中英版：護僧的基本認知（八）

 

 

護僧的基本認知（八）

開仁法師著

 

七丶多求法滋潤

 

身為在家眾，有心來親近出家人，一定要多多求問佛法，尤其難得遇見有出家僧眾的地方。出家人通常到一個全新感覺的地方時，開始是會觀察周遭的人事物，若身為白衣的曉得掌握機會請示法師學法心得的話，一般的出家眾都會喜出望外，因為有想學法的人，此處才是有希望的地方；莫談了老半天，只是把口舌浪費在沒意義的課題上，那就會令出家人大失所望了。

 

在家人學佛，有的是上班制的，意思是只在佛寺或佛教會的那段時間把佛法來實踐，一踏出這個範圍就把佛法暫時交還師父，下次來再繼續。有的是看法師而定，喜歡相應的法師，可以廢寢忘食的粘著不放；看不上眼的，就讓他一個人生活一個人寂寞，直到他離去。有的是以心情丶天氣好壞而定。有的是因為身份不得已，不陪法師可能連鐵飯碗也保不住。有的是因面子問題，大家都來了，若缺席以後怎麽混下去。有的是為了一睹風采，開開眼界。有的是因為法師的師父是某某長老大師，有名望，順便來沾沾光。有的是因為來試探出家人的斤兩……真是不勝枚舉！

 

身為在家人，要多珍惜向出家人求法的機會，除了請示法義外，亦應邀請法師帶領共修，以便對一法門有一確實的練習，深入體會佛法甚深的法味。很多人是業餘佛教徒，假使還不精進學法的話，久而久之會俗裏俗氣。不要只管辦活動去輔導度化別人，有時也要照顧自己尚未清淨的心靈。世間善法的事務，一定要做，但不是去捨身喂虎，走上泥菩薩渡江的不歸路，有時還是需要充充電源，以讓這條付出的路走得更加穩健及安全。

 

 

The Fundamental Knowledge in Safeguarding the Sangha Members（八）

By Ven Kai Ren

 

7. Hanker for Dharma

 

One should always ask questions from the Bhikkhus about Buddhism if one is eager to know more about Buddhism. More often than not, a Bhikkhu who is new to a place (temple or monastery), is eager to share his knowledge with anyone if one can grasp the opportunity to approach him. Of course, the Bhikkhu would be dispappointed if one only asks about trivial issues.

 

As for lay Buddhists, some only practise Buddhism when they are in temple or Buddhist association and will temporarily leave the Dharma to the Master when they are out of the temple or Buddhist association. Some will stick to a Bhikkhu day and night when some find that the Bhikkhu can fulfill their needs. Some lay Buddhists would leave the Bhikkhus alone when they have prejudice on them. Some acted on their sentiment, some are forced to entertain the Bhikkhus because they need the Bhikkhus for survival. Some are because of own reputation and some just want to have a glimpse of the famed Master, some are there to see how good and knowledgeable the Master is … too many to mention one by one.

 

As lay Buddhists, they should treasure the opportunity to seek Dharma from the Bhikkhu. Besides seeking Dharma, one should also invite the Bhikkhu to lead them for retreat so that they can indulge deeper onto particular way of practice. Many of the lay Buddhists can be considered as amateur Buddhist, they will talk like common people if they don’t indulge in Buddhism diligently. Lay Buddhists who are contribution much of their time in Buddhist activities and charity works should also take time to attend retreat to upgrade themselves spiritually.