《靜思晨語。法譬如水》105. 知無常 得自在 

Liberation through the Realization of impermanence

 

或因四縛造一切罪
四縛：貪縛、瞋縛
　　　戒縛、見取縛

The Four Bonds may cause all wrongdoings. The Four Bonds: Bond of Greed, Bond of Anger, Bond of Precept, Bond of Egoism.

一個人的生活能夠用多少呢？一張嘴能同時吃幾口飯？一張嘴能同時品嚐幾種口味呢？

How much can one consume during one is lifetime? How much can one eat, and how many flavors can one sample at the same time?

其實，就算是想要品嚐「甜」和「苦」的滋味，也要依照先後次序嚐，我們才能夠知道，「這是苦的東西；這是甜的東西；我選擇的是什麼樣的口味。」其實，能夠辨別的，也不過只有那一張嘴而已。而食量也一樣是有限的，有限量，吃了就飽了。所以需要多少呢？其實我們所需要的都是有限量的。

We have to taste flavors one at a time to know whether they are bitter or sweet. Regardless of the flavor we chose, we only have one mouth. The amount of food we can consume is also limited. How much can we consume? There is a limit to what we actually need.

一個身體能夠同時穿多少衣服呢？就算是在很冷的天氣，也只不過是穿那幾件衣服而已。一個身體能夠同時穿著多少種顏色呢？幾種形狀的衣服？可以配戴多少種的裝飾品呢？也無法一次就在身上展示很多種顏色。也一樣是一個身體，各種各形的衣服，也都是要輪流穿。所以，我們何必貪呢？就算是有再多的衣服，也只是為了要遮蔽身體，這樣的作用而已。

How much clothing can we put on at one time? Even if it is cold, we only need a few layers. How many colors can we wear? How many styles and accessories can we wear? We cannot sensibly wear many colors simultaneously. With only one body, we have a lot of clothes and have to rotate them. Why be greedy? The purpose of clothing is just to cover our bodies.

一個人一個身體，也不過是一張床。需要多大的床？三、四尺就足夠翻身了，何必要比這三、四尺寬？何必還要貪求更多呢？就算是鑲金嵌銀的水龍頭，也不過是這樣的在供水，同樣的作用啊！就算是鐵錫所做的水龍頭，也是一樣引水下來用而已。作用都一樣！不過當我們擁有的時候，就算是在電梯中也都鍍金，洗手間裡面也一樣鑲金嵌銀，這是我曾經見過的。

With one body, we only need a 3- to 4-foot-wide bed, wide enough for us to change positions. Why do we need more than that? Why do we desire more? A gold- or silver-plated faucet does the same job as one made of iron or tin. They fulfill the same purpose. But with excessive wealth, some even decorate elevators with gold, or bathrooms with gold and silver. I have been to places like this.

每一次如果到了這種地方，內心總是一種感嘆。人生愚昧顛倒，物質只要能夠供應我們日常生活，功能順暢，這樣不就應該要滿足了？超過功能以外，這種物質是不是多餘呢？人生就是因為多餘的產物，這種有形有色的物質，可知道令人多辛苦？甚至身敗名裂！

When I saw these places, I sighed with pity: people are confused and deluded. In life, if things function adequately, and we have adjusted well, then we should be content. Anything beyond that is excessive. Many have suffered in their quest for these excessive worldly materials. These pursuits can ruin their life and reputation.

 

心貪著於一切物質
易被財色名利所惑
通身俱縛無法解脫

A mind desirous of material things is easily tempted by wealth, lust, fame and gain, and is bound with no way of liberation.

佛陀不是跟我們說：「無私——世間無所執著。」我們如果被物質所迷惑，我們的心執著於一切物質，這樣就跳脫不出來。無論是財、利，就算是名，在即刻中就會令我們迷失。

The Buddha taught us to let go of all attachments. If we have delusions over material things, we become attached to them, and cannot escape from these bonds. Be it wealth, gain or fame, it can confuse and seduce us.

所以佛經中，處處都在教導我們無常，一切幻化就如水沫泡影。為甚麼對這些物質那麼認真？所以，只是追求擁有自己，就是因為貪為私有，才會發生問題。

Buddhist sutras repeatedly teach us impermanence. Like water bubbles, all things are illusory. Why take material goods so seriously? When we are in pursuit of ownership, dye to greed and selfishness, problems arise.

所以，佛陀的教化我們應該要實用，所以「不要在順境中生大歡喜」，那樣只會讓我們在「不知覺中通身（全身）俱縛（被綁住）」。會在不知覺中，就是因為那個時候的得意歡喜，才會造成在不知覺中，就被它（歡喜的境界）綁住了，而失去自由。多可憐啊！

The Buddha taught us to be pragmatic. In favorable circumstances, don't be so joyful that you become bound by it. Unknowingly, a moment of joy and satisfaction can cause us to be tied down and lose our freedom. This would be a pity.

 

唯有了知無常
於順逆中無所執著
方能解縛得自在

Only when one truly knows impermanence can one remain unattached under adverse and beneficial conditions, and be liberated and at ease.

有的人是在福中再造福！看到一則新聞，泰國皇后是如何慶祝她七十一歲的生日呢？剛好她生日那天，就是泰國的母親節。是泰國的母親節，也剛好是她的生日。那個國家有一群青年團，為了向皇后慶賀，所以就提議了慶祝的方式，這個慶祝的方式就是——

Some who are blessed continue to create blessings. I saw a piece of news on how people in Thailand celebrated the 71st birthday of their Queen. Her birthday coincided with Mother's Day in Thailand. So they celebrated Mother's Day and the Queen's birthday on the same day. A group of young people in Thailand came up with a suggestion to celebrate the day in honor of the Queen.

有一些人非常的貧窮，有時候會作奸違規、有時候擺路邊攤違規，有時會有種種的違規。泰國的政府就會開罰單，如果沒有錢繳納就要坐牢。另外還有這一類的，比如開車超速也要開罰單，但是如果沒有錢繳罰單，就要被關；另外還有一種就是菸毒，吸毒也是一樣犯法，現在在泰國同樣的也是犯法，所以就會強制勒戒。但如果他戒不掉又再犯了，就把他關起來！所以類似這種犯法被關的人當中，光是沒有錢可以繳納罰單的人就有三Ｏ九人。

They suggested setting free some of the poorest people, who had violated the law through fraud or illegal street vending. When caught, the government fined them, and imprisoned them if they could not pay. The same went for those with speeding tickets. If they did not pay the fine in time, they would be thrown in jail. Using drugs is also illegal. In Thailand, those caught doing drugs are required to enter drug rehab. If they still cannot quit, they are jailed. There were 309 such cases of imprisonment.

在那個月的時間，青年團就去幫這些人代繳罰單，讓這些人能夠重獲自由，不會欠政府錢。讓他可以好好的回到家庭當中，可以去找工作、去做生意，能夠自由的賺錢來養家。

During that month, these youths paid the fines for these prisoners, so they could be released and return home, to work, do business, and support their families.

而對於那些吸毒罪行比較輕的人，這些已經反悔開始進行勒戒，要改過的兩千多人，泰國也頒布特赦令，讓這些人可以提早重獲自由，讓他們在外面重新悔改，重新做人。

The drug users, who received lighter sentences, had repented and begun rehabilitation. There were over 2,000 of them. They were pardoned by the Thai government and set free to start a new life.

看，為了一個人的生日，能夠庇蔭兩千多人同時得到自由，可見得這位泰國的皇后，應該也是很有福！平時應該也是很得人心，所以才能在她生日的這一天，為了要慶賀她的生日，以這種代繳罰單以及特赦的方式，讓兩千多人同時得救。

You see, one person's birthday caused more than 2,000 people to be set free. This shows that the Queen of Thailand must have cultivated a lot of blessings, and is well loved by her subjects. So on her birthday, in her honor, over 2,000 people were liberated.

所以學佛，我們一定要福慧雙修，我們平時就要修好，要多累積一些福。不只是這輩子付出、造福、利益人群，這樣無論來生到了那裡，都會因為有你帶著福業的關係，所以身邊的人都會為了你而造福。像這位皇后，就是因為她的生日，所以能夠讓那麼多人得到自由，這就是她的福。

To learn Buddhism, we must cultivate blessings and wisdom. When we do good deeds, we accumulate blessings. If we commit to benefiting others in this life, we will carry the blessings with us. Wherever we go, we will create more blessings, like the Queen who, because of her birthday, caused so many to regain freedom. This is the reward of her blessings.

所以我們應該要懂得造福人群。我們若是有力量，不要有私心，我們要去發揮大愛精神，為人群多付出，才不會發生問題。所以大者影響整個社會、小的影響家庭，更小的則是影響自己的人格。

Therefore, we must do good deeds to benefit others. When we are capable, we must not be selfish. Contributing to society with unconditional love will prevent problems from arising. On a large scale, this can influence a society, on a small scale, a family or one's own character.

其實「人格事大」，無論是哪一個人，都不要想說：「我只是一個微末的老百姓，我的人格值幾兩？」在這裡要對你們說：「每個人都不能夠輕視自己，每一個人都要，自我尊重自己的人格。我們自己尊重自己，自然人人都會尊重我們。」

Actually, a person's character is very important. We must not think lightly of our character, just because we are ordinary people. Never look down on yourself. Instead, respect your integrity. When we respect ourselves, others will naturally respect us.

現在這個社會，就是需要有這種互愛、互相尊重的人。我們平時要能夠愛人、平時要尊重大家，別人自然就會愛我們、自然就會尊重我們。所以這是一種善念的循環，彼此都可以在這樣善的循環當中互相影響，所以我們要很謹慎。

People need mutual respect and love. When we love and respect others, we naturally gain their love and respect. This is a mutually beneficial cycle that we should practice carefully.

 

一念瞋心起
將使人陷入愚癡
猶如拿繩子綑住自己
不得自由

The rise of an angry thought leads one into foolish delusions, just like tying oneself up with a rope, preventing one's liberation.

前面所說得是貪縛，因為貪會使我們失去自我，會讓我們的身心受到很多的煩惱捆綁。接下來，第二，是「瞋縛。」

The second is Bond of Anger. First was greed. Greed can cause us to lose freedom, binding our body and mind with many afflictions.

那「瞋」就是愛發脾氣，因為人的習氣，造成我們動不動就要發脾氣。

"Anger" is losing one's temper easily. Most people habitually lose their temper.

同樣有一個團體回來，這是一個國外的團體。在這個團體裡面，有一位，其實他也是很投入的在做事情。為病苦、貧窮者也很用心在付出。但是同時卻也有人跟我說：「某某人好的時候很好，但是人人對他都很不滿意。所以他如果發起什麼活動，就算是應該做的，大家都還是覺得很反感。」

A group of volunteers just returned. Among them was a very devoted volunteer who has helped the sick and the poor abroad. He was very devoted. However, some have told me that while he is very mice sometimes, many have been unhappy with him. So when he suggests something, even if it is correct, others respond negatively.

我說：「為甚麼要反感？既然是應該要做的，那就應該去做啊！」他說：「因為他的脾氣很不好，和他一同做事情當然是應該要做，這是我們應該要做的，慈濟的事情本來就應該都要歡喜的做，但是他有時候就會不高興。當他不高興的時候，他就會說：『這個人我不要，我不要他和我一起做。』而且是馬上就不要。或者是會說：『我想要再找個什麼樣的人。』就算別人對他說，他想要找的那個人，做事情的品質不佳，找他來做並不可行，但是他就是會照著自己的選擇。」

I asked why? If it was right, why would they object? They said that he had a bad temper. It was necessary to work with him, as they all enjoy working for Tzu Chi. But sometimes he would be unhappy, and refuse to work with certain people, or request to work with someone else. Although others felt his suggestions were not good or feasible, he would still insist.

師父常常都說：「生命都是平等的。」有一群人這麼富有愛心，應該就是要顧守好這一群的人，大家一起來做才對。雖然這是一個很美的團體，對那個地方很有貢獻，但若是隨著自己隨興，要就要，不要就不要，臨時想要換就一定要換，這樣也會為這團體帶來一些瑕疵。

I often say that all lives are equal. With a group of kind-hearted people, we should do our best to take care of and work with each other. If we do as we please and insist on way, we tarnish a wonderful organization that benefits the community.

若是他自己本身可以改一下，能夠把習氣稍微改一下，相信他自己也會做得很歡喜，沒有埋怨。和他一同做事的這些人，相信同樣也可以做得很歡喜。就是因為其中有一個人，脾氣容易發作，其實他也是很好的人，但是任由這種脾氣在人群團體中發作，這樣就會讓周圍的人很辛苦。

If he could correct this habit, I believe he would find more joy and less resentment with his work. Most people work willingly and joyfully. But one person may easily lose his temper.

這個愛發脾氣的人不一定是你，也說不一定是我。但無論如何，有時候脾氣一發，可能事後就會想：「其實我也是很好的人，我明明就是很好的人，我也很有愛心，但是我就是有這個脾氣和習氣降不下來。」所以就會讓彼此都很煩惱。其實自己是用繩子綁住、綑住自己，就算他自己也不想要這樣，但就是這一時的氣吞忍不下去，所以心就得不到自由。

Everyone, this person could be you or me. Working in an organization, even though he is a good person with a kind heart, he cannot control his temper, if he cannot control his temper, he will cause hardship for those around him. It is like tying oneself up with a rope, binding oneself. One may not want to be angry, but may still lose it momentarily.

在現代的世間，有很多這種的愛恨情仇，在那裡糾纏不清。有的人只是一點點的事情，平常時給他很多好處、很疼他、很照顧他，只不過有一點點的不滿意，他就總是把那不滿放在他的心理，甚至想盡辦法去報復。

In today's world, love, hate, affection and enmity are all intertwined. For some people, minor inflictions can cause them to hold grudges and retaliate, regardless of how much care and love they have received.

佛經當中也有這樣的一段故事：有一個人，心中很不快樂，為甚麼不快樂？因為他對一個人很怨恨瞋怒，所以他每天都是以怨恨瞋怒的心，想盡辦法要去消滅對方那個人，所以到處去尋找方法。

There is a story in the Sutra about a very unhappy man. Why was he unhappy? Because he was angry at a person. Each day, with a heart full of hatred and anger, he would think of ways to destroy that person.

後來找到了一位巫師，這位巫師就是一位會催符唸咒的人，他就向他請教：「我很想傷害那個人，你如果能夠用催符唸咒的方法，能夠損害到他，我不惜任何的代價都要學會。」

One day, he met a sorcerer who could cast spells. He asked the sorcerer, "Is there a spell to hurt this person? I will pay any price. Teach me, I want to learn."

但是這位巫師對他說：「你想要學的這個毘陀羅咒，非常的靈驗，而且這個咒語你如果學會了，想要傷害誰，誰就一定會被你傷害。但是我要先告訴你，這個咒之所以能夠靈驗，是在你用這個咒傷害別人之前，一定會先傷害了你自己。」

The sorcerer told him, "Learn the incantation of Vetala. It is very effective, but I must warn you, if you use it to hurt someone, that person will certainly be harmed. However, I must tell you, if you learn it, before hurting others, it will harm you first."

他聽了之後覺得：「只要能夠如我所願，去折磨他、去傷害他，哪怕我得到什麼樣的傷害我也甘願。」

Upon hearing this, the man felt that as long as he could fulfill his wish to torture and harm that person, he was willing to accept the consequences.

看，這是不是愚癡呢！在我們現代社會，人與人之間種種的恩怨情仇當中，如同這個故事的事情，是不是常常都在發生呢？是什麼東西致使它發生呢？就是「瞋縛」。瞋縛是逆境——只要是不順我意的，那都叫做是逆境——

Isn't this ignorance? Nowadays, there are many incidents in society involving such passion and hatred. Doesn't conflict between people often occur in our society? What is its cause? It is Bond of Anger, which arises in adverse situations, when things don't go our way.

來的時候，就像這個人我不喜歡，為甚麼被我遇到，這也是一個逆境。這個時候起瞋、起怨、起恨，這都是捆綁住自己的內心。

For example, why do we meet people we dislike? This is an adverse situation. In such moments, our anger, resentment and hatred arise to entangle our minds.

所以各位，我們若是一念私心起貪念，累積起來又去造作、然後又累積的業報，真的是苦不堪言。

So, if we let one selfish thought emerge, the aggregation of greed will make us suffer, causing unspeakable agony.

同樣的一念「瞋心」——就是瞋怒、愛發脾氣——的習氣生起，這種人每天拿著繩子綁住自己，讓自己的心不得解脫，不能輕鬆、不得自由，多痛苦啊？其實周圍的人看到了，也很不自在。這是不是只是一個習氣，愛發脾氣的習氣，我們被它害得多慘？

An angry thought leads to losing our temper. Tying ourselves up with a rope, imprisoning our minds from ease and freedom is such suffering. Moreover, we cause discomfort to those around us. It is merely a habit of losing one's temper, yet it causes us so much suffering.

所以，要除害，想要除去貪縛、瞋縛等等…只有一個方法——「清除內心的煩惱無明」。

The only remedy is to remove afflictions from our minds.

所以大家時時要多掃除心地的無明，要多用心啊！

So, we should constantly clear our minds of ignorance. Please always be mindful.