Lecture No. 0109
Global Lamrim II
Lecture No. 0109
Tape： 2B 27:08 ~ 28:07
Date： 2019/04/15 ~ 04/17
Outline: Foundation
Topic: Prologue – Veneration at the beginning of commentary
English Lamrim Vol. 1, page 33-34
Vol. 1 of Master’s discourse handbook P63-L6 ~ P63-LL1
Greetings to all! It is time for our Lamrim discussion again. How does everyone feel lately? Are there a lot of anxiety and dejected feelings? Upon noticing such emotions, have [we tried to] make an adjustment? Our recent discussions centered around the subject of “demon-revealing mirror”. Even with all these years of studying the teaching, when focusing on this demon-revealing mirror issue, we all might still find it very startling and frightening. When we apply Master’s teachings to reflect on our speech, actions, and thoughts, we would notice that there are lots of slip-ups here, or realize that: “Wow! So I am the one who’s [looking at others faults] with the demon-revealing mirror!” After realizing this, would [we] feel dejected? [00′59″]
For example: “Urgh! [So long as [I] begin to think of helping other people, [I would] find myself holding the mirror to reflect [others for faults].” But I am also not that skilful yet to help others with different approaches. We would find such demon-revealing mirror syndrome always disturbing us whenever we have to, for instance, discipline children, guide students, or even take charge of a team. I hope that once you all are aware of this “syndrome”, we don’t have to overly blame ourselves with too much reproach, or simply feeling dejected. Rather, we should be very happy! Why? Because we have noticed, “Oh! So this is the actual drill of realizing the demon-revealing mirror in action!” [01′42″]
Upon noticing this issue, we should not take it as “I am the demon-revealing mirror itself.” [Instead,] we should see it this way: it is [very] likely that I have the tendency to apply the demon-revealing mirror [on others], but I still have other tendencies! For instance, I also apply OMAK (Observe Merits Appreciate Kindness) practice, and through such exercise, I come to appreciate the beauty of this world, others’ kindness, and the atmosphere of mutual support from people around us, which sometimes make me feel joyous. While listening to the teachings, I appreciate the good qualities of virtuous teachers, and the sense of coolness would arise in mind upon hearing the sublime teaching! So, it is like the law of causality [i.e. cause and effect]; [planting] the seeds of flowers, and flowers will bloom. If you plant the apple seeds, they will bear apples later. What you do will bring about its corresponding result. [Thus,] even though I recognize I have this syndrome of demon-revealing mirror, it doesn't mean that my entire life becomes demon-reflecting in nature, and is completely enshrouded by it. Instead, there are still other aspects from which I can examine myself. [02′33″]
My thought is that you should not feel overly disheartened, just because you see some smudge on your face in the “mirror.” Instead of feeling, “Alas, this is too terrible! How could my face be so dirty?” “Ah, how pathetic [of me]!” Or claiming, “I am so abominable!” Rather, it may be [more practical and productive] if you clean it with some water while having these racing thoughts. When we notice our own flaws, all we need to do is correct it; that is it. There is no need to self-condemn, making a lot of complaints and uttering self-detesting words; Perhaps [such reactions] may not be helpful to rectify our habitual tendency. The key is: these teachings are for us to be watchful of our own conduct, to call attention to the phenomena that we haven't noticed before, and to adjust ourselves from thereon. By so doing, we will bring greater peace and joy to our lives. Besides, the conflicts with others may be minimized or even disappear, and we would feel more at peace. [03′26″]
Hence, when we turn the “Dharma Mirror” inwards to reflect on ourselves, [we] would notice that we have many flaws; at this juncture, one phenomenon that should be avoided is feeling disheartened! You should never ever feel downhearted. Once identifying our flaws, we should be happy! Finally, I am following along the guidance taught by Master in training my mind. In the process of mind training, once I identify my flaws, all I need to do is rectify them! [Moreover,] during this process, it is possible that [old habits] are difficult to break. [My advice is that]: as long as we are working on it, actually we are making slight progress day by day. However, we might overlook some progress, not counting them [but treat them as insignificant]. Because our expectation is to rectify the flaws once and for all – Humph! By wielding the sword [of wisdom], we wish to cut off the source of the water [/afflictions] entirely and stop it from flowing. In fact, such habits from beginningless time require greater patience from us to gradually rectify and improve, day by day. When I have done one good point, award myself with a little sticker of red flower, “Well, I’ve improved! [Way to go!]” We need to rejoice ourselves. Hence, I hope that when you all notice such flaws of yours, don’t be too impatient [or agitated]; pay special attention to the tendency of feeling disheartened. Upon noticing such an issue, we should try to solve it, instead of feeling downhearted. It is for us to uncover the flaws we have, and to harvest the joy of such discovery. Then, we can change this suffering cause, trade it in for a happy cause, and finally achieve happiness. [04′35″]
So, in regard to the point [above, I] hope that all of us can be vigilant about ourselves as well. When we notice that we are inclined to feel disheartened in the face of challenges, please have a second thought: if [we take] the spotting of our flaws as discovery, then is there a solution to it? Yes, there is! So, what should [we] do at that precise moment? While facing the arising condition, [we should] examine inwardly. [However,] if we realize that we, again, start to apply the Dharma mirror outwardly, then please contemplate in this way: do I have the same flaws as this person? Chances are my flaws might be even more serious than his! Thus, whenever we feel tormented, we wouldn’t think the root cause of all [my] sufferings originates from others’ faults. The conduct and speech of others maybe the “conducive factors”, [as] without them, [our inner flaws] won’t be revealed. The real cause of problems lies deep down at heart, and this is why we should frequently apply the Dharma mirror to reflect inwardly. [05′21″]
The actual cause of suffering lies within [ourselves], it is in [our] minds, and the greatest issue is ignorance! That is, while [we] are facing an arising circumstance, it seems that the circumstance stands alone/independently, and how my mind posit it has no part of it. We often cannot sense or observe the part in which our mind posits the imprint]. That is, our mind is absolutely accountable for these current circumstances. [However,] we usually overlook this factor. So, since we have such recognition, it doesn’t matter even if we overlook it! Why is it so? Because now we would like to rectify it! [05′51″]
Thus, [we] should not harbour too much anxiety, heaving sighs, or even feel depressed after recognizing our flaws, simply because we have identified so many flaws! Just improve on them little by little! We should never be impatient when it comes to rectifying our flaws; neither shall we take it as a crushing blow to ourselves if the rectification has not succeeded yet! As this digresses from the initial objective! Rectifying the flaws is the focal point, but condemning oneself is another matter. [06′12″]
[Hence, I] hope everyone can mutually encourage and support each other when it comes to rectifying flaws. If [we] notice our habit of applying the Dharma mirror outwardly again, [all we need to do] is quickly revert it and reflect it on ourselves! By doing so, each time when we seem to repeat the habit of applying the mirror outwardly, well, as long as we revert it, we are actually cultivating one more virtuous habit, that is what applying Dharma Mirror inwardly means. Practice this persistently and we would definitely master the skill sooner or later, how could we not master it! Because Master had promised, as long as we are willing to learn, he would always accompany us, guiding us all the way until attaining Buddhahood. Thus, we should not overly worry that we would be lonely while embarking on this path. [06′45″]
I hope this concept will raise everybody’s awareness and (bring) much inspiration. That is, Oh! I see [my flaw] again! [No problem!] I can rectify it, instead of [doing nothing and sigh at our die-hard old habit. We should be aware that our mind does have the power to take action, and alter/improve our speech. Why? Because we have heard the beckoning of the truth, and we have witnessed such application would [not only] benefit ourselves but also benefit others. [07′13″]
In the beginning stage of learning, we are not quite good at it, but easy does it! Actually, a lot of things take time to learn. Take attending kindergarten for example; in the beginning, we didn’t even know how to sit in line properly, nor could we tie our shoelaces; it even took us quite a while to learn how to eat with chopsticks. Nevertheless, our parents and teachers taught us how to master [these skills]. Hence, [in terms of mind training], we must be patient, watching it grow little by little, experiencing the joy of our inner maturation. When we notice the achievements in other people, we would also share a sense of joy by rejoicing them. While we are applying OMAK, we would genuinely appreciate the beauty of this world from a different angle. [07′48″]
Hence, upon our discovery of the impact of such demon-revealing mirror syndrome, we should acknowledge: I have uncovered such phenomenon in my life; finally, I have such awareness and I can start working on improving it! [08′04″]
【全球广论 II 讲次: 0109】
讲次 0109
科判 道前基础
主题 〈皈敬颂〉造论宗旨
音档 2B 27:08 ~ 28:07
日期 2019/04/15 ~ 04/17
广论段落 P1-LL1 今勤瑜伽多寡闻……复乏理辩教义力
手抄页/行 第1册 P63-L6 ~ P63-LL1 ( 2016 南普陀版：第1册 P63-L7 ~ P63-LL1 )
手抄段落 那么说：好、好、好！ ......这个是非常严重的事情！
大家好！又到了我们研讨《广论》的时间了，最近大家的心情怎么样啊？有没有很多焦虑、很多沮丧？当看到这些心情的时候，有没有去调整它？最近我们讨论的主题都是[照妖镜]的问题。学了这么多年的法，看了这个照妖镜的问题，可能你我都还是会怵目惊心。当我们用师父讲的法来反照自己的语言和自己的行为和思想的时候，就会看到很多做错的地方，或者：[哇，原来我就是那个拿照妖镜的！]看了之后，会不会心沉呀？ [00′59″]
比如说：啊！只要一想帮忙别人，发现就拿照妖镜开始照了。用其他帮忙别人的方式好像又不是很熟练，比如说管小孩啊，或者带学生啊，甚至带自己的团队，都会发现这个照妖镜的问题一直困扰着自己。我希望大家观察到这一点之后，不用给自己太多的指责、太多的埋怨，或者心力就掉下去了。因为当我们看到这个问题的时候，应该感到欣喜啊！为什么呢？发现啊！喔，原来这就是照妖镜的实际操练啊！ [01′42″]
当我们发现了这个问题之后，不要认为我就是照妖镜本身。我可能有这个照妖镜的现象，但是我还有其他现象呢！比如说我还学习观功念恩，我在观功念恩的时候体会到了这个世界的美丽、别人的善良、周围人互助的这种氛围，我有时也会感觉到很欢喜的。在听法的时候，感念善知识的恩德呀，听到法义的美妙也会生起清凉啊！所以，就像因果一样，花的种子就会开花，苹果的种子将来就会结出苹果，它是分门别类的这样；不能说用照妖镜的这个问题观察自己之后，自己的生命整个就变成照妖镜，都覆盖了。所以还是会有其他的观察点。 [02′33″]
我的想法是你也不用太过心沉，因为拿镜子照，照到自己的脸有一些没洗干净的地方，不是说：[哎哟，这个太糟了！我的脸怎么这么脏呢？] [啊，好可怜啊！]或者说：[我很可恶！]说这些话的同时，可能不如拿点清水把它洗洗就可以了。当我们发现自己有问题的时候去改正它就可以了，不需要给自己戴一堆帽子，说很多埋怨的、自我憎恨的话，可能那个习气也未必能改变。最重要的，这些法义是让我们来警觉自己的行为，注意到一些没有注意到的现象，调整那个方向。这样可以给我们的生命带来更多的平静、更多的喜悦，还有与他人的这些矛盾可能就变小了、甚至消失了，会感到更多的和平。 [03′26″]
所以当我们拿[法镜外照]的这个问题来照自己，会发现自己很多问题的时候，要避免一个现象，就是心沉！你不要心沉。发现了，高兴呀！我终于沿着师父讲的理路修心了，修心我就发现我有问题，有问题就改嘛！改的过程中可能会怎么也改不过来，改不过来，只要在改，其实每天都是有一些小进步的。只不过有一些进步是被我们忽略不计的，我们想要从此顿断——啊！一下子挥刀断水，希望水不要流。其实这个无始劫来的习气，需要我们耐心一点，慢慢地每天改、每天改。当自己做对一点之后，就给自己贴一朵小红花：[欸，进步了！要随喜一下自己。所以我希望大家看到自己这个毛病之后，不要太过心急，尤其是注意到心沉的这个问题。看到问题的时候是要我们解决问题，不是要我们沉下去的；问题是给我们发现，然后收获发现的喜悦，而且去改变这个痛苦的因，去得到快乐的。 [04′35″]
所以在这一点，就希望大家也要警醒一下自己。如果发现自己看到麻烦就会有心沉的习惯，那要考虑一下：看到麻烦是发现，那么解决这个问题的方案有吗？有！那么当下怎么运作会吗？对境的时候，就看自己的心。如果看到一点，又开始法镜外照了，那就想一想：他有的毛病我有没有呢？可能我比他还严重呢！那么我们就不会在痛苦发生的时候，认为痛苦的来源和起因是他人的错误。可能他人的行为和语言是个缘，如果没有那个勾是勾不出来的，但是真正麻烦的因素是在内心深处，这就是我们常常要法镜内照发现的东西。 [05′21″]
真正的苦因是在里边，是在内心上，而最大的问题就是无明啊！就是对境的时候，境那边好像是独立出现的，没有我的心安立的那一分。我们常常会感觉不到，也观察不到内心对境有安立的那一分；就是自己的心对现在这个状况是负有绝对责任的，我们常常会忽略这一点。那么因为发现了，忽略了也没关系！为什么没关系？因为我们现在想改变它了！ [05′51″]
所以也不要看到自己的毛病之后，就引生很多焦灼、叹息，甚至是沮丧的情绪，因为发现缺点好多啊！那一点点改吧！改缺点不能心急。然后不要没改过来就拼命又开始打击自己，就跑题了！你改缺点就改缺点，打击自己是另一回事情。 [06′12″]
所以在这点上，就希望大家能够相互地鼓励，发现看到法镜外照这个习惯之后，就赶快照自己一下嘛！就每一次法镜外照的习惯，都拿回来照自己一下。这样的话，好像我们犯一次过去的习惯，欸！又产生一个、又长养了一下现在的美好的习惯，就是法镜内照。坚持用功下去一定会学会的，怎么可能学不会！师父说只要我们愿意学，他会永远带着我们，直到成佛都带着我们，所以也不用特别担心在这条路上自己会很孤单。 [06′45″]
这条法义希望能给大家带来很多的自我的警醒、很多的振奋，就是：欸！我又看到了，然后我可以改！不要对着那个旧习惯只是叹气而已。要看到我们的内心是有行动力的，我们的语言也是会有修改的力量，为什么？因为我们听到了真理的召唤，我们看见了这样做对自己、对他人都是好的。 [07′13″]
那么一时学得没有那么顺利，慢慢学呀！很多东西都是慢慢学的。像我们上幼儿园，从一开始要学排排坐都不会，系鞋带也不会，可能吃个饭、拿个筷子都要练很久，但是父母和师长都是这样教导我们的。所以我们对我们的心要有一点点的耐心，看着它一点一点地成长，然后也去体会内心成长的喜悦。当我们看到别人做得好的时候，我们就会有一分随喜的喜悦；当观功念恩的时候，我们真的就会从另一个角度看到这个世界的美好。 [07′48″]
所以请大家看到这个照妖镜的效应之后，要体会到：我发现了我生命有这种现象，我终于警觉到了，那开始改就可以了！ [08′04″]