弘法

Spreading Dharma

在当今时代，能够弘扬佛法并具有实修实证的高僧大德十分匮乏，一些没有弘法能力的人却摩拳擦掌、跃跃欲试，希望自己能投入到弘法利生的事业中去。其实，弘法也并非像自己所想象的那样简单，必须在具有前世的发愿、自己的修证已经获得成就等种种因缘具足的条件下，方可利益众生。

These days there is a shortage of highly realized and learned teachers who can assume the load of turning the Dharma wheel. On the other hand, some people lacking the ability to spread the Dharma are itching to give it a try, hoping to devote themselves to Dharma activities and benefit beings. Actually, spreading the Dharma is not as easy as one may imagine. It requires the pulling together of many supporting factors––having made aspirations in previous lives, having attained unmistakable signs of accomplishment, and so on––before one can truly benefit other beings.

最近听一法师说，在他所住持的寺庙，很多修行人都因别人的挑拨而离去，心里十分伤心。听了他惋惜的感叹，我多想告诉他，弘法也要随缘。如果具备能力，拥有道场及所化众生，在外因内缘具足的情况下，当然应该尽心尽力以智慧明灯驱散无明黑暗，延续佛陀慧命，宣讲如来教法。如果因缘暂时不具备，则独善其身，向内观极其重要，不一定要强求什么表面上的弘法利生。

The head monk of a monastery told me recently that he is feeling quite sad because he has lost followers due to the discord sowed by others. When I heard his lamentation, I really wanted to tell him that while carrying out Dharma activities, one should go easy and follow the flow of how things evolve. Should the inner and outer necessary conditions––your own ability, a Dharma center, and those who would come to you––have come together, then try your best in raising the torch of wisdom to dispel the darkness of ignorance, to expound the Tathagata’s teachings, and carry on the Buddha’s wisdom lineage. On the other hand, should some factors be missing, there is no need to insist on Dharma activities superficially; it is more important to reflect inward and cultivate one’s own quality.

当然，在这物欲横流、正法凋零的时代，作为荷担如来家业的佛弟子，敷演大乘佛法是我们义不容辞的责任。有人认为需有一定成就的人才能弘法，薄地凡夫是没有资格弘法的。其实不然，只要对某种传承或某部经论，比如《俱舍论》很精通，有一定感悟，契合佛意，即使在其他方面没有修证，在断除自利心的前提下，也可以为别人将自己所知所解的显宗教言灌输于人。而且，大成就者也不一定显现成就相，也许，在你我的周围，一些看似平凡的众生，正是大菩萨乘愿而来。在善财童子参访的善知识中，不是也有示现为下劣种姓的吗？

In the current degenerate time when materialistic pursuit runs rampant and the Doctrine is decaying, it is particularly urgent to spread the Mahayana teachings. This is an unshakable duty for all Buddhists who are responsible for carrying on the Buddha’s legacy. Many people think spreading the Dharma is reserved for someone with realization while ordinary people are not qualified. But this is not the case. If one has become adept in a certain lineage or a particular scripture in Sutrayana, for instance, knowing Abhidharma-kosa Shastra very well and having obtained signs of accomplishment as specified by the Buddha, then even without realization in other areas, one can teach what he has understood to others, as long as he has cut off self-interest. Moreover, many great siddhas do not necessarily display their accomplishment. Some seemingly ordinary folks around us could be the intentional emanations of great Bodhisattvas. Don’t we know that among the teachers sought after by the Sudhana Kumāra, there were those who appeared as members of the lowest caste?

“未成菩提先度人，此乃菩萨初发心。”弘扬佛法也不一定要建道场，并坐在高高的法座上。在日常生活中，用自己的一言一行，去感化有缘的人，令其相续中对佛法生起哪怕一丝一毫的信心，其利益也是无量的。

“Once having aroused bodhichitta, practitioners on the path will start to help sentient beings even before attaining enlightenment.” Spreading the Dharma does not necessarily involve erecting a Dharma center or sitting on a high throne. Rather, it is to use our every word and every conduct to influence those having connections with us in daily life. If we can make one person generate even the tiniest bit of faith toward the Dharma, we are already creating immense benefit.

壬午年四月二十二日　
2002年6月2日

22nd of April, Year of RenWu
June 2, 2002