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Global Lamrim II

Lecture No. 0030

Tape no.

1B 20:35 ~ 21:31

Date

2018/07/12-07/15

Outline: Foundation

Topic: The near and distant path to Buddhahood

Vol. 1 of Master’s discourse handbook P27-L7~ P28-L1

Very well, now let’s listen to the next paragraph of Master’s commentary.

[Master Jih-Chang’s commentary book 1, tape 1B on page introduction-26~27]

I believe we may have a similar experience while walking on a newly paved street. Two days later, a hole is dug [on the street for another project] before [the original hole] is filled, and two days after that another hole [needs to be] dug due to a flaw in the original plan, which causes an inconvenience. Building the path to learn from Buddha is similar. The point is that [we must] establish a sound foundation in the beginning. If we are to build a skyscraper but lack the ability now, it is fine for us to build upward step-by-step; the underlying foundation has to be very sturdy. If you have the proper understanding and a plan from the very beginning, your first step is already sound. Later, adding one floor after another, you can continue until the skyscraper is [constructed.] Building it step-by-step is not that difficult. Upon completion of the first step, you can say it is done, and the first floor is ready for you to move into. Then, [you may] continue building so to move into the second floor; again, keep on building to make the third floor habitable. If you advance story-by-story, upon completion, the entire resplendence and magnificent skyscraper will be erected. [Whether there is a solid foundation] it would bring the end effect as different as chalk and cheese. [01′03″]

In this paragraph, Master mentioned a kind of mentality, he said “If we are to build a skyscraper but lack the ability now …” Actually, this statement can be applied to numerous arising conditions and matters. Currently, we do not only feel helpless and incapable with regards to attaining Buddhahood. It is also the same when we think of the challenges we need to face daily. When the going gets tough and stressful, do we have the strength/ability to shoulder that load? No, we still do not have it. So, what was Master’s advice to us when we meet with such feelings? Master said, “it is fine!” What are the reactions we have when we are down in morale? We usually say “I quit; I want to pull out of this. You take it over!” Or “I don’t care!” On many repeated occasions, have we ever reflected on Master’s statement, “but lack the ability now, it is fine for us to build upward step-by-step” Pay attention! Here comes the beacon of hope that reappears in the later part of the discourse – “to build upward step-by-step!” [02′06″]

When I feel the lack of ability, does it really mean that I have none of it at all? Not even the strength to take one step? Not even the ability to give rise to a good thought? In actual fact, there are still some things we are capable of achieving. No matter how hopeless the situation or matter may seem, or how people have caused our disappointment, there is still possibility during these conditions, for us to give rise to a ray of hope within our hearts. The ray of hope, even just the size of a bean, can still be bright. That may be the first step right under our feet. It is the first step and then one more at a time from thereon. Hence, don’t be defeated at heart, whether it is the path to achieve the ultimate enlightenment or the trivial hustle and bustle we deal with on a daily basis. If we throw in the towel on our pursuit for a more complete and encompassing life status, then we have truly lost. [03′09″]

Is there such a thing as “I lack the ability”? Yes, there is. [Master] said, “lack the ability now”. However, won’t I find the capability after long periods of time? Why would I find it after the years pass? Reason being, I work on building the foundation step-by-step and build it upwards. So being lacking in my abilities, what is my starting point now? Master said, “it is fine!” Do we feel fine about “lack of ability”? This matter is very serious! It causes chaos in our lives, even as we engage ourselves in helping others, we can also bring about disturbance to others’. Thus, being incapable invokes lots and lots of problems or even catastrophes. How can we take our lack of ability lightly by saying, “it is fine!” But why did a high monk say, “it is fine!” with regards to a serious issue? Have you all thought about this? [04′14″]

Actually, Master did not only preach this method, he also exemplified and acted accordingly. Each and every time we needed to seek his guidance for all types of problems, his response was never about dead ends or hopelessness. There is always hope, and there is always a step we can take; or even always something that could even spark joy within us. Thus, when we feel lacking and incapable, can we put this concept taught to us by Master to use? We can link up the aforementioned despair and feelings of being powerless into this [“it is fine”]. And then pay attention “step-by-step!” Let me ask you what we should do at that given moment? What is the effect from our dispiritedness that needs to be turned around? The many erroneous perceptions that are gushing like torrential currents. [05′05″]

For instance, the initial stages when you [Venerables] took on responsibility of teaching junior classes, how was your lesson conducted in order to keep little children from being distracted? The teachings that you delivered, did it sound affable to them? Or did it sound very high order? If one feels disheartened after a lesson that didn’t go well, is withdrawing acceptable because of this feeling? If everyone withdraws, then who will nurture the young monastics? This is also congruous for the laypeople and even applicable within a home. For example, we all know that first cooking experiences can be pretty disastrous; either setting the stove on fire, if not the rice ends up undercooked. The first time I made pancakes; it turned out such that people couldn’t even bite into it. Actually, even spending lots of energy and finally getting the form of the pancake is already very tough. Now thinking back, it has become a joke. During the younger times, I even invited my classmate to try the pancakes that I made for the first time. She used her teeth to bite hold the pancake but could not bite it off even after adding force by turning her head at the same time. The reason was not plainly just our tender age. To make the dough hard to such extent, even if with intention, would not have been an easy feat. So that was that mistake. If at that time I conclude that I have no talent to be cooking, then, in the near future, I will not be able to make soup for all of you when we meet. Right now I am able to cook up many different types of soup, and even vegetables. It is all attributed to my practices that happened during the times I felt disheartened. Actually, you all too, have similar stories. [06′27″]

Therefore, although Master stated this concept during his illustration of building houses, but remembering this way of thought, it will benefit us for a lifetime and even our life after life. During times when you feel down, you will be able to recall this teaching from Master; and what is the next step we should take at such moments? It is to accumulate our enthusiasm, establish foundation, and taking small steps to strengthen it. Not to quit or withdraw. [06′48″]

Therefore, pay attention to what Master continued to say next. “If you have the proper understanding and a plan from the very beginning...” Take heed! Master mentioned “proper understanding” once again. We don’t have the proper understanding with regards to our lack of ability. We simply withdraw when we feel our lack of ability, rather than [telling ourselves] “it is fine”. [07′10″]

So, with this plan in mind and a sturdy foundation, what Master continued to say next is a matter for us to be overjoyed about. That is, with this complete strategy, when we start to take the step, every level of skill mastery will come with its respective delight and corresponding momentum of study-contemplation-meditation insight. There is a saying, “Just as sesame blossoms, grow notch by notch.” Every joyful moment attained at each step would be stronger than the one before. We will get to admire the joyful vista at every successful step we take. [07′44″]

While I was following and learning from Master, I often heard Venerables asking questions to Master, and then Master answered them. I would try to come up with my own answers, and then listen to Master’s. After knowing Master’s answers, I would contemplate where is the gap between our understandings? How should I learn? Back then, I was surprised to find out that no matter what type of questions were given to Master, he would definitely advice the student on the next practical step to take. Never would he give suggestions that seem like [we would have to] jump off the cliff; or neither will it be things that you absolutely will not dare to do, or [something that makes] you feel that you do not have a foothold underneath. Hence, the teachings that Master provided us are very practical. He said, “When faced with the choice to advance or retreat, one must advance a step forward.” Why a step forward? That is because the step forward is very practical. Master considered that stepping back is not an option; the step back is fictitious [and inefficacious], stepping forward is practical. [08′32″]

Pay attention! If you have remembered this teaching, you can further share it with those who are feeling helpless. Such methods can be applied all the time, many times throughout our entire life. Moreover, the more well-versed we are in this method, during downtimes we will start to think [like Master] “it is fine” and [shift the focus to] figure out what the next step is. And then immediately, we will regain foothold and start making adjustments. At least one should have a positive view! We have to foster a positive outlook. [08′56″]

Take for instance, our listening of teachings for Lamrim studies. To complete learning such a thick volume of teachings even up to the later part on the Vipassana or “Insight” section, are there going to be lots of challenging situations? Yes! But what was your step at that given moment? It was to keep up listening to global Lamrim! You spent just a small amount of time each day listening on. [Before you know it] you completed listening to the entire commentary and have created a miracle: having completed the study of the greatest piece of work by Lama Tsong-Kha-Pa -- The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. Moreover, you get to know many sutras, commentaries quoted in this Lamrim. On top of these, Venerables will also incorporate the Five Treatises Curriculum into their propagation of the global Lamrim in future. This classroom will become very vibrant and rich. So don’t drop out halfway, otherwise, it would be a great loss to you! [09′37″]

So here Master said, “adding one floor after another…building it step-by-step is not that difficult. Upon completion of the first floor, the first floor is ready for you to move into. Then, [you may] continue building so to move into the second floor; again, keep on building to make the third floor habitable.” Every step has its own boundless vistas. Therefore, to achieve Buddhahood is to become enlightened about the true nature of reality from the depths of our hearts, and to perceive each and every occurrence that takes place in our mind with total clarity. Every realisation we achieved equates the elimination of the comparable share of ignorance. With each successful step, we gain better awareness of what to adopt and what to cast aside, thus obtaining more joy and reducing suffering with each step. This is truly a process of eradicating suffering and attaining happiness, it is a very beautiful process. Hence, I congratulate and rejoice with all of you, for being in the midst of such a process. [10′26″]

Upon hearing this, are you smiling now? [10′29″]

讲次 0030

科判 道前基础

主题 成佛远近二路

音档 1B 20:35 ~ 21:31

日期 2018/07/12-07/15

手抄页/行 1册 P27-L7~ P28-L1 ( 2016 南普陀版：第1册 P27-L7~ P27-LL1 )

手抄段落

我想我們眼前這種……差得天差地遠。

好，现在我们来听下一段。

我想我们眼前这种感受很多，我们跑到马路上，那是刚造好，过两天又挖一个洞，原来这个还没弄好；过两天又挖一个洞，原来那个东西还没弄好，我们总觉得不方便。现在我们修学佛道也是如此，所以在这个地方不是──我们一开头时候，先把那个基础稳固。说我们要造一个摩天大厦，虽然现在没有这个力量，但是没有关系嘛，我一步一步来，我一定要从那个基础造好。如果我有了正确的认识，一开始有这个规划的时候，你第一步就把那基础造得非常稳固。到那个时候然后再一层楼、到那时候一层楼，你一直造上去，一直造到个摩天大厦。当你一步一步造上去，不是说非常辛苦，当你造一步的时候，你可以说造好了，你就可以安住在一楼；再造了，可以安住在二楼；再可以造上去，安住在三楼。你这样地层层上去，到最后圆满的时候，整个的金碧辉煌那个大厦都起来了。这个里边的差别，差得天差地远！ [01′03″]

这里边师父提到了一种心态，说：“我们要造一个摩天大厦，虽然现在没有这个力量……”其实这句话可以对境用在很多很多事上。我们现在不单单是对于成佛觉得没有力量，我们甚至对着活着每一天要遇到的事情，当压力太大的时候，我们有力量去承担吗？我们还是没有力量的。那么，当没有力量的时候，师父说什么呢？师父说：“但是没有关系嘛！”我们没有力量的时候，我们会说什么呢？会说：“我要退了、我要逃跑了，你来吧！”或者说：“我不管！”很多很多时候，有没有把师父的这句话想一想，说：“现在我没有力量，没关系嘛，我一步一步来。”注意！下面的希望又再一次地出现──“我一步一步来！”[02′06″]

我没有力量，难道是我什么都没有吗？我走一步的力量都没有吗？我生起一个善念的力气也没有吗？实际上，还是有的。因为任何看起来很绝望的境界、绝望的事情、令我们绝望的人，我们还是可以在这个对境上，让我们的心生起一个希望。希望的灯，哪怕像豆粒那么大，那么大的光亮，还是可以成为光明的。那也许就是我们脚下的第一步，就是我们踏出的第一步，叫“一步”，然后再一步、再一步，一步一步来。所以在心上是不能输的，无论是成就无上菩提，还是对于每天面对的大大小小的这些烦烦扰扰的事情，如果自己放弃了去追求一个更完美的、更圆满的生命状态，那我们就是真的输了。[03′09″]

所以到底有没有说“我没有力量”这件事呢？有的，说：“虽然现在没有这个力量”。但是很多很多时间过后，我难道不会有这种力量吗？为什么很多年之后我会有力量呢？因为我一步一步地打着基础、朝上面走。所以现在我没有力量这种现状的下手处是什么呢？师父说：“没有关系嘛！”我们会觉得“没有力量”这件事没关系吗？没有力量这件事非常严重啊！会造成我们生命的混乱，乃至我们参与到帮忙别人的事情上，也会造成别人生命的混乱，因为我没有力量，所以滋生了太多太多的问题，甚至是灾难。没有力量这件事，怎么可以这样轻轻地说：“没有关系嘛！”这么大一个事情，为什么这样一位高僧他说：“没有关系嘛！”大家有思考过这个问题吗？[04′14″]

师父他老人家不仅仅是这样讲的喔，他也是这样做的。在每一次、每一次遇到各式各样的问题去问他的时候，总没有绝境的时候，总没有无路可走的时候；总有一个希望、总有一个落脚处，甚至总有一个令你欢喜的点。所以，当我们遇到觉得自己的力量不足的时候，师父在此处教我们这个理路，可不可以用得上呢？“没关系嘛！”前面那些绝望、没有力量，可以接到这句话。然后注意：“一步一步来！”请问当下的我应该干什么？应该马上转变由于觉得没有力量而产生的什么？很多的像瀑流水那般的非理作意。[05′05″]

比如说法师刚去承担教小班的同学，你怎么样上课小孩才能不走神呢？你讲的道理，他们听起来是很亲切的，还是很高远的呢？一讲没讲好，就觉得自己没有力量，没有力量就可以退吗？如果大家都退了，谁来培养沙弥呢？还有俗众的事业也是呀，甚至在一个家里也是。比如说做一个饭，大家都知道初次学做饭的时候可能都是满惨的，要不然弄着火了、要不然米生了。我第一次做饼的时候，那个饼就是用牙咬都咬不下来。其实用很大的力气，要把那个面饼弄成那样子都是很困难的，我现在想一想都成了笑话。小的时候第一次烙饼还请我们同学去吃，然后她就用牙咬着那个饼，晃着头咬都咬不下来，那不仅仅是因为我俩小的原因。把一个面饼做到那么硬，刻意那么硬可能都不容易，所以那错误就是那样的。如果那时候就觉得自己没有做饭的天分的话，也许以后我见到你们的时候，就不能给你们煮汤喝了。我现在会煮很多种汤，还会炒菜，都是源于我觉得我没有力量的时候就可以练。其实你们都有这样的故事。[06′27″]

所以这个理路，虽然师父是在盖房子这个例子里边写下的，但是记住这个理路，终身受用无穷，甚至生生世世受用无穷。当你没有力量的时候，就想到师父的这个理路──请问当下一步该做什么？积蓄力量啊、打基础啊、慢慢强大呀！而不是退怯。[06′48″]

所以师父说，注意下面又有一句话说：“如果我有了正确的认识，一开始有这个规划的时候……。”注意！又提到了“正确的认识”。对于没有力量这件事，我们对它的正确认识是没有的──没有力量嘛就退，而不是“没关系”。[07′10″]

所以有了这个计划之后，把基础打得非常稳，而且下面师父讲了非常令人喜出望外的一件事情。就是有了这个圆满的计划之后，我们开始走的时候，一层楼就有一层楼的功夫的喜悦，一层楼亦有一层楼闻思修的光景。有一句话说：“像芝麻开花一样，节节高。”都是一步比一步更加地喜悦，而且我们每走那一步成功，就可以看一下当下的风光。[07′44″]

在跟随师父学习的时候，也常常会听到法师们请问师父问题，然后师父回答。那个时候我也在心里想一个我的答案，然后听到师父的答案。我就在想：这到底是差距在哪里？要怎么学习？那时候我惊讶地发现：无论是什么类型的问题提给师父，师父一定会告诉这个同学当下的一步是什么；绝对不会给你提一个跳悬崖那样的一件事情，你根本就不敢做，或者你根本就觉得脚下是空的。所以师父给我们的理路是非常踏实的，他说：“在可进可退的时候，一定要进一步。”为什么进一步？进一步那个是很踏实的。师父认为后面是没有退路，后面是虚着的，前面是踏实的。[08′32″]

注意喔！如果把这个理路记住的话，你还可以把它布施给很多很多觉得自己力量不足的人。这个可以一辈子不停地反覆地用，而且越用我们就会觉得：当我力量不足的时候，没关系嘛，当下一步是什么？然后马上找到当下的落脚点开始改。至少要有一个积极的看法吧！要有一个积极的看法。[08′56″]

比如说我们听闻《广论》这件事，你说把这么厚一本书听完，甚至到后面『毗钵舍那』会不会有问题呢？有没有很多困境呢？有啊！但是你当下的一步是什么？就跟着全广听啊！每天这么点时间，听、听、听，就全部都听完了，你就创造了一个奇迹：听闻了宗大师最殊胜的那本论著──《菩提道次第广论》！而且在这本论著里还有那么多的经、那么多的论，甚至将来法师们还会在这个全广的推广过程中，再加入一些五大论的课程来一起讨论。这个学习的课堂是非常非常地丰富多彩的，所以不要中途逃跑唷，那你损失就太大了！[09′37″]

所以在这里面说：一直造上去、一直造上去，每上一步不是说非常辛苦。当你造了一楼的时候，你就可以安住在一楼；再造了，又可以安住在二楼；然后又安住在三楼，每一个次第都有每个次第的无限风光。所以成就佛法，也就是去了悟自己内心的真谛，对自己所有的内心的一切都看得清清楚楚。每多看到一分就去掉一分无明；每多看到一分，沿着看到的一分去取舍，我们就会多一分喜乐、少一分罪苦。这真的是离开痛苦、慢慢得到快乐的这样一个过程，是很美的一个过程。所以也非常恭喜大家、随喜大家，正走在这样的一个过程之中。[10′26″]

你们听了，现在在微笑吗？[10′29″]