比丘近修法師2025年4月28日晚間講於萬佛聖城大殿

Venerable Master, Dharma Masters, fellow cultivators and everyone here. Amitabha and good evening. This is Jin Xiu here. Tonight is my turn to speak. I have very little knowledge and please correct me if what I said is not correct.

尊敬的上人、法師、各位同參道友們以及在座的各位，阿彌陀佛，大家晚上好。我是近修。今晚輪到我來講法。我學識淺薄，如有講得不對的地方，請大家指正。

Everyone of us, who use the Buddhadharma to cultivate, should cultivate with our feet planted firmly on the ground. When cultivating the Way, we should sincerely use inner effort and at the same time, our minds. We should not be allowed to wonder around looking for recognition and fame. If we are constantly looking for recognition then this false reputation will be of no use in our cultivation. We should cultivate with all our heart without letting it be known even to our closest friend. In all movements we make and the words we speak ensure that they are as true as can be. We should stop chasing after fame that lacks anything real to back it up. Constantly remind ourselves that recognition that has nothing to back it up is not a true reputation. When we walk the Path, we should use our effort to develop real skills and we should also to be as true as we can. This is the way we should be.

我們每一個修行佛法的人，都應該腳踏實地修行。在修行道路上，我們應真誠地用心用功，同時也要防止心念到處遊走，追求名聲和肯定。如果我們總是尋求肯定，那麼這種虛假的名聲對修行毫無益處。我們應當全心全意地修行，連最親近的朋友也不必讓他們知曉的太多。在我們的一舉一動、一言一行中，都要盡量做到真實無妄。我們應該停止追逐那些沒有真實內容支撐的虛名。常常提醒自己：沒有真實內涵的肯定並不是真正的名聲。當我們走在修行的道路上，應當用心去培養真正的道行功夫，同時也要盡可能做到真誠真實。這才是我們該遵循的修行之道。

We, as Buddhists whether you are here or in other parts of the world should constantly copy the behavior of all Buddhas and all enlightened beings of the past. We should always make an effort to correct all our past faults and mistakes. We should put a stop to all our previous mistakes or bad habits and do not allow them to determine the course we should take in the future. In other words, prevent them from leading the way. We should learn from the conduct of past Buddha’s, Bodhisattvas and Sages. We should resolve to correct our previous mistakes and not defend our shortcomings or let our old habits and faults lead us astray. If we can be this way, we will be uniting with enlightenment and going against the dust. If not, we will be uniting with the dust and going against enlightenment.

我們身為佛教徒，無論身在何處，在此處或世界其他地方，都應不斷仿效過去諸佛及覺悟者的行為。我們應時時努力改正自己過去的過失與錯誤，徹底停止以往的錯誤或惡習，不讓它們決定與影響我們未來的道路。換句話說，要防止這些錯誤引導我們的方向。我們應學習歷代佛菩薩及聖賢的行為，立志改正以往的錯誤，不為自己的缺點辯護，也不要讓舊習氣與毛病將我們引入歧途。若能如此，便是背塵合覺。若不能如此，則會背覺合塵。

Only if we have both knowledge and wisdom, can we be considered a capable person. With this in mind, we should stop chasing after worldly pride and stop dreaming all day long of having worldly gain. These are all sterile flowers that will bloom but bear no fruit. Everyone should bear this in mind.

只有具備知識與智慧，我們才能被認為是個有能力的人。基於這一點，我們應停止追逐世間的虛榮，不要整天妄想世間的名利。這些就像不結果的空花，雖然綻放，卻永遠結不出果實。每個人都應當銘記在心。

Cultivators of the Way should make vows that suit their practices. Vows should be made with a sincere mind and heart and not with the common discriminating mind that cannot be depended on. After we have made a vow, we should maintain it at all times. People who make vows are encouraged to read or recite them every day in order to remind themselves and to ensure that the achievement of their practices, are in accordance with their vows. In this way, our initial determination in making vows is not wasted. Before we make vows, we should have a clear understanding about why we need to make vows and not to treat it like some sort of routine, made just for the sake of making vows. If vows are made in this way, then it would be completely wrong and it would not bring any benefit. And this will also go against the principle of making vows.

修行人應當發與自己修行相應的願。發願時，應以真誠的心發願，而非以凡夫分別心隨便許下承諾，因為那樣的心是靠不住的。發了願之後，應當時時維護，不可忘失。發願的人，最好每天閱讀或誦念自己的願文，以時時提醒自己，確保修行的成就與所發的願相符合。

如此，才能不辜負最初發願的那一份初心。在發願前，應當清楚明白為何要發願，切不可做個樣子、敷衍了事而發願。如果只是為了發願而發願，那便完全錯誤，不但無益，反而違背了發願的真正精神。

In cultivating the Way, the mind should not be worried about how much progress we have made. As long as our mind is not thinking of retreating then we are actually progressing day after day. If we have the ability to have fewer false thoughts on each passing day then we are said to be making progress in our cultivation. All cultivators should have the understanding that cultivation is not a daily affair. Rather, it should be cultivated in thought after thought, month after month, year after year, and from morning to night. It is not that simple that we might have thought. And in cultivation, we should not be in a hurry, thinking that if we cultivate today, we will become enlightened tomorrow. We must train and cultivate forever.

修道之人，心中不應掛礙自己進步了多少。只要心中沒有生起退心，就是日日在進步了。若能做到每日妄念漸少，即可謂之修行上有所增長。所有修行人都應了解，修行並不是一天兩天的事，而是念念相續，月月年年，朝朝暮暮，持續不斷地修持。修行並不像我們想像的那麼簡單。在修行上，也不可心存急躁之念，認為今天修行，明天就能成道。必須恆久薰修，永不停息。

In cultivation, if we are in a hurry and hoping of making rapid progress then the result will be that we will also quit cultivating very quickly. Instead, we should continue to cultivate constantly every day and with a firm resolve. What should we do every day? Every day we should repent of all our faults, correct our mistakes and be a new person. As the saying goes, a day of having corrected no faults is a day of having created no merit.

在修行中，如果心存急切，妄想快速成就，那麼結果往往是很快便會放棄修行。因此，我們應每天持續不斷修持，懷抱著堅固的決心。每天該做些什麼呢？每日都要懺悔自己的過失，改正錯誤，努力成為一個新的人。正如俗語所說：「一日無過可改，一日無功可進。」

Why are we cultivating? We are cultivating so that we can get rid of our bad habits and correct all our faults, purify our defiled thoughts and, eventually, our inherent clarity and wisdom will be revealed. The clarity and wisdom are already in our nature but in the meantime, they are covered up by ignorance. If we can bravely correct our mistakes, face reality, accept trials and able to endure tests, we will have success in our cultivation. We should not have a deep-rooted view of self, thinking that we are always better than others. We should recognize that the self-nature is bright and open, that is why it is called the perfect, bright, and pure true mind. So don’t compare the Buddha nature to material objects, which are formed by a false combination of the 4 elements.

我們為什麼要修行？我們修行是為了去除壞習氣，改正一切過失，淨化染污的心念，最終使我們本具的清明與智慧顯現出來。這份清明與智慧本來就在我們的自性之中，只是暫時被無明所遮蔽。如果我們能夠勇敢地改正錯誤，面對現實，接受考驗，並能忍受種種磨練，就能夠在修行上獲得成就。我們不應執著於深重的我見，總以為自己比別人高明。應當認識到，自性本來光明開朗，因此稱之為「圓滿光明清淨的真心」。所以，不要把佛性與由四大假合而成的物質相提並論。

We have been told that when our nature is blocked by ignorance, we, the common people tend to be petty and when we do things, we do them incorrectly. If we can apply effort in our cultivation until our wisdom comes forth then we will become wiser and things will go towards the true way again. At this point, we will leave distorted dream and thinking behind and realize the ultimate state of nirvana. This is the scenery of our native land, our inherent hometown.  However, at present, we have turned our backs on enlightenment and we prefer to be defiled. And because of this, we do not recognize the scenery of our native land. If we can cultivate firmly and constantly, our prajna wisdom will eventually mature. Do not blaze for one day and freeze it for ten days. If we choose to cultivate this way then we will not accomplish anything even if we cultivate to the end of time. We should cultivate honestly every day, just like a tree that grows slowly but surely.

我們被告知，當我們的自性被無明遮蔽時，作為凡夫俗子，往往心胸狹隘，做事也常常顛倒錯亂。如果我們能夠在修行上用功，使智慧現前，那麼就會變得更加明達，事事也能歸向正道。到了那時，我們便能捨棄顛倒的夢境與虛妄的思想，證得涅槃的究竟境界。這正是我們自性裡本有的故鄉與風景。然而，目前我們卻背棄了覺悟，沉溺於染污之中，因此無法認得自家故鄉的景象。如果我們能堅固恆常地修行，最終般若智慧必將成熟。切不可一曝十寒, 也就是說修行一天偷懶十天 。若以這種懈怠的態度修行，即使修到天荒地老，也無法有所成就。我們應當每天老實修行，如同樹木緩慢卻堅定地成長一般。

As we continue to walk the Way, at a certain point of time, we might encounter demonic obstacles, unpleasant conditions or even favorable and pleasant conditions. If we encounter any of these situations, we should remain calm and not be easily influenced or disturbed by the situations. When encountering these situations, our mind should continue to cultivate vigorously and constantly. By cultivating the transcendental Dharma right within worldly affairs, we can take the road home and discover our true identity. At this point, nothing in the world will hinder and confuse us. At this s point, we are already equipped with the ability to solve any problems easily, should any states arise in front of us.

當我們繼續在修行道路上前進時，在某個時刻，我們可能會遇到魔障、不順的境況，甚至是順境與愉悅的狀況。無論遇到哪一種情況(好與不好)，我們都應保持冷靜，不應輕易被環境影響或擾亂。面對這些境況時，我們的心應持續精進修持，不懈怠。透過在世間事務中修練出世的法門，我們便能走上回家的路，發現真正的自我。到了這個境界，世間萬事將無法再障礙或迷惑我們。在此狀態下，任何境界出現在我們面前時，我們都已經具備輕鬆應對和解決的能力。

When we are cultivating the Way, we should not move around and advertise our cultivation. If we continually brag our cultivation to others, we may become possessed by demons or other evil ghosts. We should clearly understand that some cultivators are protected by Buddhas, while others are protected by Bodhisattvas, gods, ghosts, spirits and also people. When people who cultivates have a deviant mind, demons and ghosts will always protect them and stay close to them. Those who have deviant views may encounter demonic states of arrogance and pride. Therefore, in cultivation, we will face many obstacles if we are not humble, compassionate, and not willing to admit our mistakes.

在修行道路上，我們不應四處張揚自己的修行。如果我們不斷向他人誇耀自己的修行成就，便可能招來魔障，甚至被邪靈、妖鬼所附。我們應當清楚了解，有些修行人是由佛陀護持的，有些則是由菩薩、天神、鬼神，乃至於普通人護持的。當修行者心念不正時，魔鬼便會依附在他們身邊，常伴左右。持有邪見的人，容易生出傲慢和自大的魔境。因此，在修行過程中，若缺乏謙卑、慈悲，且不願認錯，我們將會遇到重重障礙。

In the meantime, our wisdom has not come forth yet. And because of this we do not have the ability to see through things and put them down. As a result, our mind and body cannot be free and at ease. Until now, we have not made any progress but have retreated instead. When good conditions appear before us, we hesitate and feel unsure of ourselves. But if we encounter evil conditions, we freely allow ourselves to follow along with them and flow aimlessly within the six paths. We happily grab on to those evil conditions, thinking that it is a lot fun and freedom and so, we go through birth, death, and rebirth. We are born muddled, die confused and we are not clear what we are doing in between.

此時此刻，我們的智慧尚未現前，因此無法看破、放下。結果，身心無法自在安穩。到現在為止，我們不僅未有進步，反而在退步。當善緣現前時，我們猶豫不決，內心搖擺不定；而遇到惡緣時，卻隨順其自然，任意漂泊於六道之中。我們仍歡喜執著於其中，誤以為這就是快樂與自由，於是不斷地經歷生死輪迴。我們糊里糊塗地出生，迷迷糊糊地死亡，在生與死之間，也不清楚自己究竟在做什麼。

If we cannot correct our errors, it will be the same as having no cultivation at all. Those who have this thought are said to be people with wisdom and they will have a promising future. People who fail to identify their own faults end up being muddled all their lives, seeking empty recognition and confused by worldly pleasures. People such as this are pitiful. We do not have the ability or proper guidance to figure out what life is all about. The Venerable Master said that:

If you recognize what you see, you can transcend the world.

If you are confused by what you see, you will sink and drown.

如果我們不能改正自己的錯誤，那就等於沒有修行。能夠生起這種念頭的人，可以說是有智慧的人，將來必定前途光明。那些無法發現自己過失的人，一生都在迷迷糊糊中過日子，追求虛名，沉迷於世間的五欲六塵，實在令人可憐。這樣就沒有能力，也缺乏正知正見的引導，去了解人生的真諦。上人曾說：

事省事出世間；

見事迷事墮沉淪。

The Venerable Master also asks us, “Why do we abandon reality to chase after the false? Why do we neglect the root and seek the branch tips? It is because we don’t have the ability to recognizes our own nature.s? The self-nature is not the least bit defiled. It is pure and clean, like a bright mirror. It reflects objects when they appear and returns to purity when the objects are gone. ”

上人也問我們：「我們為什麼離真逐妄，為什麼捨本逐末？」就因為不認識自己的自性。自性是沒有一點的染污，清淨好像明鏡一樣；物來則映，物去則淨。」

We have been living a confused life, bragging all day long that we have achieved success, in everything we do. Every day, from morning until night, we run around madly in pursuit of profit and fame.  But in the mind of an enlightened person, every worldly success is a failure. In the end, when we do finally succeed in obtaining worldly recognition, suddenly without warning death comes. And the only thing we can do is to “enjoy” the offerings made to the deceased. Our Venerable Master said that, “Ultimately there is nothing happening in the world but fools make trouble for themselves.” 

我們一直在糊塗中過日子，整天夸夸其談，自以為無論做什麼都很成功。從早到晚，為了名利奔波而忙碌，像發了瘋一樣。然而，在覺悟者的心中，世間的一切成就，其實都是失敗。最終，當我們好不容易獲得了世俗的肯定認同時，死亡卻突然不期而至。到那時，唯一能享受的，也只是死後他人供養的香火而已。上人曾說：「天下本無事，庸人自擾之。」

In cultivation or whatever we do, if we wish to be successful, we should ensure that our mind, our every movement and our every word are true, sincere, and constant. We should sit down and carefully examine what we have done, and truly understand the situation. Once we understand and see the true meaning then we can leap out from the endless cycle of birth and death.,

在修行或做任何事情時，如果希望能夠成功，就必須使我們的心念、一言一行都是真實、真誠且始終如一。我們應該靜下心來，仔細反省自己所做的一切，並真正了解其中的實相。一旦真正明白並洞見其中的真義，就能夠跳脫無盡的生死輪迴。