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二手徵求有驚喜
Follow the Rules 遊戲規則
有一戶人家，父母親準備帶領小兒小女到海邊戲水。出發前一天晚上，父親召集大家講說隔天要到海邊遊玩的注意事項，以及工作分配。只見兒子嘟著嘴說： 「爸爸，好討厭！一天到晚訂什麼規則，連到海邊玩水，也要來這一套！」女兒也表示抗議：「爸爸，輕鬆一點嘛！老是要分配我們做什麼事，好不容易有這麼一個假日，何必弄得那麼嚴肅呢？」最後，這場家庭會議就在不歡喜的氣氛中草草結束。
第二天，一家人來到海邊。望著沙灘的美好，海水的平靜， 不少人在那裡游泳，兒子也想跟著他們一起下水游泳，但是翻遍了行李箱，卻怎麼也找不到泳衣， 不禁抱怨起來：「爸爸，您怎麼沒有交代我們要帶泳衣出門呢？害得我們不能盡情地玩水。」
這時候，爸爸就說了：「兒子呀！昨天晚上的會議，原本就是要和大家商量這些事的，但是你們都不要我訂注意事項，不願意我分配工作，當然今天出門也就沒有人想起要帶泳衣了。」由於不講究分工，不重視規則，最後事情落得不能圓滿，大家也沒有玩興，提早就結束行程，回到了家裡。
回到家中不久，吃飯時間一到，兒女們紛紛來到飯桌前，只是奇怪地，飯桌上竟然空無一物，於是他們就問：「媽媽，我們的飯菜呢？」這時候，媽媽說：「沒有規定飯菜一定要由媽媽煮呀！你們自己想辦法吧！」這回，兒女們終於明白父母平日訂定規則的苦心。
一般人都不喜歡規則， 覺得受到約束，但是在這個世間上，所謂「不依規矩， 不能成方圓」，在眾人集合的社會裡，就是需要有這麼一個約定俗成的法則，大家分工合作、合作分工，才有秩序。所以，現代的年輕人，所謂「新新人類」，有些人標新立異，高喊著爭取自由，不要規則。事實上，如果自由漫無目的，那是很危險的，就像一部沒有煞車裝備的車，當你享受著飆車的快感時，也處處潛藏著危機。
因此，我們的社會、我們的家園、我們的人生， 還是要有一個規則，大家共同遵循，才能幸福快樂。
Once upon a time, there was a young family with both children in elementary school. Due to their busy work schedules1, the parents were unable to take their children out for short trips. However, as the children had been begging2 about going to the beach, the parents finally decided to take them out there.
The night before, the dad gathered everyone in the living room and announced3, “Seeing as you both have been very well-behaved4, mom and I have decided to take you to the beach! But before we leave tomorrow, we need to have a quick meeting, so you both can keep a few things in mind.”
Slightly frustrated5, the son, Daniel, began yelling, “Dad…why?! I thought we’re going to the beach for fun! Why do you always have to set rules on us?! This is pointless, we just want to have fun and play around!”
The daughter Rosie, also shouted, “Yeah dad! Stop being so serious! We’re finally going on holiday, can’t we just enjoy ourselves?!”
Listening to his children, the dad was extremely disappointed and the meeting ended abruptly6, leaving everyone gloomy7 for the remainder of the evening.
The next day, as the family arrived at the beach, they were drawn to the beautiful sights of the golden sand and the calmness of the deep blue sea. Many people were in the water, splashing8 each other and letting the waves wash over them. Others were building sandcastles or surfing. Seeing how much fun everyone was having, Daniel was eager9 to get into the water. He began opening the bags they had brought with them. After searching for a while, he could not find his swimsuit. Frustrated, he complained to his dad and said, “Where is my swimsuit?”
His dad shrugged10 and replied, “I don’t know.”
Daniel whined, “Why didn’t you remind us to bring our swimsuits? Going to the beach is pointless if we can’t swim!”
His dad said, “Son, last night I gathered11 you all to discuss what we needed to prepare and bring for our trip. But, you didn’t want to listen, thinking that it would mean more responsibility12 and rules for you. So in the end, of course, no one remembered to pack swimsuits.”
Listening in, the mum added, “This is what happens when you don’t listen to your dad and Me. In the end, you are the ones that suffer the consequences13.”
As the children could not see the importance of following rules and obeying14 their parents, the family had a disappointing time at the beach. As a result, they ended their trip early and returned home.
Soon after returning home, it was almost dinner time. Daniel and Rosie came to the dining table. However, to their surprise15, nothing was prepared. They asked, “Mom, where is our dinner?” Their mother replied, “There is no rule that says I have to cook every meal for you! You can both find a way to feed yourselves.”
At that moment, Daniel and Rosie finally realized why their parents had always set rules for the family.
This story highlights that many of us do not like rules, as we feel constrained16 by them. There is a Chinese saying, “Without following rules, not even a square or a circle is possible.” This means that there needs to be a set of rules or standards, otherwise, we cannot make a square or circle.
In this world, we exist and live in a society surrounded by people. Whether it be in public spaces, workplaces, or even social gatherings, we need certain conventional rules in order for everyone to work and live together cohesively17. Working in an orderly manner requires delegation18 and cooperation in order to achieve common goals. However, young people today strive to be innovative19 and different, quite often calling out for freedom without rules. They perceive these rules as confinement20, thinking it dictates21 the way they should live and work. In reality, if our freedom is aimless and without boundaries22, it can be very dangerous. Just like driving a car without brakes. As you enjoy the feeling of the speeding car, at the same time, disaster could strike any moment when you lose control of your vehicle.
Therefore, there need to be rules for everyone to follow within society, our homes, and in life, so that we can live in harmony and happiness.
In Buddhism, we are encouraged23 to observe the Five Precepts, which are to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. Many people think that upholding these Five Precepts, it is like imposing24 restrictions25on themselves. However, the purpose of these Precepts is to help guard26 our actions, so that we do not cause harm to others and ourselves. As a result, we can enjoy true freedom from the joys of living in peace and harmony with one another.
VOCABULARY
1. schedules (n.) 日程表
2. begging (v.) 請求；懇求
3. announced (v.) 宣布
4. well-behaved (adj.) 行為端正的
5. frustrated (adj.) 沮喪的
6. abruptly (adv.) 突然地
7. gloomy (adj.) 憂悶的
8. splashing (v.) 潑
9. eager (adj.) 渴望的
10. shrugged (v.) 聳肩
11. gathered (v.) 集合
12. responsibility (n.) 責任
13. consequences (n.) 後果
14. obeying (v.) 遵從；順從
15. surprise (n.) 驚訝
16. constrained (adj.) 受約束的
17. cohesively (adv.) 凝聚力地
18. delegation (n.) 委派
19. innovative (adj.) 創新的
20. confinement (n.) 禁閉；監禁
21. dictates (v.) 命令；規定
22. boundaries (n.) 界線
23. encouraged (v.) 鼓勵
24. imposing (v.) 強制實行；把……強加於
25. restrictions (n.) 限制
26. guard (v.) 保護；看守
星雲大師法語
Dharma Words by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
守持戒法如瓔珞，可以莊嚴身心。
守持戒法如明燈，可以照破痴暗。
守持戒法如甘霖，可以解除乾旱。
守持戒法如城池，可以抵擋魔外。
Precepts are the jewels that adorn the body and mind.
Precepts are light breaking through the darkness.
Precepts are the rain after a drought.
Precepts are a moated castle holding off the enemy.
人面瘡的故事 The Human-Faced Ulcer
人的身體有很多疾病，其中有一種瘡疾，叫做「人面瘡」，是長在人的膝蓋上，形相如人一般，五官齊全，還有一張口，每天也要吃飯。這則「人面瘡」的故事，是發生在唐朝知玄悟達國師的身上。
唐朝的知玄禪師有一次外出雲遊參學，半路遇到一位同道。這位同道的身上長了瘡，並且發出惡臭， 沒有人敢和他往來。知玄禪師心生憐憫，便主動給予照料，直到他身體康復為止。同道心中非常感謝，就對禪師說：「將來如果你有什麼苦難，可以到四川彭州九隴山來找我。只要看到二棵大松樹並連在一起，就是我居住的地方了。」其實，這位同道是個阿羅漢，名叫迦諾迦尊者。
後來，知玄禪師因為道高德重，受到唐懿宗的恭敬，禮拜為師，並且敕封為「悟達國師」。坐上了皇帝賜予的檀香寶座，悟達國師可說備受禮遇，不知不覺就生起了虛榮心。不久，他發現膝上害了人面瘡。國師深知這必定是因為自己的得失心，而招感業障現前，他想起過去那位同道臨別的叮囑，於是忍著痛苦，來到四川彭州九隴山。
在同道的招呼下，悟達國師先是住了一宿。隔天，在一位童子帶領下，來到一處泉水邊。身上發熱、痛苦難耐的國師，掬起水來就要清洗人面瘡，但是瞬間，人面瘡竟然開口說話了，他說：「悟達國師，暫且不要清洗！我要告訴你，你我在西漢時代結下了冤仇， 那時候你是袁盎，我是晁錯，因被你誣陷，招來殺身之禍，久已想要報仇雪恨。但由於十世以來，你都是一名高僧，所以我始終沒有辦法靠近你。到了這一世，因為你受到皇帝的恩寵，起了虛榮心，於福德有損，我才得以乘虛而入。今日承蒙迦諾迦尊者出面為你我解除冤業，賜給我三昧法水，令我得到清涼解脫，我們之間的宿怨，從此就一筆勾銷了。」
悟達國師聽了不覺心驚，連忙以清水洗淨人面瘡，痛徹肝腸，立刻讓他昏厥了過去。奇妙的是，等到他甦醒過來，人面瘡也消失了。
由此因緣，後來悟達國師作了《慈悲三昧水懺》，敘說懺悔認錯可以消災免難。
從這一則故事中，我們可以知道懺悔的重要。衣服髒了，用水洗一洗就會乾淨；身體髒了，用水洗一洗，就會清潔；一個人縱然有一些罪業，只要誠心懺悔、肯得改過，懺悔的法水就能滅罪消愆。
Human bodies can develop many different diseases such as ulcers1 and sores2. Once upon a time, there was a story about a particular kind of ulcer which had a human face, complete with eyes, nose, and a mouth that meant this ulcer also needed to be fed. This story of the Human-faced Ulcer is said to have happened to Chan Master Zhi Xuan, who later on in the Tang dynasty became the renowned National Master Wu Da.
Once upon a time, Master Zhi Xuan was on a study trip. On his journey, he met another monastic who had ulcers all over his body and smelled3 so bad nobody wanted to be near him. Master Zhi Xuan felt sorry for the monastic and decided to care for him until he recovered4. When the monastic had recovered, he said to Master Zhi Xuan, “Thank you so much for taking care of me. If you ever find yourself in any trouble5, please come look for me at Jiulong Mountain in Sichuan. When you can see the twin pine trees, you will have arrived at my place.”
“All right, I will keep that in mind. Thank you,” replied Master Zhi Xuan.
Actually, without realizing it, Master Zhi Xuan had just helped an enlightened being named Kanaka.
Years later, Master Zhi Xuan’s virtuous6 conduct won him the praise and respect of Emperor Yizong. He was given the honorable title of “National Master Wu Da,” meaning “the thoroughly enlightened one.” Furthermore, the Emperor granted him a precious throne made of sandalwood. After receiving this throne, National Master Wu Da unknowingly gave rise to thoughts of arrogance7 and vanity8. Over time, a huge ulcer began to grow on one of his knees, with all the features of a human face. This “Human-faced Ulcer” caused the National Master unbearable9 pain. However, he did not cry out or complain, as he knew deep down that this resulted from his karmic retribution10.
One day, as the pain became extremely11 unbearable, he suddenly remembered what Kanaka had said to him years ago. So, he decided to seek12 help and headed to Jiulong Mountain.
When the National Master arrived at Kanaka’s place, it was already evening, and so he was offered a place to stay for the night. The next day, Kanaka’s attendant13 came to him, “Good morning National Master Wu Da, I hope you slept well.”
“Yes, I did. Thank you,” replied the National Master.
“Master Kanaka has asked me to take you to the spring14 where you can wash the ulcer on your knee,” the attendant said.
“Yes. Thank you so much.”
After arriving at the spring, feeling hot and in excruciating15 pain, the National Master sat down next to the water. He then began to wash his knee. Suddenly, the ulcer began to speak to him, “National Master Wu Da, please stop. I must tell you something.”
In disbelief16, the National Master stopped and mumbled17, “Are you talking to me?”
“Yes,” the ulcer replied.
The National Master kept silent and looked at his knee.
The ulcer continued, “Do you know that we have met before? It was during the West Han dynasty. At that time, you were called Yuan Ang and I was Chao Cuo. But back then, you wronged me. You framed18 me and the Emperor gave the order to have me killed. I suffered a horrific19 death and I swore I would get revenge20. However, in your other past lives, you had always been a most honorable and virtuous monastic, always strict in observing the precepts. Therefore, I was unable to do anything to harm you. But in your present life, upon receiving the Emperor’s praise, your vanity finally gave me my chance to get my revenge. Today, right here and now, with the purity of this water blessed by the enlightened Kanaka, I wish to let you know that the feud21 between us is resolved22, and the bad blood finally ended. I will no longer seek my revenge upon you.”
On hearing this, the National Master was in shock, and he quickly splashed the ulcer with the spring water. The pain was so severe that he fainted. When he finally woke up, the ulcer had disappeared.
Because of this experience, National Master Wu Da wrote the Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance, a text establishing how one can repent their transgression23, and eliminate calamity24 as well as karmic hindrances25.
This story shows us the importance of repentance. When our clothes become dirty, we can wash them clean with water. When our bodies become dirty, we can also wash them clean with water. When a person commits unwholesome26 deeds, if they can repent sincerely, be willing to change, and show earnest remorse and humility27, they will be able to atone28 for their transgressions.
VOCABULARY
1. ulcers (n.) 潰瘍
2. sores (n.) 瘡
3. smelled (v.) 發出......氣味
4. recovered (v.) 痊癒
5. trouble (n.) 困難；麻煩
6. virtuous (adj.) 道德高尚的；擁有美德的
7. arrogance (n.) 自大
8. vanity (n.) 虛榮心
9. unbearable (adj.) 無法忍受的
10. karmic retribution (n.) 業報；業果
11. extremely (adv.) 非常地；極度地
12. seek (v.) 請求；尋求
13. attendant (n.) 侍者
14. spring (n.) 泉
15. excruciating (adj.) 劇烈疼痛的；極痛苦的
16. disbelief (n.) 不信；懷疑
17. mumbled (v.) 含糊地說
18. framed (v.) 陷害
19. horrific (adj.) 極其可怕的
20. revenge (n.) 報仇
21. feud (n.) 長期爭鬥
22. resolved (v.) 解決；消除
23. transgression (n.) 過犯
24. calamity (n.) 災難
25. hindrances (n.) 障礙
26. unwholesome (adj.) 不善的
27. humility (n.) 謙遜
28. atone (v.) 贖罪；彌補
星雲大師法語
Dharma Words by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
懺悔就像清水一樣，可以洗淨我們的三業罪障；
懺悔就像衣服一樣，可以莊嚴我們的身心功德。
Repentance, like clear water, can cleanse the three unwholesome karmas;
Repentance, like clothing, can make our body, mind, and virtue august.
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