Q4: Venerable Sir, what do we have to note when we start our practice? When going, for example, are we supposed to note the mind and body involved?
问4:尊者,当我们开始禅修的时候必须观照什么?例如,当我们走的时候,应当观照所涉及到的身心吗?
“Yatha-pakatam Vipassana-bhiniveso” =“Vipassana stays with any obvious object” it is said in the subcommentary on the Visuddhimagga. So, one is instructed to start his or her Vipassana by noting any obvious object; i.e., an object easy to note. You should not start with subtle or difficult objects thinking that you will accomplish the practice sooner rather than later. For example, when a student begins schooling, he should begin with easy lessons. He could not be given difficult ones. In the same way, you should start the practice with the easiest observations. The Buddha teaches the easy way: “when going,” for example, note “going”. That’s it.
“Yatha-pakatam Vipassana-bhiniveso”=“内观保持观照任何明显的所缘”,这是《清净道论》复注所说。所以我们教导禅修者从观照任何明显的所缘开始内观,即是从容易观照的目标开始。你不能以为从微细或难于观察的目标开始会更快地完成禅修而不是滞后。就如学生开始上学要从容易的课程开始,不能是艰难的课程。同理,你应当从最容易的观照开始禅修。佛陀教你易行的方法,例如,“走之时”观照“走”,就这么简单。