佛教徒的本分

The Basic Responsibility of a Buddhist

修道人绝对不可动肝火，一切都要忍可于心。

A cultivator should never lose his temper; he should be able to endure all things.

人相处在一起，都是有缘人，所以不可以发脾气，更不可以骂人，这种行为最要不得；希望大家有君子的风度，有涵养的功夫。六度之中，忍辱法门最为重要，大家要把忍辱法门修到圆满，才能有所成就。修道人绝对不可动肝火，一切都要忍可于心，所谓「无明火烧尽功德林。」大家千万记住这一点。

When people come together, it is because they have affinities with one another. We should never get mad at or scold others. That's the worst kind of behavior. I hope everyone will behave like a refined person and will discipline him or herself.

Among the six perfections, patience is the most important. If we can perfect our patience, we will succeed in our cultivation. A cultivator should never lose his temper; he should be able to endure all things. Everyone, please remember the saying: “The fire of ignorance can burn down a forest of merit and virtue.”

今天有弟子要求忏悔，我看他犯的不是大过，所以告诉他不需要当众忏悔，只要能改过就可以了。古人云：

One of my disciples asked to repent today. Since his mistake is not a grave one, I told him it would be enough for him to correct the error; there is no need to repent before the assembly. The ancients said,

人非圣贤，孰能无过；

过而能改，善莫大焉。

Ordinary people aren't sages;

How could they not make mistakes?

There is no greater goodness

Than to be able to correct one's mistakes.

自己知道不对，以后不要再犯就好了，所谓「过能改，归于无」，知道改过，过便没有了，就是弥天大罪，一忏便消。就怕知道自己不对，还硬认为是对，拿不是当理讲，那就真是不对了。

If you know you have done wrong, just make sure you don't repeat the mistake in the future. It's said, “If one can correct the mistake, it will vanish.” Even great offenses can be eradicated with repentance. It is only to be feared that you will insist that you are right, even though you know you are wrong. That would be totally wrong.

我所讲的话，不是对一个人说的，而是对大家说的，无论哪一位，假如有这种情形，就赶快改过来；没有这种情形，也应该更往前进步。凡是对人有不圆满的地方，都应该实时改善。大家到这里来，都是在往昔种下了善缘，否则今生也不能聚会在一起，这一点大家要弄清楚。尤其身为佛教徒，更要注重「缘」字，俗语说得好：「有缘千里来相会，无缘对面不相识。」这两句话是很有哲理的。

I am speaking to the whole group, not to anyone in particular. If you are in this kind of situation, you should correct it right away. If there is any way in which you don't treat people well, then you should correct it immediately.

We have come here because of the wholesome affinities we have planted in the past. Without such affinities, we wouldn't be able to get together. You should understand this. As Buddhists, we should pay close attention to affinities. It's said, “Where there are affinities, people will come from a thousand miles away to meet one another. Where there are no affinities, people won't get acquainted with each other even when meeting face to face.” These two sentences make a lot of sense.

我们大家共同住在万佛圣城，要互相尊重，互相援助；不可以袖手旁观看笑话，不可以隔岸观火说风凉话。要学菩萨的精神，看见众生在水深火热中受苦，就等于自己在受苦一样，要设法令众生脱离苦海，这是佛教徒的本份，不可以有幸灾乐祸的心理。这是我对大家的期望，希望人人都有菩萨的心肠，舍己为人。

We live in the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas together, and we should respect and help each other. Don't just be a bystander, who watches what is happening and drops sarcastic remarks, but doesn't get involved. We should learn the Bodhisattva spirit. When living beings are in dire straits, it is as if we ourselves were in trouble. We should find a way to rescue living beings from the sea of suffering. This is the basic responsibility of a Buddhist. We shouldn't gloat over other people's misfortunes. This is what I expect from all of you. I hope you all have the hearts of Bodhisattvas and are willing to sacrifice yourselves for other people.

我们要在念念之中，帮助佛教，弘扬佛法，一切为佛教服务，做个真正的佛教徒；我们要不怕苦、不怕难，尽心尽力来拥护道场，在佛教中立功、立言，做一个真佛子。我们要有勇猛善战的能力，才能百战百胜，不是一上阵，就败下来，经不起考验；若经得起考验，那就离道不远了。

Our every thought should be directed towards helping Buddhism and propagating the Dharma. We should be true Buddhists and do everything we can for the sake of Buddhism, not fearing suffering or difficulty, and doing our best to protect the Way-place. One who establishes merit and teachings in Buddhism is a true disciple of the Buddha. We must be fearless and resourceful, and win every battle. Don't be defeated as soon as you reach the battlefield, unable to meet challenges. If you can face tests, you're not far from the Way.