修心」放在他們所關注的學術界、商界或其他領域中運作,但是「修心」可以適用於所有日常生活中。 所以,凡是願意不斷修心的人,無論是否有宗教生活,都可以透過修心而過得更加順利。 它引導我們正確調整外在表現,從而讓我們在日常生活中享受更好的互動和協調。

We are always told to cultivate our minds in our practice of some certain religions. However, it is not only the teaching in religions. Those who focus on terms such as "Changing The Mentality" or "Growth Mindset" will process "cultivating our mind" on their aspects of academia, business or other fields they pay attention to, when "cultivating our mind" may apply to all daily aspects. So, everyone who is willing to keep cultivating his mind, whether they have a religious life or not, may enjoy a smoother life by cultivating their mind. It guides a correct adjustment to our external performance and thus lets us enjoy better interaction and coordination in our daily lives. 

8 Oct 2023

四聖諦 The Four Noble Truths

四聖諦是佛教的核心教義。無論是南傳佛教(泰國、斯里蘭卡等南亞國家)、大乘佛教(中國佛教)或是藏傳佛教,都以四聖諦作為佛教信仰和修行的基礎。

The Four Noble Truths are the core teaching in Buddhism. Whether Theravada Buddhism (in Thailand, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries), Mahayana Buddhism (Chinese Buddhism) or Tibetan Buddhism, they all regard the Four Noble Truths as the foundation of Buddhist belief and practice.


第一個是理解「苦」。苦難存在於世界上,是人類經驗的一部分。痛苦可以包括身體上的痛苦、精神上的痛苦、以及生活中普遍的不如意。

The first one is understand  "Suffering". Suffering exists in the world and is a part of human experience. Suffering can include physical pain, mental anguish, and the general unsatisfactoriness of life.


第二個是苦因的「(積)集」。透過十二因緣,我們可以知道痛苦的根源是我們對無常事物的執著和貪愛。 這些執著會導致我們走向痛苦。

The second one is the "Accumulation" on the cause of suffering. Through the Twelve Dependent Originations, we may know that the cause of suffering is our attachment and craving for things that are impermanent. These attachments lead us to suffering.

第三個是苦的“滅”,找到了苦的原因,就應該尋求滅苦的方法。透過修習八正道,我們可以減少或甚至停止對無常榮辱的執著和貪愛。

The third one is the "Cessation" of suffering, when the cause of suffering are found, solutions for cessation of suffering should be seeked. By practice the Noble Eightfold Paths , we may reduce or event stop our attachment and craving for honor and disgrace that are impermanent.


第四個是止息苦的「道」。我們可以在日常生活中應用八正道。它可以改善和加強我們的心理素質、靈性、言行舉止。當我們透過修習八正道,累積了更強大的內在力量並吸引更多的外在幫助後,我們就可以輕鬆地面對和克服痛苦。

The fourth one is the "Ways" to the cessation of suffering. We may apply the Noble Eightfold Paths in our daily life. It may improve and strengthen our psychological qualities, spirituality, words and deeds. We may face and overcome our suffering easily after we have accumulated our stronger inner strength and attract more outer assistance by practising the Noble Eightfold Paths.


值得注意的是,十二因緣與業力並非完全相同的概念,但可以相輔相成。十二因緣主要描述我們的慾望(執著和貪愛)可能會讓我們陷入痛苦的循環,而業力則強調我們的慾望所引導的意圖、言語和行為可能會引來今生和來世的善惡果報。然而,我們可以透過修行八正道來預防或處理我們的痛苦和果報。

It is worth noting that the Twelve Dependent Originations and Karma are not exactly the same concept, but can complement each other. The Twelve Dependent Originations mainly describe that our desires (attachment and craving) may possibly lead us to the loop of suffering, while Karma emphasizes that our intentions, words and deeds leding by our desires may carry out our good or bad consequences in this life and future lives. However, we may prevent or deal with both our sufferings and consequences by practicing the Noble Eightfold Paths. 


四聖諦為理解痛苦的本質和解脫之道提供了一個框架。前兩者描述了痛苦的本質及其原因,而後兩者則描述了結束痛苦的狀態以及實現這一目標的道路。它是佛教徒或其他希望擺脫痛苦的人的核心課程,也是進一步達至開悟的基礎。

The Four Noble Truths provide a framework for understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from suffering. The first two describe the nature of suffering and its causes, while the last two describe the state of ending suffering and the path to achieve this goal. It the core lessons for Buddhists or other individuals who hope to escape from suffering, and also the foundation for further achieving of enlightenment.



順便說一句,我在之前的文章中已經分別對十二因緣和八正道做了簡單的介紹。但是,我覺得我所寫的內容不足以讓您對相關主題有更深入的了解。所以,我建議大家同時參考其他作者的相關文章。

By the way, I have separately made brief introduction for the Twelve Dependent Originations and the Noble Eightfold Path in my earlier articles. However, I feel that what I have written are not enough to give you a deeper understanding for the related topics. So, I recommend that you should refer to related articles by other authors at the same time.


26 Sept 2023

「學佛」和「佛學」 "學佛"(Practice of Buddhism) and "佛學"(Study of Buddhism)

 「學佛」和「佛學」這兩個中文用語看起來相似,因為都是使用“學”和“佛”這兩字組成,但它們實際上代表了不同的佛教層面。「學佛」是一種個人的、經驗性的實踐,而「佛學」是一種學術性的、分析性的追求。

The two terms writing in Chinese,
"學佛" and "佛學", may seem similar due to their shared use of the Chinese characters "學" and "佛," they actually represent distinct approaches to Buddhism. "學佛" is a personal and experiential practice, while "佛學" is a scholarly and analytical pursuit.


「學佛」是指學習、修行佛法的行為。包括學習佛陀的教義,遵守佛教戒律,並進行禪修和其他修行,以培養智慧和慈悲。本質上,「學佛」就是積極追求精神道路,努力在日常生活中體現佛教的原則。

"學佛" refers to the act of learning and practicing Buddhism. It involves studying the teachings of Buddha, following Buddhist precepts, and engaging in Zen meditation and other practices to cultivate wisdom and compassion. Essentially, "學佛" is about actively pursuing a spiritual path and striving to embody Buddhist principles in daily life.


另一方面,「佛學」是指對佛教的學術研究。這涉及研究佛教傳統的歷史和文化背景,分析佛教文本和教義,並探索佛教思想的哲學和倫理意義。本質上,「佛學」是從理智的角度來理解佛教,並尋求理解其理論和概念。

On the other hand, "佛學" refers to the academic study of Buddhism. This involves examining the historical and cultural context of Buddhist traditions, analyzing Buddhist texts and teachings, and exploring the philosophical and ethical implications of Buddhist thought. Essentially, "佛學" is about approaching Buddhism from an intellectual perspective and seeking to understand its theories and concepts.


「佛學」對「學佛」有幫助,其中一方面是透過研究佛教的歷史及其隨時間的發展,修行者可以更深入地了解佛教思想和修行的起源和演變。這有助於闡明佛教教義的意思和意義,也能深入了解佛教思想在不同文化背景下如何適應和解釋。

One of the aspects that "佛學" can be helpful for "學佛" is by studying the history of Buddhism and its development over time, one can gain a deeper understanding of the origins and evolution of Buddhist thought and practice. This can help to clarify the meaning and significance of Buddhist teachings, and can also provide insight into how Buddhist ideas have been adapted and interpreted in different cultural contexts.


另一方面是提供理解佛教概念和實踐的框架。透過研究佛教經典和教義,人們可以更深入地了解業力(因果)、輪迴、四聖諦和八正道等概念。這可以幫助闡明這些概念的含義和意義,也可以為如何在日常生活中應用它們提供指導。

Another aspect is by providing a framework for understanding Buddhist concepts and practices. By studying Buddhist texts and teachings, one can gain a deeper understanding of concepts such as karma (cause and effect), reincarnation, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path. This can help to clarify the meaning and significance of these concepts, and can also provide guidance on how to apply them in daily life.


另外,學習「佛學」有助於加深禪修,這是「學佛」的重要面向。透過學習不同的冥想技巧及其背後的原理,人們可以發展出更有效、更有意義的冥想練習。這可以幫助培養正念、定力和智慧,這些都是對學佛感興趣的人必備的素質。

In addition, studying "佛學" can help to deepen one's meditation practice, which is an important aspect of "學佛". By learning about different meditation techniques and the principles behind them, one can develop a more effective and meaningful meditation practice. This can help to cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom, which are all essential qualities for those who are interested in 學佛.


總而言之,對於願意「學佛」的人來說,「佛學」是一個很有價值的工具。「佛學」透過了解歷史文化背景、理解佛教概念的框架、指導禪修,可以加深對「學佛」進步的認識,而不在於批評那些願意「學佛」的人的錯誤言行。

Summarly, "佛學" can be a valuable tool for those who are willing to "學佛". By understanding the historical and cultural context, a framework for understanding Buddhist concepts, and guidance on meditation practice. "佛學" can help to deepen one's understanding and practice of Buddhism, but not to criticize the wrong words and deeds of those who are willing to "學佛".


17 Sept 2023

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.


6 Sept 2023

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.


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