用功之處＿Where to Apply Efforts

佛理微妙難通達，觀念網羅易障蔽；
辨認自限及所執，一一突破下功夫。

跋

佛法理論有多種，又都奧妙精深，不易通達。有些學者不解實行，甚至有反而為理論所障蔽，受限於文字的。實修解脫，不一定要依賴文字、言說，而有參禪一途。修行者宜藉念佛、拜佛、誦經、持咒、習定等修法，漸漸出纏。至於修途上根本用功之處，則是修習認清觀念之限制及自心之執著，而一一加以突破。

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　二○○○年七月廿八日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　養和齋　　　　於加州

Where to Apply Efforts　Yutang Lin

Buddhist theories are subtle and hard to grasp;
Nets of concepts could easily blind and hinder.
Recognize self-imposed limits and attachments;
One by one apply efforts to break through.

Comment:

In Buddhism there are various theories that are all profound and subtle; consequently they are not easy to master. Some would learn the theories without practicing them, while others might even become confined within the net of conceptual thoughts. To practice on the path of liberation it is not necessary to rely on words or speeches; in Buddhist practices there is the approach of Chan (Zen) which transcends theoretical teachings. A practitioner should rely on repetition of Buddha's name or mantras, recitation of sutras, making prostration to Buddhas, and meditation to gradually disengage the entanglements. As to the fundamental spot to apply efforts on the path of practice it would be to learn to recognize conceptual limitations and attachments that are self-imposed in order to break through them one by one, layer by layer.

Written in Chinese and translated on July 28, 2000
El Cerrito, California

[Home][Back to list][Where to Apply Efforts]