Lecture No. 0076
Global Lamrim II
Lecture No. 0076
Tape no.
2A 27:52 ~ 2B 01:52
Date
2018/12/20 ~ 12/23
Outline: Foundation
Topic: Opening Veneration – Veneration before commentary
English Lamrim Vol 1, Page 33
Vol. 1 of Master’s discourse handbook P49-L1 ~ P50-L3
Greetings to all! It’s time for our discussion of Lamrim again! Not sure if everyone has strived hard to listen, contemplate, and meditate on the teachings recently? [00′12″]
Two days ago, I read your feedback and reflections on listening to the Global Lamrim II. A lay practitioner mentioned in her entry that she couldn’t attend Lamrim class because she needs to take care of her sick husband and mother-in-law. She can only listen to Lamrim teaching from home. She feels very happy because the audio recordings of Global Lamrim II are available. No matter how busy or exhausted she is, [with the teachings] she can persist in caring for her family. She said if she didn’t persist in learning the Dharma, she would probably feel a lot of suffering. [00′49″]
There’s also a feedback from a mother, who is very worried about her daughter! Her daughter would spend the whole time being locked in her room, playing online games after coming home. She felt the strong urge to burst into the room and give her daughter a lecture, but due to her listening of the Global Lamrim II, she decided to bear with it with more patience. I will suggest that she shows care for the daughter, if her daughter has met with some difficulties or challenging situations that are causing her to lock herself up in the room and play games all day long. [01′22″]
Another lay practitioner revealed that there is a deep-rooted misunderstanding between his father and him for a long period, probably beginning from his childhood to date. Also because of listening to Global Lamrim II continuously, unknowingly he unknotted his thoughts and came to terms with it! When he was little, he thought of his father as a very strict and stern man; and could not feel his father’s love or concern, especially during the times he was sick or coughing. However, since he started on listening to Global Lamrim II, he suddenly realised that he is no longer afflicted by this, he said that this process happened unconsciously. [01′57″]
In life, we have some hurdles, large and small, that we are still stuck with and have not overcome. Confiding in someone else might be helpful at times, other times, the feelings worsen instead when we recollect [the unhappy incidents]. How then can we untie those knots? An issue could have been bothering us for over a decade but we just cannot resolve or move on from it. Theoretically, we know we should be letting go, but our minds cannot comply. At this juncture, if we study Lamrim or listen to the teaching, we may, one day or at a certain moment, suddenly realize that the negative effects of this issue has alleviated. Furthermore, we may even feel that this issue does not linger in our mind stream anymore, and its toxicity no longer influences our daily lives. It’s truly over, and we have also truly moved on from it. [02′49″]
How did this process happen? Often people’s replies are, “I have no idea. I just felt a sudden realization at that moment when I got over it!” We may presume: It is because I became wiser from listening to Global Lamrim II, having received Master’s blessing or have arisen a speck of virtuous thought or compassion that led me to having clarity. In any way, if we can find pockets of time often or even daily to listen to the teachings, we will be able interrupt our conditioned mental activity. This is due to our deliberate effort during the allocated time, to fix our focus on listening to the teachings, the scriptures and the instructions from virtuous teachers. In fact, during this period, your mulling of the troublesome issues will cease. Once we apply what we have learned, or feel Master’s compassion, and blessings from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, we are suddenly able to reconcile (the issues). So this too, is one way of resolving mankind’s suffering - though the process, details of analysis and discussions seemingly appear not to be targeted at the said issue, yet unknowingly, some people feel that they have let go of some matters that were causing them pain, like after a visit to Master. This is very wonderful experience. [04′13″]
I have also seen in the lives of many lay disciples in the Lamrim classes, similar experiences happening in their lives. I really hope that everyone can persist in learning [the teaching]. If you are unable to physically attend classes due to circumstances, persevere your learning from home. Those who can attend classes, study together with one another; it will definitely develop extremely great benefits to our lives. Through the months and years, we gradually learn to remedy the suffering we feel when afflicted, by focusing our mind on the teachings, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and our virtuous teachers. Once our focus is on our teachers and the Three Jewels, we will gradually feel relief. This is also means to deal with our sufferings. I hope that everyone accumulates more of such experiences as these are essential for us when faced with various forms of suffering and even tribulations in life. For we must train our minds on the way to move away from frivolous matters that cause afflictions, and transit to a mind that is able to focus on the teaching. The moments when we are fully immersing into the teaching, we are actually not suffering so much anymore. We even become happier as we continue to listen! [05′20″]
Do you all still remember the story? It was about Venerable Ananda? One time he was ill and Jīvaka [the Medicine King during Buddha’s era] was going to conduct a surgery on him. Which time slot did they select to commence the operation? It was when Venerable Ananda was listening to Buddha’s teaching. Why? Because Venerable Ananda was extremely focused when Buddha gave discourses. It was to the extent where he wouldn’t even feel any pain when the scalpel cut. [Upon hearing this,] we might exclaim, “Wow! What a tall order this is!” But after all, someone among Buddha’s disciples was able to achieve such a level of concentration. [05′50″]
It is known to us that in the Lamrim, it mentions that our point of focus should be Buddha. If we can sustain the mindfulness at every single moment without interruption day or night, even till the moment of our death, our mind will not be overtaken by the suffering [v.1 p.186]. Due to our mind being focused on the Buddha, even acute suffering caused by death cannot actually oppress and enshroud our minds completely. Hence, in the process of listening to the teaching, we will come to appreciate all the benefits brought into our lives by these sublime objects of virtue as well as Buddha Dharma. Gradually and naturally, you will sense and experience these benefits in your heart! [06′40″]
Again, I will like to invite everyone to align your motivation prior to listening to the teaching. We need to repeatedly review and align our motivation for listening which is: For the benefit of limitless beings, it is a must that we pursue the ultimate enlightened state of Buddhahood. If we desire the attainment of Buddhahood we have to plant the cause, which will require us to know how to do it; and in order to know how, we must listen to the teaching. So our motive is for self and others to alleviate from suffering and attain happiness. To achieve that, we must attain Buddhahood, in which sets the motivation for our listening of the Lamrim. Is your motivation well-aligned already? If you are ready, then we shall begin. Great, everyone please listen! [07′21″]
[Master Jih-Chang’s commentary book 1, tape 2B on page Prologue 14]
There is a reason for paying homage step by step – it illustrates the lineage of this commentary passing from generation to generation. Here, the emphasis is placed neither on wisdom nor on skillful-means [compassion]; [rather,] it venerates both compassion and wisdom! Furthermore, it declares that this treatise is not intended to teach the great Bodhisattvas, yet we can observe the gradual procedures as illustrated in the Prologue about paying homage. Thus we are able to recognize the origination. Ah, right! This is how the treatise originated, and it does not aim to teach great Bodhisattvas but illustrates basic step-by-step teaching. Let’s see how basic this treatise will get down to. [08′09″]
Then, next it talks about Nagarjuna Bodhisattva and Asanga Bodhisattva, and what are their characteristics? “Of the Mother of Conquerors, so difficult to fathom.” The Buddha thus passed this down to Manjusri Bodhisattva and Maitreya Bodhisattva – whether it is a sutra or a treatise, it is extremely profound and vast. “Vast” means all encompassing, and “profound” means seeing the true nature of reality. It is inconceivable by us ordinary beings, and even those sages of the Hinayana may not comprehend it. So the phrase “Mother of Conquerors” because Shifu said [胜者教] means that the teachings are incredible and extraordinary, and it refers to the Mahayana teachings. Here, it specifically refers to the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. Why? For the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra clearly states the complete, systematic orders for ordinary beings to achieve Buddhahood. [09′15″]
In the two paragraphs above, Master touched on the lineage of Lamrim; he said Lamrim does not favour the cultivation of wisdom nor the method [compassion]. It is a stepwise progression in a systematic manner. And then Master said, “Of the Mother of Conquerors, so difficult to fathom.” This “Mother of Conquerors”, as you have heard, refers to the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. Master explained that the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra is all encompassing and so profound that it reveals the true nature of reality. It is an incredible and inconceivable Mahayana teaching. It is so extremely inconceivable that ordinary beings like us or even Sages from smaller vehicle (such as Sravakas and Pratyekabuddhas) cannot obtain a full and clear comprehension. The Great Prajnaparamita illustrates the encompassing stages of the path to Buddhahood, from beginning stages of ordinary beings till the final attainment of complete enlightenment without exclusions. Then, what will enable us to understand this teaching? We need lineage masters and Bodhisattvas to compose commentaries for us, just as the concept of reference books; it allows us to comprehend what the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra expounds on. [10′28″]
So pay attention of what’s in here! We will hear “Great Prajnaparamita”, the names of great Buddhas and Bodhisattvas like “Manjusri Bodhisattva”, “Maitreya Bodhisattva”, and the term “Mahayana teaching.” In here, many important keywords surfaced such as “Hinayana sages”, “Mahayana teaching”, etc. As all of us know, Lamrim originates from the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. Presently, many people received the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra at their homes, and then they prostrate to it, offer incense, and even circumambulate it. Those reciting the Tripitaka may have also completed their recitation of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. However, what is the intended meaning of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra? In this sutra, what are the actual sacred meaning discoursed to us by Buddha? Thus, lineage masters gave elaborated discourses on the Prajnaparamita and composed commentaries for us. [11′21″]
【全球广论 II 讲次: 0076】
讲次 0076
科判 道前基础
主题 〈皈敬颂〉论前皈敬
音档 2A 27:52 ~ 2B 01:52
日期 2018/12/20 ~ 12/23
广论段落 P1-L6 如极难量胜者教……我礼龙猛无着足
手抄页/行 第1册 P49-L1 ~ P50-L3 ( 2016 南普陀版：第1册 P49-L1 ~ P50-L1 )
手抄段落 这个地方的一步一步地……说得非常清楚。
大家好！又到了我们研讨《广论》的时间了！不知道最近大家有没有努力地闻思修啊？ [00′12″]
前两天有看到大家写的听全广的回馈，其中看到一个居士说她要照顾生病的先生，又要照顾先生的妈妈，所以她自己就没有办法去广论班，只能在家里听。因为有全广的音档，她觉得很高兴，无论多忙、多累都可以坚持照顾两个人。她说如果不坚持学法的话，可能她会非常地痛苦。 [00′49″]
还有一个母亲，很心疼她的女儿吧！说女儿回来了之后，整天在房间里边上网打游戏，她很想冲进去教训她，但是因为有听全广的原因，她决定还是忍耐一下。我比较建议去关注一下，因为是不是出了什么问题、遇到了什么困境，然后就开始把自己关在屋子里整天这样弄电脑。 [01′22″]
还看到一个居士说，其实他和他父亲有一个很深、很深的心结，大概是从小到大的一个心结。也是由于连续地听全广的原因，他说不知道为什么他居然想开了！他小的时候觉得父亲好像很严肃，感觉不到父亲很关爱他的感觉，尤其是他生病、他咳嗽的时候。但是听全广之后，他突然觉得这一点他完全释怀了，他说他也不知道是怎么释怀的。 [01′57″]
我们生命中有一些大大、小小过不去的沟沟坎坎，其实跟别人讲、去倾诉，有的时候会变好，有的时候你再想一遍还变严重。但是那个心结到底怎么去打开呢？一个心事缠绕自己十几年，就是放不下、就是想不开，道理都懂，但是就是想不开。这个时候如果去学《广论》或者是听法，然后在某一天的某一个时刻，你突然觉得那件事在心里松动了，甚至从此你觉得这件事不会一直萦绕在自己的脑海里边，不会再发毒素影响着每天的生活，它真的是过去了，然后我们也真的是放下了。 [02′49″]
这个过程到底是怎么发生的呢？常常有人说：[其实我不知道，我就是在那一刻突然觉得我放下了、我想开了！]我们会认为：是因为我听全广，得到师父的加持，慧力增加了，有的时候是心里生了一点善念或者慈悲心，突然把这一切看清了。总之，在我们的生命中，如果能够常常、甚至每天都留出一段时间来听法，因为在听法的时候，我们要属意让自己专注，所以就会把平常的那个续流切断，专门这段时间面对经典、面对善知识的教言，开始专注地听闻。其实这个时候，你想也想不开的那件事就没想了。一旦我们运用所听闻的教理，甚至在听闻的时候感受到师父的慈悲、感受到诸佛菩萨的加持，某一个时刻就突然释怀。所以这也是解决人类痛苦的一种方式——似乎是没有针对那件事一直讨论、好像条分缕析地这样去分析，但是不知道为什么，像有些人去拜见师父，出来之后他觉得一些痛苦的事情就放下了。这是一个很奇妙的经验。 [04′13″]
在广论班里我也看到了很多很多居士的生命中，都发生着这样的经验。很希望大家能坚持学下去，如果有状况不能进班里的，那在家里边坚持学；如果能去一起学的就一起学，一定会对我们的生命产生很大很大的饶益。经年累月，我们慢慢地会学会：当我心里有痛苦的时候，我会去缘念法、缘念佛菩萨、缘念着善知识；一旦把我们心的所缘缘到上师三宝的时候，我们就会慢慢地感觉到清凉。这也是对付痛苦的一种方式，也是一种经验。希望大家多多地累积这种经验，这种经验对我们面对生命的很多痛苦，甚至是磨难，都是很必要的一件事情。因为我们必须训练我们的心，怎么样地从烦恼的那些是是非非上移开，能够专注于法；专注于法的当下，其实就没有那么痛苦了，甚至越听越开心！ [05′20″]
大家还记得吧？是阿难尊者吧，他生病了，然后耆婆要给他开刀。什么时候开刀呢？就选择在阿难尊者听佛说法的时候去动刀，因为在听佛说法的时候他特别特别地专注，甚至都感觉不到动刀的痛苦。我们会说：[哇，这个简直是一种登峰造极的水准啊！]但是毕竟也是在佛弟子里，有人做到了那样的水准。 [05′50″]
大家都知道《广论》上说要缘念着佛陀，如果我们的心续能够昼夜不息地缘念着佛陀的话，甚至到临命终的时候，苦受莫能夺。就是那么剧烈的死苦，其实都不能够把我们的心完全地压迫或者盖住的，由于我们的内心缘念佛陀的原因。所以这些殊胜的善所缘，还有这些法，为我们生命所带来的饶益，大家可以在闻法的过程中、在研讨的过程中慢慢地去体会，自然会有一番感受吧！在自己的心上。 [06′40″]
还是请大家要端正一下自己闻法的动机，就是要再再地调整：为了利益无穷无尽的有情，我们必须去希求大觉的佛位；如果希求佛位的话，就要去种成佛的因；成佛的因，就要先知道；要知道，就必须来听法。所以我们是为了求得自他能够早日离苦得乐，必须求得佛果这样的一个动机来听《广论》。调整好了吗？调整好了就要开始了。好，请大家开始听！ [07′21″]
这个地方的一步一步地归敬有个原因，说明本论的这个师承，它是这么样下来的。那么这个地方说明本论不偏重于智慧，不偏重于方便，所以它归敬当中方便、智慧啊，同样地归敬。还有呢，要说明我现在这个论，不是针对教那些大菩萨的，而是这么一步一步下来，你就从这归敬上面可以看得出来。因为这样，所以我们晓得，喔，对！论的来源是这样，而现在他教化的对象他不是大菩萨，而是一步一步下来。我们看最后下到什么样的程度。 [08′09″]
所以第二个说龙树、无着菩萨，而他们两个怎么样的特征呢？ [如极难量胜者教]。这个佛下来降到文殊菩萨、弥勒菩萨，但是不管那些经也好、论也好，还是非常地深、广；[广]是无所不包，[深]是彻见本源。这个东西是很无可思议，我们不是普通人，乃至于小乘的圣者所能了解的。所以这个地方[胜者教]，这个很难思量、思议地殊胜的教授，是指大乘教法，而特别这个地方指《大般若》。为什么？ 《大般若》是圆满的成佛的次第，从凡夫位到成佛的次第，说得非常清楚。 [09′15″]
这两段师父提出了本论的师承，说本论不偏重于智慧、也不偏重于方便，它是一步一步来，是次第井然的。然后提出了[如极难量胜者教]，这个[胜者教]，大家有听到是指《大般若经》。 《大般若经》，师父说是广到无所不包、深到彻见本源，是非常不可思议的，不是我们这些普通人，甚至小乘的圣者所能够了解清清楚楚的。所以是很难思量、很不可思议的一个教授、大乘教法。那么这样一个《大般若》、圆满成佛的次第，是从凡夫一直到成佛的圆满的次第，是无所缺少的。那么，怎么样才能够去了解这个教授呢？就需要祖师、菩萨为我们造论，就好像在写一本参考书一样，让我们去看明白这《大般若》到底在阐述一些什么。 [10′28″]
所以这里边，注意！我们会听到[《大般若》]，听到[文殊菩萨]、[弥勒菩萨]这些伟大的佛菩萨的名号；还会听到[大乘教法]。这里边出现了[小乘圣者]、[大乘教法]......非常非常关键的一些词句。大家都知道，《广论》的传承是源于《大般若经》的，现在很多人会请《般若经》在家里，然后礼拜、焚香，甚至旋绕。可能也有一些读《大藏经》的人会把《般若经》都读了，但是《般若经》的内义到底是什么？在里边佛陀要对我们宣讲的密意到底是怎样的呢？传承祖师们就会为我们讲解《大般若》、为我们造论。 [11′21″]