Lecture No. 0320
Global Lamrim II
Lecture No. 0320
Lamrim Volume 1: P42-L30 ~ P43-L16
Date: 30 Mar 2022
Topic: Unbreakable lineage 2: Cherish the lineage and supplicate for the Teachers remain for an extended time
Here, I need to elaborate it further; in fact, the gurus that Master Atisha relied on were over one hundred, and twelve of them had high spiritual attainment. These twelve distinguished eminent gurus were known as the three yogis: Guru Avadhutipa, Jetari and Zhǒng Bǐ Bá. They are known as the three yoginis: the yogini who convinced Master Atisha to be ordained as a monk, the yogini that was prophesied by Tara and the yogini that was prophesied by Jnanasri. Three additional gurus: Pútí Xián with clairvoyant power, Zhé dá lǐ and Dharmaraksita. Three additional yoginis: the yogini who transmitted the empowerment of Vajrayana, the yogini who showed Master Atisha the way to a vajra center, and the yogini who taught him the instruction of the legacy passed from Buddha. These are the twelve gurus [with high spiritual attainment]. Such information is recorded in the Book of Kadam* - The Father Teachings [teaching #293]. [01:25]
After having learned this section on the lineages, I am wondering what your thoughts are. Would you feel: “Oh! There are so many lineages! What is your thought after you have learned that Master Atisha received so many lineages from so many virtuous teachers? Here, what I like to say is: when it comes to the lineage, we will definitely mention virtuous teachers. Why? Because without virtuous teachers, the lineage would not exist; [without virtuous teachers,] how could we receive the lineage? Receiving the [various] lineages – the profound view and the extensive deeds, passed down from these brilliant virtuous teachers, Master Atisha understood them thoroughly and integrated them into a coherent and systemic approach. Wow! So many brilliant, distinguished and eminent teachers transmitted so many lineages to Master Atisha; would you find it very splendorous and majestic? [02:18]
As exceptionally brilliant and smart as Master Atisha, he still needed so many eminent gurus to teach him, giving him guidance, what about (our)selves – so dull-witted and inadequate? How about us who are so small? [Understandably,] we need to be even more diligent to seek virtuous teachers as well as aspire for instructions from the pure and authentic lineage. Never should we assume that we are able to have any sort of attainment without receiving instructions from pure and qualified lineages and based on our own understanding, we interpret the meaning of the scriptures; we will even determine the meaning of a certain section of the sutras and scriptures by simply glancing at them. If we interpret the meaning of the sutras and scriptures based on our own understanding, instead of following the guidance from the treatises that the Buddha prophesied and Bodhisattvas composed, we are likely to descend to the three miserable realms. Why? Because by misinterpreting the meaning of the sutras, we will deviate from proper meditation practice. [03:02]
Then, how can we find an untainted path for our meditation practice/cultivation? We must rely on the gurus who are the holders of the uncontaminated and authentic lineages. How did the gurus receive the pure lineages? They received the transmission from their gurus. Just like the Yangtze River, where is its origin? It originates in the Land of Snow. Likewise, if the lineages are pure and authentic, then we can trace all their sources back to Shakyamuni Buddha. How amazing that we can trace the lineages back, from one eminent guru to another, the lineages all led to Shakyamuni Buddha. It seems that though the time Shakyamuni Buddha lived was over two thousand years ago, we are still able to learn the authentic intent from the Buddha. It is all because of the lineages passed down from one virtuous teacher to another. If it were not for such chain of transmission of the lineages, there is no telling whether what we are learning today is authentic or not, very likely it would not be the true intent of Buddha. Because we see Buddha as our guiding teacher, we want to emulate Buddha and attain the same state of omniscience and ultimate enlightenment effect he has achieved, and we aspire to obtain such compassion, wisdom and power as he has. Understandably we must follow along the true nature of reality he discovered, and see the path as the goal of our meditation training. [04:07]
So, what kind of true nature of reality did he identify? Were it not for the commentaries the virtuous teachers, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas composed, it would be very hard for us to see it clearly. Therefore, for the ordinary beings like us disciples, if not for the efforts of the virtuous teachers who painstakingly persevered in preserving the teachings and passing the lineages down to us till today, how could it be possible for us to understand the meaning even for one section of the scriptures? I mean is there any way for us to simply understand the meaning of one passage in the scriptures [without proper guidance]? As for understanding just one passage, there could be several possible meanings arising in our mind, but exactly which one should we pick? The possible scenario is: we end up speculating and unsure as to which one is more appropriate; and what we have picked may not be the correct one. [04:47]
What is recorded in the lineage is very specific, so our own philosophical view won’t be posited unsoundly. Why? Because the philosophical view is well established and acknowledged [with sound reasoning]. Then in our debate sessions, we can debate with the challenger, refuting or defending our view as well as many doubtful aspects, etc. Learning in this manner will benefit us tremendously in terms of acquiring pure and untainted perceptions. In the lineages, we have virtuous teachers to learn from, and fellow companions to discuss with and learn from one another. Besides, there are so many scriptures available for us to explore. It seems like we are in the midst of the vast ocean of Buddha Dharma. Though the whole learning process is not that easy, it will be much more effective compared to the effort we will have to put in if we try to understand the essence of the three principal aspects of the path by studying the Tripitaka all by ourselves. The subject matters of the Five Great Treatises may sound pretty profound and colossal – actually they are indeed very extensive; however, compared to the effort we have to put into by reading and studying alone, it is, I believe, definitely as easy and relaxing as ”While my skiff glides past ten thousand mountains.*” [a verse from Li Bai’s poem]. [05:40]
While discussing the lineages Master Atisha received, we still need to continue with our aspiration for having the opportunity to study such pure and encompassing lineages. Why? For Master Atisha would definitely want to continue preserving and pass down the lineages. As for those of us, the disciples, who have unwavering faith in their gurus, and in Buddha Dharma, we must aspire for receiving the pure and encompassing lineages. With these precious lineages extant in this world, they mean a lot to us. Why? Because our wisdom life of liberation relies on the nourishment we get from our gurus; it is like parents bringing up their children; similarly, it is our gurus that imbue our life with enlightened wisdom. What do the gurus nurture us with? They nurture us with the nectar of the Dharma. And the pure authentic lineages are like the Dharma nectar, imbuing our life with enlightened wisdom. [06:24]
Hence, we are deeply indebted to Master Atisha and all of these eminent virtuous teachers for upholding the great encompassing lineages and passing them down to us till this day so that we are able to hear all the names of these eminent gurus and we then realize: “Wow! There are so many brilliant lineages in the world!” If we didn’t study them, we would totally be submerged in the darkness of ignorance. And we would interpret the meanings of the scriptures based on our own understanding and assume that were Buddha’s intent. We might even conceit: “Yes! I am self-taught. See how marvellous I am. I don’t need to consult any commentary from the eminent past masters to understand [Buddha’s intent].” There is nothing more absurd than this! [06:55]
Since I am pretty aware of how dull-witted I am, I will diligently follow the guidance of the virtuous teachers and study well. I am not that confident that I can understand the intended meaning from Buddha after finishing reading the scriptures, so I will definitely rely on the two trailblazers of Nagarjuna and Asanga to study the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra and all the other scriptures. I also hope that those of us, the disciples, who are earnest about the Stages of the Path and have faith in the Buddha, can be inspired with more fervent aspiration to acquire the pure and authentic lineages, following the guidance passed down from the lineages, to listen well, contemplate well and meditate well. Why? Because this is the most secured, and the least time consuming approach that can save us lots of effort, preventing us from enduring extra suffering and digressing. Thus, all these lineages are the priceless treasure preserved by virtuous teachers for us; these lineages are extremely valuable! [07:42]
Consequently, we should definitely cherish all these lineages dearly! Upon hearing them, we should yearn with aspiration; with deep veneration we supplicate that the teaching can remain in the world for a long duration. And we also supplicate that all the virtuous teachers can have longevity to remain in the world. Why? For this is the only way for us to receive the transmission of all these lineages. I hope everyone can sincerely supplicate that the Buddha Dharma will be promulgated in this world, and virtuous teachers can remain in the world for a long time! [08:04]
【全球广论 II 讲次: 0320】
讲次 | 0320 (2021-04-22 ~ 2021-04-25)
标题 | 传承无断（二）：珍惜传承，祈师久住
《广论》段落 | P7-L8 ~ P7-LL1 师传承中……能善决择胜者密意。
入门段落 | 第1册 P147-LL3 ~ P149-L1 第二、传承无间断之理者......等等众多获得成就的上师。
备注 | 四家合注《白话校注集》第1册 P151-L13注释⑬ ~ P151-LL3注释⑮完 跋陀罗菩提 阿底峡尊者的上师之一......总共十二位。
(更新日期: 2022年3月30日)
00:00
这里边要解释一下，阿底峡尊者实际上曾经依止一百多位上师，有十二位得到成就。这十二位得到成就的上师：上师阿哇都帝、阎摩敌瑜伽师、种比跋，这三位称为三瑜伽师；劝请尊者出家的瑜伽母、度母所授记的瑜伽母及迦那师利所授记的瑜伽母，这三位称为三瑜伽母；加上获得神通的菩提贤、哲达里、法铠三位上师，还有传授金刚瑜伽母加持的瑜伽母、指示往金刚座道场的瑜伽母及开示遗教的瑜伽母，共十二位。这个是《噶当父法》里边有记载的。01:25
学了传承这一段，不知道诸位听起来是怎样的？会不会觉得：喔，有这么多种传承！师从这么多位善知识，得到这么多种传承，大家心里会想什么呢？这里边我想讲一点是：提到传承，就一定会提到善知识，因为没有善知识就没有传承，从何处得到传承呢？看这些精彩的善知识传下来的这个传承，大家都知道甚深、广大行的教授，阿底峡尊者把它融会为一了。哇！这么多精彩的大善知识，把这么多的传承都传给了阿底峡尊者，有没有一种富丽堂皇的感觉？02:18
所以像这么绝顶聪明的阿底峡尊者，他有这么多了不起的上师来教，那何况这么愚笨的自己呢？这么渺小的自己呢？更要去勤求善知识，还要希求清净的传承教授，绝对不可以认为没有传承教授修法能够修出来，按照自己所理解的佛经、所理解的论典，甚至自己看一看书就觉得：啊！可能这一段的意思是这样。依自己的意思去解释经义、论义，而不依佛陀所授记的菩萨解释经义的来解释的话，非常容易地就堕落三恶道，因为会错解经义、会错修行。03:02
所以，怎么样觅得一条清净无染的修行之路呢？一定要追随有清净无染传承的上师们。上师们的清净传承是怎么得到的呢？是从他们的上师得到的。然后这样辗转、辗转往上推，就像长江大河的水从哪里来？从雪山来，那么我们所有的传承的源头就直接会推到释迦佛，这个传承居然可以从上师推、推、推，一位一位推、推、推到释迦佛。看起来释迦佛到现在已经两千多年了，但是我们依然能够学到原汁原味的佛陀的密意，全靠善知识们的传承。如果没有这个传承的链条，我们现在学的也不知道是什么，都不是佛陀的意思了。因为我们的导师是佛陀，我们想跟随佛陀获得他所获得的遍智的果位、大觉的果位，获得他那样的悲、智、力，所以一定要沿着他所看到的那个真理然后去修炼自己。04:07
但是他所看到的真理到底是什么样，如果没有善知识、佛菩萨造论的话，我们是很难彻见本源的。所以对于我们这些弟子来说、对我这样的一个凡夫来说，如果没有这些传承的善知识辛辛苦苦地把这个传承传至现在，我又何德何能能够知道哪怕是一段经文的意思呢？哪怕是一段论典的意思呢？可能心中有好多意思，到底取哪一个呢？就进入怀疑的两端，决定下来的东西也不一定是对的。04:47
因为有传承写得这么清楚，所以我们的自宗也不可能是飘来飘去的，自宗就是这么承许的。所以我们辩论场上反复地讨论自宗还有他宗，还有决疑等等很多，这些对我们能够得到非常清净无染的见地有绝对的帮助。有老师学，又有同学相互切磋，自己又有这么多论典可以去阅读，真是好像在佛法的大海里的感觉。虽然学起来并不是很容易，但是比一个人去读大藏经想要获得其中的三主要道不知道强多少倍了。五大论虽然好像很浩瀚——确实很浩瀚——但是比一个人阅藏，我觉得实在是轻舟已过万重山，非常非常轻松的学习方式！05:40
读到了这一段阿底峡尊者的这些传承，我们还是要发愿能够学到这么多清净圆满的传承。因为阿底峡尊者一定会把他的传承再往下传，对于上师有信心、对佛法有信心的弟子们，一定要希求清净圆满的传承。这些珍贵的传承在这个世界上存在，对我们来说具有着极其非凡的意义，因为解脱的慧命就是靠上师来养育，就像父母养育小孩一样，我们的法身慧命都是上师来养育的。上师用什么来养育？就是法乳来养育。那么这个清净的传承就像法乳一样，会养育我们的法身慧命。 06:24
所以感恩阿底峡尊者及其所有的这些伟大的善知识们，因为他们住持着这个伟大的传承，传到现在，我们才能够听到这些名字，才知道：哇，世上有这么多精彩的传承！如果不学的话，完全是堕在一片无知的黑暗里，以为自己理解的经义甚至就是佛陀的意思，甚至还以为：我无师自通，我是最厉害的，我不用看祖师们的解释我就能明白。真是离题万里！06:55
我是稍微清楚一点我有多笨，所以一定要好好地跟老师学；我是不敢相信我自己看完经之后理会那个意思，所以一定要依照龙猛、无著二大车轨的意思来学习《般若经》，学习一切经教。也希望我们这些对于《道次第》勤修、有信心的佛陀的弟子们能够发起寻求清净传承的炽盛的意乐，好好地依着传承的教授闻、思、修。因为这条路毕竟是最稳的，也是最节约时间的，也是最让我们省力的，最不让我们受苦的、少走弯路的。这些传承都是善知识们留给我们的无价之宝，弥足珍贵！07:42
所以千万千万要好好珍惜！听到的时候要有希求心、要有敬意，祈愿令法久住，也祈愿善知识能够长久住世，因为这样我们才能够听到这些传承。希望大家能够真的发起令法久住的这样一个祈愿，祈愿善知识久住！08:04