初步参禅的方法

宣化上人开示

Basic Methods of Investigating Chan

比丘尼恒君师汇编

Compiled by Bhikshuni Heng Jyun

张果杰 英译

English translation by Jack Chong

The Dharma door of investigating Chan requires some skill. It takes effort to investigate. One cannot expect to have a well after digging a single shovelful of dirt. One is not able to reach the Western Pure Land with one single step. Nor can one attain Buddhahood within one minute of cultivation. The methods and skills that I am presenting now for investigating Chan are quite elementary, as we should not introduce them in depth to beginners. You will gain some benefit if you can practice according to these methods. A good knowing advisor can only tell you how to apply effort in cultivation and meditation. You must cultivate and walk this road yourself. It is useless if you don't walk it yourself.

参禅这个法门，要有相当的工夫，不是一锹就可以挖个井，也不是一步就到西方极乐世界，也不是修行一分钟就成佛果，这是要参的。现在所讲的初步用功的方法很浅显，对初学的人不能说的太深。谁要能依照这个方法来修行，都会得到你所应该得到的好处。善知识只能告诉你怎么样用功修行，怎么样打坐；虽然指示你这条路，可是这条路要你自己去修行，要你自己去走，你自己不走，那还是没有用的。