釋四願 TY Forth Vow
辛未年四月初五日例統科
濟佛訓曰：
續談第四願。為願度眾生。哈哈。此一願與第一願之願修功行。可說不易分開的。而二、三願亦是有連貫性的。故說此第四願。在修人的修程上則缺一不可。因之第四願。更是加強前三個願心作為也。如以渡來說。必須先從自己說起。換言之。自己未渡。何能渡人。在修人是以功行為最善之第一步。但修心所持者。更為重要也。修人在功行方面。尚且慳吝而不做。再將修程中之坐誦亦不為。只是自詡之聲講高談。論是非。此等類之修人。還能說其渡人嗎。而自渡尚不明。何能談其功行耳。哈哈。度眾生。則是五教各各皆有其渡化和引導之法則。前日訓示中。已談過復本。必先克己。復本人之本性。能本性已復。則其心性和心態自然復為正人君子。而藉以為道慈之展化。以渡眾生也。 老衲再補充一句。所謂眾生者。乃宇宙之間萬物萬類也。包括了動植及山野飛禽水族等等耳。凡能渡化眾生者。此一修人之修程。及道德涵養。則受人人之崇敬者。
On the fifth day of the fourth month of the Xinwei year, Buddha Ji continued to discuss the fourth vow: the vow to deliver and liberate all sentient beings. This vow is deeply interconnected with the first vow of cultivating merit and virtues and cannot be separated from it. Additionally, the second and third vows also maintain a connection to this fourth vow. Therefore, the fourth vow is essential in the spiritual journey of cultivators, as it strengthens and reinforces the intentions behind the first three vows. The four vows are thus interwoven threads in the tapestry of spiritual growth.
To illustrate this concept, one must start with oneself when discussing the liberation of others. In other words, if one has not achieved personal salvation or liberation, how can they assist others on their journey? Cultivators beginning with acts of virtues and merit through good deeds are the initial, vital step. However, nurturing one’s heart and mind (inner cultivation) by maintaining a positive mindset is even more critical. A cultivator who is stingy in their actions, reluctant to perform good deeds, or neglects their meditative practices, merely engaging in lofty discussions or moral debates about right and wrong, cannot truly guide others. If they themselves have not attained clarity, how can they speak of their merits?
The act of liberating sentient beings is a tenet shared by all (major religious) teachings, each with its own methods for transformation and guidance. In previous teachings, we discussed the need for self-restraint and returning to one’s true innate nature. When one can restore their inherent innate nature, their mindset will naturally align with that of a virtuous, noble person. This alignment allows for the manifestation of compassion and wisdom needed to guide and deliver all sentient beings.
When we refer to sentient beings, we mean all forms within the vast universe—this includes animals, plants, and even the elements of nature such as mountains, rivers, birds, and aquatic creatures. Cultivators who are capable of guiding and delivering sentient beings through their spiritual practice and moral cultivation are held in high regard for their dedication to spiritual growth and unwavering moral character; thus earn the respect and admiration of all people.
The journey towards liberating others begins with self-liberation and understanding one’s own nature requires overcoming our ego. Only through genuine transformation by reclaiming this authentic self can cultivators become a vessel of compassion capable of helping others on their paths to enlightenment. This fourth vow, when practiced with sincerity and compassion, can lead to a profound transformation of both the practitioner and those they seek to guide.