人身的可贵

美佛慧讯, 第一四六期

明光法师

很久很久以前，在威音王的像法时期，有一位常不轻比丘菩萨，凡是有所见，无论出家在家，他都很有礼貌地向所见者合掌礼敬，然后说：我不敢轻于汝等，汝若广行菩萨道，将来必定会成佛。

常不轻菩萨，在行此礼敬赞勉的法门中，有时会遭到对方轻慢辱骂的响应，甚至被对方丢石头或杖打。而常不轻菩萨，皆能保持平和的心境以对。只希望对方能听闻到他所传达的信息－众生都是未来佛。这位常不轻菩萨，就是释迦牟尼佛的前身。

佛教看众生有四圣六凡，合称为十法界。四圣为佛、菩萨、声闻、缘觉；六凡为天、人、阿修罗、畜生、饿鬼、地狱。凡夫众生，如何背尘向觉，转凡入圣，当以人道最为殊胜。佛陀诞生于人间，修行、成道、弘法，皆在人间。

人身难得今已得，佛法难闻今已闻，我们应当珍惜此人身，仰敬效学佛陀，勤修戒定慧，息灭贪瞋痴，开展慈悲喜舍四无量心，建立福慧双修的美好人生！

Words  from Ven. Ming-Kuang 

Priceless of Human Being

In the past there was a Buddha named Awesome Sound King, of immeasurable supernatural powers and wisdom, leading and guiding one and all.  Heavenly and human beings, dragons, spirits joined in offering him alms. After this Buddha had entered extinction, when his Law was about to expire, there was a Bodhisattva named Never Disparaging.

The four kinds of believers at that time scrutinized and adhered to the Law. The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging would go to where they were and speak to them, saying, “I would never disparage you, for you are practicing the way and all of you will become Buddhas!” When the people heard this, they gibed at him, cursed and reviled him, and even stoned and caned him, but the Bodhisattva Never Disparaging bore all this silently with calm.

This Bodhisattva Never Disparaging is former life of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Buddhism sees all living being as four saints and six realms.  Together they are Ten Dharma Realms. Four saints are the Buddha, Bodhisattva Vehicle, Disciple Vehicle and the Vehicle of the Enlightened of Self.  The six realms are vehicle for Gods, vehicle for human being, hungry ghosts, hell, jealous gods and animals.

For all living being, the best way to steer away from dust towards light and from human being to saint is through vehicle of human being. Buddha was born in this world and cultivated, achieved Dharma, propagated Buddhist teachings in this world as well. It is precious to be a human being. Though it is hard to hear Dharma, you already did. You need to treasure this human life; respect and learn from Buddha, work diligently to cultivate precepts, samadhi and wisdom; and extinguish greed, hatred and stupidity. You need to explore the Four Divine States of Mind: love-kindness, compassion, empathy and equanimity; and establish a beautiful life by cultivating both meritorious deeds and wisdom.