Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life
淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答
(continuation of the answer to Q12 - 2/3)
The “great matter of birth-and-death” is a special teaching in Buddhism and a crucial subject for all sentient beings to deeply consider. All beings exist within the cycle of birth-and-death. It is the foundation from which all worldly joy and blessings unfold.
The Buddha taught that “Life contains suffering and all phenomena are impermanent”. These teachings are the foundation for all other Buddhist learning. We must solidly lay this foundation , otherwise all we build upon it will collapse. If we understand the nature of life and its root meaning , we have grasped an unwavering truth.
The great matter of birth-and-death is to escape the endless cycle of reincarnation. This is the fundamental purpose for being a human in Samsara. It is because we can resolve this great matter only in the human realm . Human brains possess the capacity to think. We exist in an ever changing state between suffering and happiness. If one is too happy, one will slacken, like heavenly beings who will not practice Buddhist teachings. If one suffers too much, one has no
energy to think, and can become like animals, who primarily exist on their instincts. If one is a hungry ghost, one will be endlessly busy finding food. Hell beings suffer unceasingly; so, they have no capacity to practice.
As you see, it is difficult to practice in the Three Wretched Realms and the heavenly realm. The human brain has many advantages in terms of learning and practicing Buddhist teachings such as: a strong memory, determination, and creativity. A human body is a treasured vehicle to cultivate the Way in the human realm.
(to be continued tomorrow)
所以“生死事大”,這是佛門特別的命題,也是給一切眾生提出的人生命題,就是不管什麼大事,任何事總是在生死的循環圈裡,這是根基。任何的繁榮,任何世間的福樂,總是以這個為根基來開展。如果這個根基不牢,佛法說“人生是苦,諸行無常”,像樓房建在沙灘上;建樓房很重要,如果根基沒有打好,不就倒掉、塌掉了嗎?再怎樣,這個世間都是不牢靠的。如果生命的本質、生命的根本意義掌握了,不可動搖的真理掌握了,那當然這是最根本的大事。
“生死大事”是說要解決無窮無盡的生死輪迴這樣一個大苦惱的事情,這才是投胎為人的根本目的。因為在人道,你才有可能解決這個問題,人比較聰明,能聞法,苦樂參半。如果太享樂,就會放逸,就像天人太放逸,他不會去修行佛法,很少。如果太苦惱,就沒有精力,沒有心思,比如做豬或其他動物,就很愚痴;做了餓鬼就整天找吃的,在地獄裡分分秒秒受苦,哪有時間修行啊?
所以,在三惡道、天道都難以修行。而人道,有它的優點和長處,記憶力、意志力、造作力都非常強,另外,苦樂相間。所以,在人間,人身是最重要的修道寶器。
Namo Amituofo!
