【2017 Master Remembrance】Discourse by Teacher Zhen-ru(2): Master led us to see the world and to be kind

Discourse by Teacher Zhen-ru 2017/12/07

When we attend Lamrim class, what is the training for us daily? The line of thought, it’s the training of line of thought. What is it then? It is not merely by understanding our inner world or the outside world through our sensory organs, it is a well-knit way of thinking, set on the path of eradicating suffering and attaining happiness. From the learning of ‘relying on a teacher’ till the ‘dual functioning of stabilizing and insight meditation’, it is the training of line of thought in each and every of our Lamrim lesson.　　

For example, in the Dialectic Studies《摄类学》, we begin first with “ka-ji” “喀计”, which means a given statement/view is not correct;  then continue with “the correct statement” “自宗”that means the right meaning. Thirdly, find ways to break through the doubts of the wrong statement/view. These basic three steps are almost the same process we use when we contemplate. This learning pattern will let our mind has a clearer choice when facing with challenges, am I following the path of eradicating suffering and to attain true happiness, or is it the other way round?  Though I want happiness in my heart, is my way of thought correct, or has it gone to the opposite direction? Take note! This way of thinking is precisely what we need to pay utmost attention to.

Hence many years ago, through innumerable hardships and troubles, Master went alone to seek the Dharma, he then found this Lamrim Chenmo. From the vast collection of Buddha scriptures, he found this book, which one will have a brief understanding of the essentials of Tripitaka and the twelve kinds of canonical texts after a few years of extensive listening. Or rather, like putting these essentials into a basket, into the Three Major Paths〈三主要道〉.In fact, if Master did not explain the Lamrim in Chinese, how many lay practitioners will learn this Lamrim with aspiration for more than twenty years? If Master did not form Lamrim classes, wanted us to go through many hassles and troubles on our rest day in order to attend classes, where could we find our mental and physical strength in persevering learning this thick book till now?

Thereafter joining the Lamrim class, what has happened to our field of visions? One can see clearly that we have started to notice the issues on suffering and happiness: Can a person be able to eradicate suffering finally, and achieve all happiness? We try to explore, seeking Buddhahood, pay close attention to questions on life and death. We not only care for our family, our work, children and friends, thereafter, we slowly extend our caring circle to our Lamrim classmates, whether they need help or what are their troubles at home? Gradually, Master led us to care for the earth, education, and even all matters that are related to the livelihood of mankind. We need to show concern about our neighbours, because if they are not happy with their lives, then this will actually impact on us too.

For instance, the reservoir, if we do not notice the surrounding soil, then pesticide may flow into the reservoir, and our health may be affected when we use the water at the lower reaches.  We are aware that one’s suffering and happiness is closely link to so many people in the world, so one should not be, when face with problems of others, not showing concern or understanding at all. 

Hence, Master provided a platform in Lamrim classes, where we can see the world as a whole. When we see the world as such, then we wish to do voluntary works, to make use of our free time to help others. So we sacrifice our precious time of resting, of family gathering, hoping to serve people. And when there are clashes at home, or conflict with family members, we will not, as usual, blindly blame them for not caring. We would try to find out the reasons by reflecting on ourselves. Just take a look at myself:  am I showing too little gratitude towards them, or have I neglected those very important things that he or she has done for me in my life, yet I have not shown appreciation appropriately, and the deeply moved feeling right from the bottom of my heart. As we are always looking inwardly at ourselves, we are able to search for the reasons within ourselves to improve or resolve the problems. Then we truly experience that, in order to eradicate suffering and gain happiness must begin from within us, this is so true!  

Master emphasized strongly on motivation, just like all Buddhas and Masters: In whatever we do, what is our motivation. Definitely, it must be a virtuous motivation, and hence as long as we are a human, we have to be a virtuous person. To have a virtuous motivation is to benefit others and ourselves using the right method, it is never to harm ourselves and instead of just benefiting ourselves, expand our hearts out to benefit others. By doing so, we are nurturing our virtuous conduct and expanding our compassion to have loving kindness towards others.

Therefore, in class, we will feel warmth. Maybe when we are doing volunteer work in this big organisation, when we see the smiles of the volunteers, we will feel: We do not know each other, but why are you all so passionate towards my life?  Many volunteers have touched the hearts of many strangers and this is because their hearts are firstly moved – moved by Master!

Therefore, we view the earth using our kind and compassionate eyes, and hence started organic farming. We then use our compassionate eyes to view the ocean and started the “Stop Using Plastic” program, eating vegetarian and caring for the relationship between teachers and students. These extend up to children who will grow up to be adults in future. We care about the children, be filial to parents and loving to own siblings, or is it that all of us do not want to learn anymore? Therefore, Master, together with the teachers, put in a lot of effort in building the educational park.

From where we have begun, look at our lives. How much has Master changed our lives! All of us know that our habitual tendency is as high as mountains and we are unable to bear or change it, without a teacher guiding us. As Master is able to gather a group of us to learn, to contemplate and change our perspective, we are able to be less self-centred, to care for others and to even care for all sentient beings.

Therefore, such foresights are not just ordinary foresight. No matter how we were like or what we have experienced before learning the Lamrim, once we have entered this big Lamrim family, we will become used to focusing on others problems. I would like to tell everyone: This is such a great change! Did u realise that you are making such a great change and this change could already be happening for many years?

Therefore, Master Remembrance Day is a day which we can see how much Master Jih-Chang has changed our lives. The best offerings to Master are the changes that we have made. Why is this so? This is because Master wanted us to be free from sufferings and to obtain ultimate happiness. To do so, we cannot be self-centred but we need to care for the surroundings and others, not limited to our own children or elderly but also to be respectful to all the elderly in the world.

As we persevere on with such spirit, whatever we have learnt in the Lamrim, whatever changes or struggles we have made, or even the hard work we have put in, will certainly help us to maintain a warm, grateful and virtuous character. This character will consistently remain in our lives. When we face obstacles, even when gazing at just a flower, we will want to benefit it. Even if It is just a small animal, we will gaze at it and want to benefit it. I would like to ask all of you here, after learning the Lamrim, you all have become kinder?

【2017忆师恩】真如老师开示(2)：师父让我们望向世界，变得善良 

真如老师开示  2017/12/07　

我们上广论班，每天都要训练什麽？理路，就在训练理路。理路是什麽？它不是仅仅从感官上去了解内心或者了解外境，它是建立在一个严密思路上的离苦得乐之路。从亲近善知识直到止观双运，我们每一堂的广论班课程，都在训练这个理路。　　

像在《摄类学》里，它会先说“喀计”，就是不正确的说法是什麽；然後再说“自宗”，就是正确的说法是什麽；然後再一个 ——— 破除疑惑。所以都有这三个部分组成，差不多也是我们思考一件事情的一个过程。这样一个学习方式，就会让我们心中对境更加清晰地抉择，抉择出我的内心，它到底是沿着离苦得乐的方向，还是完全相反呢？虽然我的心是想得到快乐，可是我的思路对不对呢？还是我的思路，正好走向了一个相反的方向？注意！“思路”恰恰是我们需要最最注意的一件事情。

所以在很多年前，师父只身求法、费尽千辛万苦，然後找到了这本《菩提道次第广论》。可以说在浩瀚的佛经中，找到了可以用几年的时间广泛地听闻这本论，然後我们对三藏十二部的要义，就有一个简略的了解；甚至说可以把三藏十二部像装进篮子一样，装在〈三主要道〉中。如果师父不来用汉文给我们讲《广论》的话，实际上有多少个居士会发心，把这麽一本《广论》学上二十年呢？师父如果不组建广论班，要我们费尽千辛万苦地从休息日那一天，到课堂去上课，我们哪有一个心力，把这麽厚一本书坚持学到现在？　

那进入了广论班之後，我们的视野发生了什麽变化呢？大家可以清晰地看到，我们开始关注苦乐问题：人真的究竟地可以离苦、可以获得所有的快乐吗？我们会对佛果产生了探索，对生死问题产生了关注。而且不仅仅是关注自己的家庭、自己的工作，和朋友、孩子这一个圈子，我们会慢慢地扩展到这个班里的其他人，家里有没有什麽烦恼呀？他有什麽需要帮忙的吗？慢慢地师父带着我们又去关心了土地、关心了教育，乃至跟人类生活息息相关的一切。我们必须关心自己的邻居，因为如果他人生活不快乐的话，实际上也会影响到我们的生活。

比如说水库，如果我们不注意水库周围的土壤的话，可能农药就会流进了水库，然後下游用水的我们，可能就会影响到健康。我们再再地认识到我的苦乐，实际上是跟世界上很多很多人息息相关的，所以我不能对他人的问题，好像都不关心也不了解。

所以师父在广论班提供了一个平台，让我们望向整个世界。在我们看向整个世界的时候，我们想到去做义工，想要利用休息的时间去为大众做一些什麽。所以牺牲休息的时间、和家人团聚的时间，我们就会希望去服务大众。而且在家里的矛盾，和家人产生冲突的时候，不再是一味地怪亲人不关心我等等，我们会想法从自我身上找原因。去看一看：我是不是对家人表达感恩太少了，或者我没有注意到，他在我生命中所做的那些非常重要的事情，我却没有及时地回馈给他，我内心中深刻的感动。因为我们一直在向内心看，所以很多问题都在内心上去找出原因，设法去改善。然後我们真实地尝到了离苦得乐要从内心开始，这是如此地真实！

师父非常非常强调动机，像所有的佛陀、所有的善知识们一样：做什麽事，我们怀着什麽样的动机？当然一定要是善良的动机，所以一定要做一个善良的人，是人，一定要做一个善良的人。那麽怀着一个利他的动机，甚至能够用正确的方法利益自己，就是不要伤害自己，进而把利益自己的心，再扩展到想要帮忙很多很多人。我们扩展了内心中的慈悲，和关爱他人的这种美好的品行，所以在班里的时候，我们会觉得温馨。可能会在这一个大团队里，去营队做义工的时候，我们看到义工那种笑脸，会觉得：“你我素不相识，为什麽你们会对我的生命，绽放出这样的热情呢？”很多义工感动了很多素不相识的人。那麽这些义工一定是最先被感动了———被师父感动了！

所以，我们用慈悲、善良的眼睛看向了土地，就开始做有机；又用慈悲的眼神看向了海洋，所以我们净塑；我们吃素；我们又关心老师和学生的关系。乃至很多年之後会成为成年人的孩子们，我们关心他们，孝顺父母、友爱兄弟这些美好的品行，是否依然在孩子们中间喜闻乐道，还是大家已经不喜欢学了？所以师父也是辛辛苦苦地和老师们建立了园区。

一路走来，可以看看你我的生命，师父带着我们改变了多少！如果没有这样的一个善知识引领我们，带我们去改善，大家都知道，烦恼习气重如泰山，承担不起也反抗不了，就只能随流而去。正是因为师父把我们这些人都聚集在一起学习，学习！学着思考、学习改变自己的思惟模式，我们才从一个以我爱执、只是关心自我问题的人，开始注意到关心他人，甚至关心所有的有情。

所以这个视野可不是一个平凡的视野，不管你我在没学《广论》之前有过什麽样的生命经历，在一个怎样的平台上过着自己的生活，一旦汇入《广论》的大家庭之後，我们就习惯於关注这些和人类息息相关的所有的问题。我想跟诸位说：“这是一个多麽伟大的改变！你们有意识到自己，已经在开始这种伟大的改变，可能已经改变很多年了吗？”

所以忆师恩的同时，也就是看一看师父在我们的生命中做了多少改变，那麽这种改变就是对师父一个最美好的供养。为什麽？因为师父就想要我们离苦得乐，就想让我们安乐，如果安乐只是自私地关注自己是不可以的，一定要舍自爱他。所以我们一定要关心环境、关心他人；不仅仅关心自己的小孩，也要关心别人的小孩；不仅仅孝顺自己的老人，也要孝顺世上所有的长辈。

如果本着这样的一个精神的传递，我们在广论班里学习着、改善着，可能也挣扎、奋斗着，那麽我们必定在世上，维系出一种温馨的、感恩的、良善的这样一个人品。这样的人品一再一再地在我们生命中、在我们对境的时候，哪怕对一朵花，我们都会用非常善良的、非常利益它的一个目光去看；哪怕对一个小动物，都是怀着利益牠的目光在看。我想问问现场的所有的人，学了《广论》之後，你们自己有变善良吧？