釋四願 TY First Vow
辛未年三月十五日高雄道院正慶科
老祖訓曰:
吾特就修人求修時。所誓言之願心。四願之第一要旨。是願修功行。祇以此第一願來說。假如第一願都做不到時。則就不必再談以下三願。因第一是修人之入修關鍵。因其首要是功行。此兩字可說其所涵蓋的意義不同。功者為一義。行者為一義。而功行合言之又一義。吾今何以談述此者。乃吾修人現對此功行各義。不但不明。亦不加研究。相反的是只求個人功利。而將道慈功行大義。失之淨盡。
老人實在一論及此。則非常悲歎耳。所謂功者。是你自己做了什麼功德。何些功益。此註明不是公益之功。是說你在功行上的。對人對事對院會所表現的何益。這個益字是有益之益。而不是修人你在那裡天天損害道益。全是從個人心態所發出者也。是故修人之坐誦研讀等等。皆為道功也。換句話說。修人之一舉一動一言一行。概皆為修功之一部份也。道行是在你的行為所表顯出。這大多是有形的。如以善舉及事來說。就有奉獻金錢物品心力和勞力。此並包括了你的心術在內。
吾老人特別提醒諸修者。凡是一個人的因果循環。必有其數。此數存於古今中外。誰能將此數解開。從有人類始。就都在數之內。想逃避是難。想取其優也更不易。所以說是遲早的時間而已。如果自今始回頭是岸。多反省多檢討而懺悔。時不為晚也。
吾特示修人。可以大改前非。洗面革心。為救眾生。為度己度人者。正其時也。哈哈。錯過現在。就沒有時間來叫你慢慢的改。就太遲了。須要任何問題。應即辦理解決。才是進步呀。哈哈。如果說你對功行做了多少。或者是多少才是滿足時。那種想法是大錯特錯。要知道日新又日新茍日新。這是提倡人和事的步驟要如此。絕對不可今日一言。明日一語。過去就忘了。對道的修程忘了嗎。而對你的生活和事業忘了嗎。這都不可以忘。但要在你有限的生命年代中。保持清潔明朗的心態和心境。則事業有成。身心延年。而道途福址更加延續也。老人今日因本院之慶喜而言之也。乃為諸修立身處世。必須以修身自省為作人之原則也。聽與不聽。各各勉悟可也。
The characters 功 (gōng) and 行 (xíng) encompasses different meanings. When combined together, it covers yet another different concept. I am discussing these different meanings and concepts because many cultivators have vague or incorrect understanding but yet do not seek the true meaning of merit and moral ethics. Instead, they are only concern in the pursuit of personal gains, while neglecting moral cultivation and social responsibility. They have entirely lost the true meaning of cultivating of merits and moral ethics.
When I think about this, I am very sad. Merit refers to the noteworthy, significant moral accomplishments you achieved. It is not only about public service. It is about the meritorious deeds that are beneficial to others, to the world community, and to the Tao Yuan and WRSS. These benefits should be positive, not something that harms the Tao. This stems from the personal mind-set of the person performing these deeds.
Therefore, all the things that cultivators do, such as sitting meditation, chanting, and studying the canons/sutras, are considered meritorious deeds. Every action, thought and speech that cultivators make are part of their cultivation of meritorious deeds. Moral ethics/virtue are visible manifestations of your behaviours. For example, when you do good deeds, donate money, goods, labour, or time. Your moral virtue also includes your inner thoughts and intentions.
I would like to remind all cultivators that everyone has a karmic cause and effect cycle based on mathematical principles that has existed since the beginning of time. It is impossible to escape from karmic cycle as it is just a matter of time for fruition. It is also difficult to take advantage of the good that karma can bring. However, if we start now to change our ways, review, reflect and repent to start anew, it is possible and not late to change your direction and change our karma for the better. If you miss this opportunity, then you will not have another chance.
If you say that you have done enough good deeds, or that you have done enough to be satisfied, then you are wrong. You should always strive to improve, renew yourself both inwardly and outwardly. You should constantly reflect on your words and deeds; and never be complacent to be satisfied with the status quo.
You should never forget your commitment to the Tao, or to your own life and career. These are mutually reinforcing. You should always maintain a clear, clean mind and heart. This will lead to success in your career, longevity, and continued blessings on the path of Tao.
I am sharing this today in celebration of Tao Yuan’s anniversary. All cultivators must know that it is essential that you cultivate yourself and self-reflect on your own actions as a principle to live a good life. Whether you listen to me or not, it is up to each individual’s understanding.
