July 5 2018

Jul 5, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風俗諦

The phrase “maintain an agreeable countenance and pleasant speech” is quoted in the Infinite Life Sutra, of which the original states, “maintain an agreeable countenance and pleasant speech, gratify other’s desire before they ask”. The text indicates that during his cultivation in the causal ground, Amitabha Buddha is amiable and considerable of sentient beings’ needs, soft in words and humble in behavior.

The phrase “smile from the bottom of your heart” is quoted from the Ksitigarbha Sutra, of which the original states, “smile from the bottom of his heart, and practice almsgiving in person”. Told by the Buddha, the text indicates the attitude and method of almsgiving that a king should hold.

These phrases of the sutras are excellent guide for Buddhist path seekers, particularly for executives and officers. These are guidelines for us to serve the people and to deal with all matters.

「和顏愛語」出自《無量壽經》，原文是「和顏愛語，先意承問」，這兩句經文是在說明阿彌陀佛因地修行，對眾生親切體貼、柔善謙遜的大悲言行。

「下心含笑」出自《地藏經》，原文是「下心含笑，親手布施」，這兩句經文是佛陀開示一位國王布施時所應抱持的心態與作法。

這幾句經文對我們學佛人，尤其身為職事幹部，是很好的開示，可作為我們為人處事、服務大眾的方針。

(to be continued)

Namo Amitabha!