Lecture No. 0058
Global Lamrim II
Lecture No. 0058
Tape no.
2A 13:40 ~ 14:58
Date
2018/10/18 ~ 10/21
Outline: Foundation
Topic: Prologue – Veneration at the beginning of the commentary
English Lamrim Vol 1, Page 33
Vol. 1 of Master’s discourse handbook P41-L1 ~ P41-L10
Comprehend the true nature of reality is the way as Buddha does – attain all objects of knowledge precisely as it is, that is understanding the true nature of reality. Usually what we know is rather limited. If we have a solid understanding of this concept, wouldn’t we become softer and more modest when interacting with others? Afterall, I don’t have a true understanding of the true nature of reality. For instance, do I really and truly know the mental stream of another person? What is he thinking and what his feelings are? What kind of mental continuum does he have? What is he thinking every day? Even for those we see and hear every day, if we don’t spend some time pondering about what he is thinking, actually we don’t understand him. Through the way he talks or walks, or some matters, we are unable to truly understand him. [00′51″]
So this is linked to: why do we need to train ourselves deliberately on the practice of observing merits and appreciating kindness? Because we usually neglect the beautiful aspects of others. Especially some people who always like to reveal the bad side, hence, when we see that, we will overlook the kind intention within him, particularly those deeply hidden kind intentions, or those kind intentions that I did not look deep enough for. These situations happen very, very often in the Sangha community. For instance, you may notice a monastic who just abides by the schedule to attend the morning and evening sessions, such routines. But, one day what he does catches your attention and when you find out the true reason behind his action, actually you would be very, very amazed! It is not as simple as it appears; in fact, his intention is truly profound. He exerted great efforts into this seemingly negligible kind deed after contemplating it for a long, long time. [01′54″]
My feeling is through this paragraph, Master tried to guide us to examine our current state of mind in the hope that we would be inspired to listen well to others’ opinions or what is really on their minds, instead of ever dwelling on what “my” feelings are, or what “my” cognition is, thinking that “I” am the one who understands the true nature of reality. We must continuously learn how to understand others. The minds of others are like a book to us. Why are there misunderstandings among people? Why are there disputes? It is all because people grasped on what they know or see; and not take a look at how kind-hearted others are, how kind they really are. It never occurs to us that what we see is only a very limited portion. For the deeper things, I should give myself more time, give myself more time to understand it. [02′37″]
When people encounter very, very conflicting views, it would be better if they can calm down and communicate peacefully with each other, listening attentively to others. Why do we have to listen in such a way? It is because we may not understand the truth; it is because we need to learn. If we could listen to others in this manner, our family, our work, or even to the extent if we listen attentively to our body, wouldn’t our body will also become much better? Furthermore, in regard to many thoughts that we wouldn’t let go, if we can scrutinize them closely as well, or even take a look at the truth in our heart, would it be easier for us to get rid of some negative thoughts? For such negative thoughts would not bring any positive influence to our lives. [03′20″]
Thus, if we can bring a bit of changes to our lives, it may be due to the inspiration from our virtuous teachers, due to this verse. Due to these words from Master, I am determined not to believe that I am the one who sees precisely the true nature of reality; I am determined to learn more. Through my interaction with others or even through contributing to family, the community and the whole society, I need to learn and reflect on myself again and again, and learn from everyone else. By upholding such an attitude, we will become more and more open-minded. When we open up to an extent, in reality, we will make more and more friends. We would notice that actually there are many people out there who strive equally hard to make this world a better place. Then, we would not attach too much weight to our own efforts and disregard all others’ hard work. We would instead recognize that many people are striving very hard to contribute to this society and this world! [04′20″]
Once we gradually get used to discerning the way we view this world and apply remedies to those negative, detrimental, sad, and desperate thoughts over and over, naturally we will see ourselves and the whole world with more positive and inspiring values. Once we change our mindset accordingly, we would exude the inspirational and luminous power not only to our family members but also to friends around us. [04′48″]
Thus, where shall we promulgate Buddha Dharma? The family is a very good place to promote the teaching because we see our family members every day. Though we face one another every day, we may not communicate very well. After learning this verse, if we can appreciate this point, then we can immediately apply it to the way we communicate with others. However, do not withdraw the moment we meet with a rebuff. Rather, we should learn and train ourselves with perseverance, because we may not be the one who recognizes the true nature of reality. [05′15″]
Not sure if you think what I said makes sense to you? If you all can apply what you have learned in your life, [I believe that] the current state of your life, your family and even your health will be improved. We should constantly be mindful of our mental state. Are we aware of what we are doing? What are we thinking about? Do we truly believe that we have a precise understanding of many things? If not, then we should study, understand, listen, and learn to expand our mental capacity. As what Master said, we have our own limitations, meaning these limitations come with flaws. And such flaws will generate many misunderstandings, disagreements, or even tragedies! [06′01″]
【全球广论 II 讲次: 0058】
讲次 0058
科判 道前基础
主题 〈皈敬颂〉论前皈敬
音档 2A 13:40 ~ 14:58
日期 2018/10/18 ~ 10/21
广论段落 P1-L3 ~ P1-L4 俱胝圆满妙善所生身……于是释迦尊主稽首礼
手抄页/行 第1册 P41-L1 ~ P41-L10 ( 2016 南普陀版：第1册 P41-L1 ~ P41-L11 )
手抄段落 那么他为什么能够做到这样呢？ ……种种毛病了！就这样。
真正了解真相的是像佛陀那样，对一切所知全部如实无余地彻见，那叫了解真相，我们平常都是在局限性的部分。如果对这一点能够得到一点定解的话，实际上我们在跟人相处的时候，会不会觉得自己是应该调柔、应该谦虚的？因为我毕竟不了解真相。比如说他人的心续，另一颗心到底是怎么样的？他是沿着什么样的续流在流淌的？他每天都在想一些什么？就算是每天都见到、每天都听到他说话的人，如果我们不花点时间去探索他的思想的话，实际上是不了解他的。只透过他说的或者看他走路的样子，或者一些事情，我们也无法真正了解他。 [00′51″]
所以这就涉及到为什么要特别注意训练自己的观功念恩？因为我们常常都忽略他生命里很美好的那一面。特别是有的人总喜欢显露自己不好的一面，所以我们看到那些之后，就会常常忽略他内心中的善意，尤其是那些可能掩藏的很深的善意，或者我没有注意去往深了看的那种善意。这个在僧团里可能是非常非常普遍的，比如说一个出家人，你看他平常就是按部就班地上早晚课，就做那些事情。但是有一天某一个镜头，你真正地去探究他为什么要这样做的原因的时候，实际上是非常非常震撼的，并不是像表面上那么简单。实际上他内心里有一个很深的用心在里边，甚至他把这个用心在心里想了很久很久，然后才会做这样一个看起来微不足道的小善行。 [01′54″]
所以我觉得师父的这一段，是让我们看一下自己的现行，非常非常希望启发我们能够去聆听他人的意见、能够去聆听他人的心声，不要着在“我”的感觉里、着在“我”的认知里边，认为“我”就是那个了解真相的人。一定要不停地学习了解别人，别人的心对我们来说都像一本书一样。人们之间为什么会有误会？为什么会有争端？就是大家都对自己看到的那一部分特别执着，而不去看一看可能那个人很善良、真的很善良，或者可能我看到的只是非常局部的部分，更深邃的东西我应该再给自己一点时间、再给自己一点时间去了解一下。 [02′37″]
希望人们在碰到非常非常相反的意见的时候，能够坐下来心平气和地沟通，开始倾听对方的想法。为什么要这样倾听呢？因为我们可能不了解真相，因为我们需要学习。如果能这样倾听的话，家庭啊、工作单位呀......甚至如果我们能认真倾听一下我们的身体，会不会我们的身体都会好很多？还有很多在心里边一直徘徊不去的那些思路，如果我们也能认真地去研究一下的话，甚至是看一下自己内心的真相，我们会不会就容易摆脱掉一些非常负面的思路？因为这种负面的思路不会给我们的生命带来任何好的影响。 [03′20″]
而我们能对我们的生命做这样些许的改变，可能是源于善知识的启发、源于这个偈子，由于师父讲的这些话，我决定不要去相信我是彻底看到真相的那个人，我要好好地去学习。在跟他人的互动中，甚至在为家人、为这个社区、为整个社会的奉献中，我要再再地去学习和反思自己，然后向所有的人学习。抱着这样一个心态的话，我们的心就会越来越敞开、越来越敞开，敞开得越来越彻底的时候，我们就会结交到越来越多的朋友。我们也会越来越能看到很多人都在为这个世界变美好而努力，我们就不会把自己的努力看得那么重要，其他人的努力都好像不存在一样。我们会看到很多很多人都在非常努力地贡献于这个社会、贡献于这个世界！ [04′20″]
一旦慢慢地习惯去简择自己对这个世界的看法，把那些负面的、非常毁灭性的思路，或者哀伤的思路、绝望的思路不停地对治掉的时候，我们自然就会有一种光明的、振奋的价值观，来看待自己的人生和这个世界。一旦我们慢慢心里变成这样的话，我们就会散发出一种振奋和光明的力量给自己的家人、给自己周围的朋友们。 [04′48″]
那么我们要在哪里弘扬佛法呢？家庭一定是一个很好的弘扬佛法的地方，因为家人每天都见面、每天都彼此相对，但是不一定都能够很好地沟通。学了这个偈子，如果认识到这一点的话，就可以马上把它用在跟别人的沟通上。但是不要一碰到钉子马上就缩回来不干了，要锲而不舍地学习和训练自己，因为自己可能并不是那个了解真相的人。 [05′15″]
不知道你们觉得我说的有没有道理？如果大家能够用上一点的话，可以改善一下自己生命的现状和家人的现状，甚至健康的状况。我们要不停地注意到自己的心在干什么？自己的心到底在做什么？思想在想什么？真的以为自己是彻底了达了很多东西吗？如果不是这样的话，那就要去学习、去了解、去倾听、去扩大这个心的容量。要知道就像师父说的，我们是有局限的，有局限的话就有种种的毛病，这种毛病就会产生太多的误会、不谅解，甚至悲剧！ [06′01″]