和合從心　天廣地寬
Finding Harmony—From the Inside Out

文／美國佛門寺護法會副會長　傳倫

　　在踏進佛門寺學佛前，我認為只有他人和我的想法、做法相同時，才能體驗所謂的和合。幸運的是，當我在佛門寺上禪修課之後，情況開始有所改變。在教授法師的開示中一再強調「三大觀念」：因果、空性、中道實相。我最喜歡的偈子是：「欲知前世因，今生受者是；欲知來世果，今生作者是。」這讓我反思：我現在做的事情有何意義？人生將走向何方？我銘記這些道理並盡力理解和實踐，這激發我決定發心受持三皈五戒，開啟了我人生的重大轉變。

　　受持三皈五戒之後，很快地我注意到自己正向的改變，尤其是反映在我與同事的人際關係上。我發現自己對他們能有較多的慈悲和寬容；我更願意主動協助他人，而不再只是「把工作做好就好」。我體會到，更多專注在利他的念頭和行動，能使自己的人生更有意義且快樂。我希望能由此營造一種和諧的生活文化。

　　佛門寺提供了一個完善的啟發性環境，可以從中學習成長。我意識到過去大部分時間都用來追逐世俗的欲樂，妄想從外面的六塵境界中建構一個內心和平的世界。直到有一天我體悟到：真正的快樂就是找到自家珍寶，不假外求，本自具足。透過持續的禪修，我的心念自然而然變得更加平和、快樂和滿足。我開始看清自己的妄想，練習放下，歇下向外追逐的心，創造自己內心的和諧。

　　很有福報成為佛門寺的一分子，感恩開山祖師慈心悲願成立佛門寺。對我而言，佛門寺不僅是一個學佛的地方，也是推動心靈成長的團體，透過修行培養品德，使我們所到之處，皆能與一切眾生分享法喜。

　　（Before starting my path at Buddha Gate Monastery and being introduced to Buddhism, my understanding was that Harmony was experienced only when others thought and worked the same as I did. Fortunately all of this changed when I started taking classes at BGM. In the Dharma talks, the Dharma teacher always emphasized the teaching of the “Big 3”: Karma, Impermanence, and Middle Way Reality. My favorite quote was: “To know what you've done in the past, observe what is happening now. And to know where you are headed in the future, observe what you are doing now.” This made me think:“What is the significance in what I'm doing now? And where is my life headed?” I always tried to take the teachings to heart and do my best to understand and practice them. This inspired me to take the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. This was the beginning of a major life change for me.

　　Shortly after taking and practicing the Precepts, I started to notice real positive changes in myself that were reflected most notably with my interpersonal relationships with coworkers. I observed I was more compassionate and tolerant with them. I was more willing to offer to help others, as opposed to just “getting the job done.” I realized that focusing on more altruistic thoughts and behaviors would lead me to a more meaningful and joyful life. I wanted to create a culture of harmony around me.

　　The monastery gave me a wholesome and inspiring environment from which to learn and develop from. I realized that previously, most of my personal time had been used chasing the pleasures of the mundane world—constantly searching for a peaceful “world” inside me by trying to create it from the outside world of the 6 senses. Then a small enlightenment happened! What I was learning at BGM was that my true happiness was the treasure found inside myself, not relying on or attaching to others, or something outside myself. By continuing my practice and meditating more, my mind was natually becoming more peaceful, joyful and content. I started to see through my illusions. Letting go and practicing nonattachment helped me stop the chase. I was starting to create harmony within myself.

　　I feel very blessed to be a part of BGM and grateful to Grand Master for his great vow of building a monastery here in the U.S. To me, BGM is more than a place to study Buddha's teachings. It also serves to promote a community for Spiritual growth from which to practice and cultivate our virtues, and to share these blessings with all sentient beings everywhere we go.）