Lecture No. 0028
Global Lamrim II
Lecture No. 0028
Tape no.
1B 18:44 ~ 19:37
Date
2018/07/05-07/08
Outline: Foundation
Topic: The near and distant path to Buddhahood
Vol. 1 of Master’s discourse handbook P26-L5 ~ P26-LL5
Greetings to all! Let’s begin to study and discuss Lamrim together now. Before we start, please examine your mental continuum (mindstream). Is your breathing steady? Is your mind disturbed or flustered? When we look inward, we often discover that: Ah! Many trains of thoughts are rushing forward like streams or like a restless racetrack. However, at least, we are able to detect what kind of thoughts are racing through our minds, and where they are heading. At this juncture, we will notice: Ah! We should stop some of those thoughts now, and focus on Lamrim. [00′56″]
Why do we need to focus on Lamrim? Master has said that, what matters most in a person’s life, is to ponder on: What is the ultimate path to eradicate suffering and attain happiness? What are the sequences? Life after life, we are all searching for ways to avoid suffering and achieve happiness. If, at this moment, prior to our discussion on Lamrim, ask ourselves once again: What is the real path to eradicate suffering and attain happiness? The ultimate fruition of removing suffering and attaining happiness is Buddhahood. What are the causes for it to ripen? What are the causes of achieving Buddhahood? How can we attain these causes? How do we get to know about them? Naturally, we should start with listening to the teachings, as the attainment is through listening to the teachings. To listen to the teachings, we must know how to listen. First, we need to understand the benefits of listening [attentively], as well as the faults of not listening attentively. [02′08″]
Perhaps our senior students are familiar with these concepts, whereas the newer students might not be too clear. Nevertheless, for now, let’s get back to the question on why are we attending this class? This leads us to our aspiration. Our aspiration will steer our mind toward a specific direction, and this will subsequently result in a future fruition in that direction. Hence, today, we need to motivate ourselves again and again, even if it is not spontaneous, that is fine - for the sake of benefiting unlimited sentient beings, I must achieve Buddhahood. For this purpose, I need to listen to the Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. Thus, the duration of this session is immaterial. The cause I created here is for the sake of achieving ultimate enlightenment. Hence, though the time it takes to reach the higher status of rebirth is in the far distant future, nonetheless, one feels great joy when this process is pursued with an inexhaustible joyous perseverance. [03′05″]
Next, we will continue to listen to this analogy Master mentioned. Perhaps you have already prepared for this lesson, because I often remind you of the necessity to preview Master’s commentaries on the original texts, prior to our discussion. During previewing, you might encounter some questions or would have certain thoughts. Thus, during our discussion again today, by going through [the same material] repetitively, this will enhance our further understanding. Thus, prior listening is very important! Further, if you could find a few classmates to discuss together prior to our discussion, even though everyone’s questions might be different, and everybody’s focus might not be the same, the discussion can still be a very interesting exploration. I hope that, studying Lamrim will be a lesson that will bring joyful experience to all of us - a session that will relieve our stress and also untie the countless entangled knots in our minds progressively. Therefore, please listen attentively. Next, let us listen to Master’s recording. [04′09″]
[Master Jih-Chang’s commentary book 1, tape 1B on page introduction-25~26]
I will explain by using building a house as an example. When building a house, the summer is too hot to bear, the winter is too cold, and [sometimes there are] typhoons; we must build the house [considering these factors]. To build a house hastily and simply, just by nailing it together with iron sheets, might seem sufficient, as long as it is habitable, but over time, one will find that the reality is not so. This house is not sufficiently built! To achieve genuine fulfillment, this is not the way it should be. So, what does this example show? When we are in the midst of affliction and suffering, we quickly seek a comfortable hideout. Later, we discover that to truly and thoroughly eradicate suffering and to reach a place of peace and happiness, we need to rely on Buddha. It is the same as building a house, to build it like a skyscraper, you must start all over. [05′05″]
Did you all listen attentively to this short paragraph? Let me ask you questions! Many of you may have listened to this paragraph dozens of times or numerous rounds. It is about building a house and rebuilding it again. In the very beginning, Master used an example of building a house. First of all, he listed the reasons for building a house. Of course, it is to fend off many sufferings, such as cold winter, unbearable heat or typhoons! Further, Master followed by saying, “to build a house hastily”, pay attention to this “hastily” when building a house. Then, he used the word “simply” and followed by saying “just by nailing it together with iron sheets, might seem sufficient, as long as it is habitable”! Therefore, from the above description, we can tell that this person is trying to solve a pressing requirement, right? Since he wants to quickly move away from suffering, get away from these typhoons, unbearable heat or chill, he just nails iron sheets together to build a shelter! He needs an iron sheet shelter, as it can make him more comfortable. [06′17″]
Take heed! My next question is: Do you really want an iron sheet shelter? Deep down in your mind, are you sure that all you need is only an iron sheet shelter to live in peacefully? Or live in it with joy and contentment? Can the iron sheet shelter really bring us ultimate joy? [06′42″]
Master then shifted his thread of discussion and said, “but over time, one will find that the reality is not so. This house is insufficient!” When would one realize it? When? Does anyone have an answer? When will he discover that this temporary shelter cannot help him achieve ultimate spiritual freedom, that is, an ultimate carefree state? This iron sheet shelter, in fact, cannot fulfil one’s needs. Upon this recognition, people may probably require to start all over again. Thus, Master used an analogy here, “When we are in the midst of afflictions and suffering, we quickly seek a comfortable hideout.” We quickly find a comfort zone to hide, as compared with the existing suffering, this comfort zone appears to be slightly cozier. But Master said, “Later, we discover that to truly and thoroughly eradicate suffering and to reach a place of peace and happiness, we need to achieve Buddhahood.” “Later, we discover that…” Take heed! Master adopted several transitions here, such as “but over time”, and “Later, we discover that…;” when are these moments? How can one arrive at such discovery at that given moment? Metaphorically speaking, the state of Buddhahood is a skyscraper, thus, you need to start all over again to build the skyscraper. [08′07″]
Right here, I would like to ask a question. With a budget just enough to build an iron sheet shelter, would one think of constructing a skyscraper? How many people would want to build a skyscraper right from the beginning? One would consider that building an iron sheet shelter would fulfil one’s dream, and be totally satisfied with an iron sheet shelter. How does the yearning shift from an iron sheet shelter to a skyscraper? Why would a person who feel satisfied with an iron sheet shelter initially, would subsequently yearn for a skyscraper? As a consequence of the yearning, one wants to rebuild one’s shelter. If all that this person yearns for, is nothing but an iron sheet shelter, he would never ever think of rebuilding it. Why? Why does he yearn for a skyscraper? [08′49″]
If he wishes to have a skyscraper, then let me ask you another question. Does the need for a skyscraper truly come from the bottom of his heart? Is it really needed? When he discovers this need from within, then what makes him realize this need? He must have seen a skyscraper, and felt wow! The skyscraper is fully equipped with an earthquake-resistant design and amenities, and possibly full of functionalities. Besides, it would not be hot in the summer or cold in the winter! [09′24″]
We could, of course, make analogies here. On this path to Buddhahood, let’s say for instance, you have fully internalised the encompassing tenets such as, relying on virtuous teachers, mindfulness of death, the suffering of the miserable realms, that is, everything on the tenets. Should you only understand a certain concept of the stages of the path, say, mindfulness of death, and even with that, you have no idea how to apply the practice of mindfulness of death in stages, then what you have attained is only that much. In a way, it is not too bad. However, as soon as you see these dazzling arrays of beautiful treasures, such grand skyscrapers, your inner aspiration will arise and exclaim, “I want the skyscraper!” Otherwise, I would not have realized that, in this world, there is something better than the iron sheet shelter. I would assume that what I have attained is probably complete. [10′09″]
Thus, this person would say, “It’s not like this!” Moreover, by then, he may consider “In the end, we discover that…” This process requires him to expand his horizon and his heart. By then, this person has already stood on a high point, overlooking the view far ahead and realized that the original starting point where he set off, did not seem to be right. Thus, at this juncture, this iron sheet shelter would have become an obstacle! This goes to show that this person has improved, to discover that his very first step was an obstacle. If he has not improved, he would not have recognized the mistakes he has made in the very beginning. He would very likely be complacent and say, “My little iron sheet shelter is pretty good, because it is better than nothing.” It is not that we are comparing the iron sheet shelter with nothing now. Rather, what the iron sheet shelter is compared with? It is compared with the most encompassing essence of the highest state of one’s life. Hence, this person’s aspiration emerges, namely, his personal goal in life! Once his aspiration emerges, would this [iron sheet shelter] be fulfilling (his desire)? Thus, what follows next can be troublesome. [11′12″]
【全球广论 II 讲次: 0028】
讲次 0028
科判 道前基础
主题 成佛远近二路
音档 1B 18:44 ~ 19:37
日期 2018/07/05-07/08
手抄页/行 1册 P26-L5 ~ P26-LL5 ( 2016 南普陀版：第1册 P26-L5 ~ P26-LL5 )
手抄段落 那么在这个地方……所以那个时候你要重新改建。
大家好！我们现在开始一起学习、研讨《广论》。在开始之前还是请大家观察一下自己的相续，看一看自己的呼吸是否很平稳？心是否是有些乱、有些慌张？我们在观察我们内心的时候，常常会发现：啊！好多念头像流水一般向前赶去，像一个无法停歇的跑马场。但是至少我们可以看到是什么念头在奔跑，它们跑向哪里。这时候我们会发现：啊，有一些念头可能应该停了，应该专注到《广论》上。[00′56″]
为什么要专注到《广论》上呢？师父说了，人生的头等大事就是要考虑：究竟什么是离苦、什么是得到快乐的那条最究竟的路？次第是什么？因为生生世世都是在寻觅着如何离苦、如何得乐的这件事。如果在此时此刻、在研讨《广论》之前，我们能够再一次地问问自己的心：什么是真正的离苦得乐之道？究竟离苦得乐的那个果位就是佛果，那么成熟它的因是什么？成佛的因是什么？这个因，我们怎么才能够得到、才能够知道呢？当然要听闻，要从听闻得到。要听闻的话，我们就必须知道怎么样听闻──首先要了解听闻的胜利，乃至如果不专注听闻的话，会有什么过患。[02′08″]
这些可能学过的老同学都知道，新学员可能还不太清楚。只不过现在还是要注意到那个问题：为什么来上这节课？就谈到了发心。发心会牵引我们的心朝着一个方向走去，然后也会朝着那个方向成熟为未来的结果。所以我们今天还是要再再地策励自己──哪怕是造作的也可以──为了利益无穷无尽的有情，我必须去成佛；为了成佛，我要来听闻《菩提道次第广论》。所以这一节课无论时间多长、多短，我所造作的业都是为了成就无上菩提。那么对我们来说生生增上，它的未来，时间是非常地悠远，有一个无尽的精进的过程，所以想起来还是满令人欢喜的！[03′05″]
那么接下来我们要听师父讲的这个譬喻。可能这节课你们都预习了，因为常常跟你们说，在我们研讨之前一定要把师父讲的原文预习一下。预习的时候，你们就会提到问题，或者有一些什么样的感觉。这样的话，我们今天再一起研讨的时候，就是再一轮、再一轮，它就会有不一样的提升，所以事先听闻非常地重要！而且事先你找几个同学一起研讨一下，大家各自的难点都不一样，各自的着重点也不一样，实际上是非常兴趣盎然的一个探索。我希望学习《广论》是非常非常令我们生欢喜心的一节课，是一个减压的课，是一个把心中很多很多纠结逐步打开的这样一节课。所以请大家要专注地听闻，下面就可以听师父的带子。 [04′09″]
那么在这个地方，我来说一个比喻来说明这件事情。比如说我们现在来造房子吧！这么说：我们觉得要造个房子，那么夏天太热受不了、冬天太冷、台风的时候……，那造个房子。急急忙忙造一个房子，简单一点，只要可以住得进来，就弄个铁皮钉一钉。是，什么都不要！到了那个时候发现，不是的呀，这个房子不够啊！你要真正地要想达到圆满，不是这样。那么这个比喻什么？就像我们现在觉得很苦恼，那么我们赶快要找一个安乐的地方躲起来呀！结果我们发现，真正彻底圆满地要躲掉这个痛苦，得到这个安乐的地方要佛，就像造个房子，要造一个摩天大厦一样，所以那个时候你要重新改建。 [05′05″]
这一小段大家刚才有注意听吧？我来提个问题哦！很多同学这一段可能已经听到好几十遍，或者很多遍了，就是造房子和重新造的问题。那么在一开始的时候，师父用建造房子这样一个例子，首先说了为什么要造房子──当然为了抵御很多痛苦，比如寒冷啊、酷热呀、台风啊！然后接着师父说了“急急忙忙造一个房子”，注意这四个字“急急忙忙”造一个房子。然后下面又出现“简单一点”，然后又出现“只要可以住得进来，就弄个铁皮钉一钉。是，什么都不要！”所以可以看到这是一个解决急需状态的人，对吧？因为他想要赶快地离开痛苦，离开这些台风啊、什么酷热、寒冷啊，就用铁皮钉一钉，就是铁皮屋吧！他需要一个铁皮屋，在铁皮屋里边可以让自己舒适一点。[06′17″]
注意哦！下面我提的问题就是说：你是要一个铁皮屋吗？你的精神深处只需要一个铁皮屋，然后你就得以安静地休息在其中了吗？或者安静地愉悦在其中了吗？铁皮屋可不可以让我们的心真正地达到彻底的愉悦呢？[06′42″]
师父下面话锋一转说：“到了那个时候发现，不是的呀，这个房子不够啊！”到了哪个时候发现？哪个时候呀？有答案吗？到了什么时候他发现：这些东西还是不能够令我的精神达到彻底的大自在，达到究竟无忧无虑的那样一个状态？就是这一个铁皮屋实际上不能满足我的需求。当人们发现了这一点之后，可能要重新来过。所以师父说在这里边比喻，说：“现在很苦恼，赶快找一个安乐的地方躲起来。”赶快找一个安乐的地方躲起来，他这个安乐是对比于原来的痛苦，是安乐一点点。但是师父说：“结果我们发现，要真正圆满地躲掉这个痛苦，得到这个安乐的地方要成佛。”“结果我们发现”，注意哦！他这里边有好几个转折了，说：“到了那个时候”，然后“结果我们发现”，这都是什么时候呢？为什么他到那个结果他发现了呢？说这个佛果就比喻成一个摩天大厦，所以那个时候你要重新改造。[08′07″]
在这里边我要提的问题是：只有钱盖铁皮屋，会想要摩天大厦吗？有几个人一开始就会想要摩天大厦？他会觉得铁皮屋就是我全部的梦想，有了铁皮屋就满足了。从铁皮屋到摩天大厦的向往是怎么发生的？为什么这个一开始用铁皮屋就可以满足的人，后来却想要摩天大厦了？因为这样才要改房子，如果从始至终只要铁皮屋，他就不会想改房子。为什么？为什么他想要摩天大厦了？[08′49″]
如果他要摩天大厦了，那我再问大家一个问题：是不是他从心里边真正地需要摩天大厦？需不需要？他发现了他内心的这个需要。那么为什么他发现了内心这个需要呢？他一定是看过摩天大厦，哇！发现这里边什么都具足，又避震啊、还有很多，可能什么功能都具足，而且夏天不热啊、冬天不冷啊！[09′24″]
当然这里可以譬喻，我们这个成佛的路上，比如说有亲近善知识法，然后念死无常、三恶趣苦……所有的法类，让我们的内心生起证德的那些类别，全部都具足。如果只了解部分的道次第，比如说只了解一个念死，甚至连念死的次第都不知道怎么修，你就是得到那点东西──也是没错──但是你一看到这么琳琅满目的宝物、这么壮丽的摩天大厦的时候，是不是内心中才会生起那个志向，说：“我要摩天大厦！”否则是不知道世上还有比铁皮屋更好的东西，我觉得我得到的可能就是全部了。[10′09″]
所以这个人就说：“不是这样！”然后到那个时候还有说：“结果我们发现……。”这过程需要他视野的一个开拓、心胸的一个开拓，他已经站在一个很高的地方了望过了远景，然后他发现他那个起点好像放得不太对。所以这个时候，这铁皮屋就成了障碍了！就是这个人进步了，他发现他最初的那一步是障碍；如果他没进步，他发现他一开始没错，可能还沾沾自喜说：“我那个小铁皮屋还是不错，因为比没有好。”现在不是说铁皮屋跟没有比，是铁皮屋跟什么比？跟最圆满的、心中的自我的生命状态要达到的那个境界相比。所以这个人志向出现了，他的志向！如果他的志向一出现的话，那岂是这个地方能圆满他的呢？所以接下来可能麻烦就来了。[11′12″]