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人比鬼更可怕
Humans are More Frightening than Ghosts
去年吾有寫過一篇有關農曆七月「鬼節」的文章。雖然「鬼節」剛過,我依然在此為你們介紹人與鬼「不為人知」的一面。
在近半百的人生歲月裡,吾所接觸過的人,其數之多實不在話下。而吾的工作也必須接見很多很多人。因此,對於人的「人性」,有吾最真實的認知。坦白說,吾是較怕人多過於鬼。蓋人的性格,並不鮮明。幫了她、他之後,不求她、他的回報,但求她、他不會反回頭咬吾就好。相信吾這樣的說法,在在都有共鳴。
這裡就披露幾則發生在吾及吾眾多客人身上的真實事情,讓妳、你們參考,人的「人性」,何為不鮮明。有位弟子的父親,為了要讓其子國外攻讀碩士學位,毅然將賣屋的錢,圓其兒子的「夢」。這兒子的「夢」是圓了,可是至今仍然沒有感恩的心、盡孝父母、回饋社會,反而還跟父親慪氣、冷戰,甚至自私自利地不管父母弟妹的未來生死問題。養兒防老,看來是養兒煩惱啊!哀哉其父。記得最初見這位弟子時,著實有點驚嚇。因其臉相有如「惡人谷」出來的。但吾依然收他為徒,希望他能夠認真學佛,清除累世的業障及現世心中的垃圾。吾的天真卻忘了「相由心生」這句話。後來他果然常犯戒,更嚴重的是,他既然不把戒律放在眼裡,一錯再錯,如今罪如山、過如海,再不速速懺悔重新受戒,恐怕悔時已晚。
另有一學生,也是碩士生。雖有碩士學位,可是卻失業,也找不到就業機會。吾知道後,馬上二話不說的,親自出馬運用玄學的力量,為他謀得現今這份高職,並且授予他真實的佛法與基本玄學,好讓他從中體悟人生實相、生命實相以及福份次第的種種。至今他每次來上課,都會有新的怨言及新的欲望。(感恩的人,不會有怨言。)吾想,他是男的沒錯。可是怎麼「怨」力如此大,宛如怨婦再來,真是阿彌陀佛啊!做男不容易,難道你想做女不成?受人恩惠,不圖回報,還成天打妄語、怨這怨那的,再這樣下去,人身不保,三途惡道等著你。速醒,速醒。
有位客戶來電欲批八字。吾問為何?她答欲找新工作,因與公司經理不和。她好意幫經理處理鐘長的問題,哪知反遭經理「盯死」。她覺得這樣做下去沒意思。這是「狗咬呂洞賓,不識好人心」。另有位美麗的空姐,因丈夫不忠,找吾堪輿其陽宅,想生個寶寶來「圓滿」婚姻。不久後,果然得了個女娃。吾認為不忠就是不專一,因從專一努力,婚姻才能真正圓滿。
鬼的性格較鮮明,在於鬼大多數是直腸子。妳、你祗要幫過她、他一次,她、他一定等待機會來報答妳、你。不像人的心理如此的歪曲。幫了她、他,不求她、他回報,但求她、他不會轉回頭,反咬妳、你就好。因此,吾認為人比鬼更可怕。妳、你認為呢?哈!哈!哈!
英譯
I wrote an article about the Hungry Ghosts’ Festival around the same time last year. Even though the festival has passed, I am still going to introduce the less known sides of a human and a spirit.
As I approached the half-century mark in my life, as part of my job scope, I have interacted with countless number of people. Thus I possess a thorough appreciation of the human nature. Frankly speaking, I am more afraid of a human than a ghost. The human nature is not pure. When I helped a person, I do not expect him to return any favour. Instead I will be glad if this person does not turn around and harm me. I believe many of you would resonate with my sentiments.
Here, I shall divulge some stories which happened to people around me, to allow you a closer examination of the human nature which is primarily clouded. One of my disciples got his dreams of overseas studies fulfilled when his father sold their home and raised enough funds. This student had his wish but remains an utter ingrate, one who is unfilial to his parents and does not bother with contribution to the society whatsoever. Instead, he scoffs at his father, is constantly at odds with him and sports a selfish attitude towards the spiritual mortality issues of his parents and siblings. Raise a son to guard against old age? Seemed to me like "raise a son to give you more troubles at old age!" I pity the father. I remember the first day I met this student and was slightly shocked. His face resembled that of a villain from the fictional notorious Bandits Valley. But I still took him in as my disciple, hoping that he will change by learning the Dharma and eradicating the bad karma and all the filthy thrash from his heart. Alas, I was naive to ignore that a person's appearance stems from his very heart. In the end, he flouted all the precepts, belittled them even and continued his errant ways. Now, his bad karma has accumulated as high as the highest mountains, and as deep as the deepest seas. If he does not repent now, I am afraid it will be too late.
Another student was jobless for some time, despite having a Masters. I got to know of it and immediately applied the principles of Chinese Metaphysics on him and eventually landed him his current high post job. In addition, I endowed upon him actual knowledge of Buddhism and the basics of Chinese Metaphysics, in hope that he will see the truth of life and understand the different levels of merits. Till today, whenever he comes for my lessons, I would hear new complaints, grudges or new desires. (A grateful person is not prone to complaining.) I thought to myself, he is a man alright, but he is so full of complaints, just like a vengeful woman! Amituofo! It is not easy to be born a man. Does he really want to be a woman instead? He receives kindness from others with no reciprocation, but instead frequently lies and complains. If this carries on, he will lose his human form in his next life. The three lower realms awaits. Please wake up urgently!
A client called me, requesting for an analysis of her birth chart to be done. I asked her for the reason. She replied that she needed help to look for a new job, due to her current job dissatisfaction. She helped her manager with good intention but ended up being misunderstood and picked on. She felt it was not worth staying on. As the Chinese saying goes, "The dog that bit Master Lu Dong Bin does not realise his kind heartedness". Another client, a beautiful flight attendant, got me to audit the Feng Shui of her house in a bid to save her crumpling marriage, due to her husband's infidelity. She wished for a baby to complete the family. With my help, she had a baby girl not long affter. I feel that being unfaithful is akin to losing one's focus. To diligently keep oneself focused is the key to a blissful marriage.
Ghosts, on the other hand, are much clearer and more direct in their intentions. As long as you have helped a spirit before, the spirit would be sure to repay your kindness, unlike humans with their warped psyche. Do not expect a fellow human to repay your kindness all the time. You would be lucky if he or she does not return your favour with malice! Thus I feel that a human is far more sinister than a spirit. Don't you think so? Ha ha ha!
大愛
All-encompassing Love
青春年少時,非常期盼與渴望,能擁有一份純潔、永恆的愛。而吾所謂的愛,不單單指兩性之間的愛,而是包括友情及親情。可是這些憧憬,仍然只是憧憬。內心深處,是有些淒淒然與無奈,為何總是遇不到真愛。
真愛是遇不到,但慶倖吾生在一個有信仰的家庭,年少時也有了宗教及玄學的因緣。這兩大的因緣,淺移默化地啟發吾的智慧,並滋潤吾的心靈,讓吾不至於變成不理智,且有報復及怨恨心的人。吾著實感恩宗教與玄學。
在漫長的學習與實修的歲月裡,吾的領悟是這樣的:一般人以為有了伴侶,好好愛他,就是愛了。他們也認為這種愛已是很偉大了。聽起來是沒有錯,但大家仔細地想一想,一位要將她的愛平均分給十個孩子的母親,一位無微不至地照顧整間醫院的醫生,更甚的是,一位天天無時無刻為一切眾生祈禱的宗教領袖,他們所付出的愛,相對於兩性之間的愛,試問那一種愛比較偉大?相信無須吾說,仁人君子,已知曉答案。
當然,我們今天不是在比較誰的愛較大,而是要告知大家大愛的重要性。你們可知道為何有宗教之間的不和諧,為何有恐怖分子,為何有戰爭,等等。這一切都是因為沒有大愛啊!如果說,全世界的人類是上帝所造,那人類的自相殘殺,難道是上帝所要看到的?千萬不可罵天,也千萬不可憑空亂想。祂如果沒有大愛,祂是不能成為上帝的。
今日今時,玳瑚師父能「安枕無憂」,乃是因為吾已體悟大愛,並且願吾在有生之年,能傳達大愛精神,使這世間多些祥和之氣。沒有大愛的地方肯定是比較動亂不安的。安定的生活,是每一個人都想過的。既然如此,何不大家共同打造,真正「欣欣向榮」的未來?來吧!大家一起來吧!來釋放及施展在妳、你心中深處的大愛。
英譯
In my youth, I craved and hoped for a pure and everlasting love. My perception of love was not limited to the romantic pursuits between two lovers. It encompassed friendships and kinships as well. Alas, my longings remained unfulfilled. Deep inside me were just feelings of despair and helplessness that true love somehow eluded me.
I did not meet my true love but fortune favoured me to be born in a religious family and I got to know Chinese Metaphysics and religion when I was young. These two studies imperceptibly inspired me and nurtured my soul. My wisdom grew and it prevented me from turning into an irrational and vengeful person. I am truly grateful to Buddhism and Chinese Metaphysics.
As I walked the long long road of learning and actualising my practice, I form this understanding: it is a common notion that if a person finds his or her other half, and loves him or her proper, that is it. That is their definition of love. It does not sound wrong, but let's just think a little deeper. A mother who shares her love among her ten children. A doctor who takes very good care of his patients in a hospital. And a religious leader who relentlessly prays everyday for the well-being of all sentient beings. Which kind of love is more noble, as compared to the former between two persons? I rest my case, and I know the wise one in you already have the answer.
Of course, we are not comparing whose love is more significant, but more importantly to let everyone knows the importance of great love. Do you know the reason for disharmony between the different religions? Why are there terrorists and wars etc? All these boil down to the lack of agape love! If God creates all beings, He would not like to see us killing one another. Do not blame God nor let your imagination run wild. If He does not have agape love, He would not be God.
At present, Master Dai Hu is able to sleep peacefully because I have truly understood the essence of an all-encompassing love. I sincerely hope that in my future years, I would be able to promote this concept of love and bring more peace and harmony to this world. A place without love is surely not a harmonious place. I am sure everyone wants to lead a peaceful life. Since that is the case, why not join our hands to build a world of harmony and prosperity? Come on! Let us all set free and express the great love that is hidden deep inside everyone of us.
小雨來的正是時候
And The Rain Came at The Right Moment
吾對於雨,並沒有特別的喜歡,或特別的討厭。對於雨的認知,吾想也是一知半解吧!那為何寫有關雨的文章呢?這篇雨的文章,是和大家分享吾學佛參禪後,對於雨的感慨,也借這篇文章,傳達雨悄然的貢獻。
某夜,見了客人之後,與徒弟和學生到鬧區的某間餐室享用夜宵。我們享用各自的食物,我們也談了一些話題。在不知不覺中,有一絲絲的涼意,從四面八方漂來,周圍的氣氛,添加了多一份的寧靜。心想在這樣的場合,怎有這可能。於是,就將頭兒往左邊探。啊……原來是下雨了。頓時心中有了靈感,頓時對雨有了感懷。而這篇文章的因緣在此。
若您不介意,吾非常願意,將吾對於雨的感懷通過文字呈獻給您。那天所下的小雨,真的是小雨來得正是時候啊!因為它不只是增添外觀上的美感,它也不只是將酷熱的氣溫降低而已,它更能沖淡吾對眾生過多的「憂傷」。它也讓吾心中的「熱惱」得到慰藉。雨,它原來早已成為吾的「默友」。我們不常「通訊」,但它卻很懂吾的心。因為它來的時候,彷彿都是吾想見它的時候,也是吾較有空向它微笑,打招呼的時候。它也知曉吾較欣賞有禮貌的人。因此,它也甚少「突然出現」在吾的眼前。
真慚愧,吾活到這把年歲,才會真正體悟雨的善、雨的美、雨的細心、雨的懂事、雨的內涵,等等。雨,玳瑚懇請你的原諒,原諒這總是比人慢的孩子,在你細心的灌溉下,會比昨日更積極、更堅強及更發心,學習你普被天下生靈,偉大無私之精神。雨,虔心感謝你耐心的「點醒」吾這愚笨的孩子。讓吾這「問題」孩子,繼續為「明心見性」而奮鬥。
希望所有觀讀這篇文章的你,妳,一樣有小雨來的正是時候,清涼之覺受。
英譯
I used to have a neutral feeling towards rain. Neither do I have a lot of appreciation for it. Why, then, is this article about rain? Well, my main purpose is to share with everybody my changed perspective on rain after I started my spiritual cultivation. Through this article, I hope to highlight the quiet contribution of the rain.
One night after I am done with my consultations, my students and I went for supper at the town area. We were having our own meals, engaging in light conversations, when I felt a wisp of cool breeze swaying in from all directions. A surreal sense of tranquility engulfed the surroundings which, at that moment, had me baffled. I tilted my head slightly to my left and realised that it was the rain. Momentarily, an inspiration arose, a feeling towards the rain was formed, thus this article.
If you do not mind, I would be most willing to share with you my sentiments towards the rain, through this article. The light drizzle that night came at the right moment. Not only did it add an aesthetic beauty to the surrounding, it drove away the heat as well. It diluted my "sorrow" towards sentient beings and calmed the "woes" burning in my heart. Rain has long since become my silent friend. We do not "communicate" often, but it knows me well because it always appears when I wish to see it most and when I have the time to offer it my subtle smile and nod of acknowledgement. It knows that I appreciate good manners, thus it rarely appears in front of me abruptly.
Ashamedly, only at this age do I have a full contemplative understanding of the rain: its kindness, its beauty, its conscientiousness, its maturity, its depth etc. Oh rain, I ask for your forgiveness. Please forgive the dim child in me. With your conscientious shower of nurturing, I will be more motivated, strong-willed and committed in learning your selfless and noble spirit towards all beings. I thank you sincerely for patiently arousing this dim child from his ignorance. This "problem child" will continue his relentless pursuit of Enlightenment.
For all who read this article, I hope you will feel the same cool breeze through your burdened heart, when the rain arrives.
不懷好「孕」
Not Being Able To Conceive
凡夫俗子批八字,大多都離不開「妻、財、子、祿」。這四求中的「子」,就伸出不少令人啼笑皆非的真人真事來。在這人世間,「子女絕緣」對一般人而言,可謂人生一大憾事。因此,確實有人一擲千金,所謂「千處祈求」種種得子得女之方法。有些求有所得,有些卻不得要領。這是否有原由?玳瑚師父實實在在的告訴大家,天下間所發生的事情,皆有因緣因果,由不得你我信或不信。就好比肉眼看不到的細菌,妳、你不能否定它們的存在啊!因為到處都有細菌啊!
據吾所知及應證的,有無子女和「福德」是息息相關的,絕對和錢財無關係。就是因為如此,吾才苦口婆心勸了有又勸,說了又說,為的就是希望你們,能夠早日知道,「妻、財、子、祿」都是需要福德來「培植」。常做損人利己,還沒積德,就先缺德的人,是不會如願以償的。
很多很多人都想弄個「水落石出」,為何無法圓子女願?吾現在就為眾宣說,信不信由妳、你。其實就算妳、你不信,妳、你依然生存於因果內。不孕的原因:
一、墮過胎。殺生為五戒之首,罪之重可想而知。
二、犯淫。
三、家中爐位安錯。
四、臥床安錯。
五、神位安錯。
六、行商缺德。
七、誹謗修行人,以及佛菩薩。
八、答應神佛之事,卻遲遲未進行,且有意故犯,傲慢不可一世。
九、喜占人便宜。連修行人及佛菩薩都不放過,等等。
若妳、你誠心懺悔,再發願守戒行善布施,待罪消福增時,才能圓滿一切所求。
有首偈吾甚喜之,也常寫給有緣人。妳、你讀到這篇文章,也算與吾有緣,那就將這首偈披露於磁;
人心且莫把心欺,神鬼昭彰放過誰,
善惡到頭終有報,祇爭來早與來遲。
無論妳、你介不介意當不懷好「孕」之人,敗德之事千萬不可做,以免後悔莫及啊!
英譯
For many of us, the major reasons we get our birth chart analysed by a Master are none other than the following: marriage, wealth, descendants and career. Out of these four reasons, the quest for descendants has spun many amusing real-life stories. In this human world, to have no luck with descendants is a shameful and regrettable fact for most of us. Thus there will be some who would spend fortunes to seek various ways for them to have children. Some got their wishes fulfilled, yet there were some whose hope crumbled in vain. Is there any reason for this? Let me tell you this, every thing that occurs in this world has its cause and affinity. It is not up to any of us to validate nor disbelieve this fact. It is akin to the bacteria that escape our naked eyes, yet we cannot deny their presence. Bacteria is everywhere!
According to what I know and have verified, the ability to have offspring is intricately connected to your merits. It has absolutely nothing to do with money. It is precisely so that I painstakingly remind everyone repeatedly to cultivate your merits so as to achieve good fortune in marriage, wealth, descendants and career. For those whose actions or thoughts bring harm to others, who destroy instead of accumulating your merits, your wishes in life would be hard to materialize.
Many people desperately want to know the reasons for them being childless. Here, I will expound the reasons. It is up to you to believe or not. As a matter of fact, the law of karma (cause & effect) is quite oblivious to your acknowledgement of its existence. The several reasons for being childless:
1) Previous abortion(s), as it constitutes to killing. The most important precept in Buddhism is abstinence from killing so the severity of this sin when committed is obvious.
2) Sexual misconduct.
3) Wrong placement of the kitchen stove.
4) Wrong placement of the altar.
5) Wrong placement of the bed.
6) Lack of morals in conducting your business.
7) Defamation of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Buddhist practitioners.
8) Willful breaking of your promise to the Buddhas and deities, deliberately delaying its execution due to arrogance.
9) Like to take advantage of others, including the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Buddhist practitioners
and so on.
If you are truly repentant and committed to uphold the precepts and lead a wholesome life (including doing kind deeds and giving to the needy), your negative karma will be reduced. Conversely, your merits will also increase, leading to the eventual fulfillment of your wishes.
There is a verse that I am particularly fond of, one which I often share with those whom I have affinity with. I believe that those of you reading this article also share an affinity with me. So I shall share the verse right here right now:
Do not think you can deceive your own heart.
Who have the omnipresent gods and ghosts ever let slip?
The good and the bad will get what they deserve in the end
It is just but a matter of time.
Regardless if you wish for a child or not, please do not commit unwholesome and immoral acts. You will live to regret it!
以上內容節錄自《向善向上》 玳瑚師父◎著.白象文化出版
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