《護僧》（中英版本，12之二）

 

一、觀德莫觀失

 

　　佛法的修學，非常重視親近善知識，佛曾喻說親近善士是滿梵行，由此可知修道是不能沒有善知識為指引的。雖然說善知識不分在家出家，但是在佛教領域中，出家由於將身心奉獻給三寶，自然能取得領導佛教的地位。相對的，其負荷之責任亦一樣的重大，所要面對的壓力更是來自各方面，倘若再加上自己設定的修行要求，實不是一般人所能負擔得起的。也就是因為這樣，捨俗出家，真可說是大丈夫啊！

 

　　既然出家人有如斯之功德，那身為在家眾應如何親近、觀察他呢？傳統都會說：觀德莫觀失。是否真的只要觀察其功德就好了呢？以現實來說，除非盲目的信仰與崇拜，否則，出家眾的過失和不足，是不難發現的。雖然如此，站在從表象維持僧團的清淨面來看，筆者以為：知道出家眾的不足之處是免不了的，只是知道而不到處宣傳，除非破了根本大戒（若有健全僧團，也應由僧團給予解決，在家眾不應追問），那為了僧團的清白，才不得不通知大眾，提高警惕，以免讓此人消遙法外。

 

　　身為居家者，除了有維護出家眾之和樂清淨外，更應該站在全體佛教的立場，如法地協助僧眾推廣佛法，使正信正見能普及人間。觀德莫觀失，不是加深對僧團的腐敗而不理會，反而是從旁幫助有過失者得以恢復清淨身。這其中除了要有雅量接受出家眾有改過的機會外，更須和僧團建立如法的溝通橋樑，以免自己犯上誹謗的過失而不自知。

 

 

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Fundamentals of supporting and maintaining the Sangha

/By Ven Kai Ren

 

1. Observe Merits, Not Shortcomings

 

In Buddhism practice, going around with Buddhist teachers is highly emphasized. The Buddha once taught us that going close to virtuous teachers is considered accomplished, meaning that spiritual guides play an indispensable role in the path of practice. Although lay disciples can be as good Buddhist teachers as ordained monks, monastics that have dedicated themselves to the Three Refuges normally assume a leadership role in Buddhism. The responsibility and pressure that come from the leadership, along with one’s own Dharma practice and commitments, are probably heavier than any one ordinary person can take. In other words, living a monastic life is considered immense merit yet requires tremendous determination.

 

Having this in mind, how do laypeople act properly when approaching ordained monastics? By tradition, the principle is “observe merits not shortcomings”. In reality, however, unless we blindly believe or worship, it is not difficult to discover shortcomings of monastics.  Nevertheless, I am of the view that in order to maintain a good reputation of the Sangha, laypeople should not broadcast the shortcomings of Sangha members unless there is a fundamental infringement. In the case that some Sangha members break fundamental precepts, in order to guard the virtuousness of the Sangha community, laypeople may inform the public to be alert so that the wrongdoer will not go scot-free. However, a healthy Sangha community will take measures to discipline the offender, and laypeople should not question closely and intervene in the Sangha affairs. 

 

“Observe merits not shortcomings” does not imply to ignore the deterioration of the Sangha; on the contrary, it means to help the wrongdoers restore the virtuousness. This requires kindness towards Sangha members who have done wrong. Furthermore, building an effective means of communication with the Sangha is essential so that laypeople will not unknowingly make the mistake of slandering the Sangha.