
1. 追求快樂
人生的基本事實是,有情眾生,尤其是人類,都希望得到快樂,不要痛苦和傷害。在這樣的基礎上,我們完全有權利去追求快樂,並且運用各種不同的方法或手段,去克服痛苦以及獲得美好的生活;但對於這些方法可能產生的正面及負面結果,則值得審慎思考。你們應當察覺到,在短程和長程的利益與後果之間存在著差異性 - 而長程的利益通常較為重要。佛教徒常說,世間無絕對之事,凡事都是相對的。因此,我們必須據環境的狀況來做判斷。
The basic fact is that all sentient beings, particularly human beings, want happiness and do not want pain and suffering. On those grounds, we have every right to be happy and to use different methods or means to overcome suffering and to achieve happier lives. It is worthwhile to think seriously about the positive and negative consequences of these methods. You should be aware that there are differences between short-term interest and long-term interest is more important. Buddhists usually say that there is no absolute and that everything is relative. So we must judge according to the circumstances.
人生的基本事實是,有情眾生,尤其是人類,都希望得到快樂,不要痛苦和傷害。在這樣的基礎上,我們完全有權利去追求快樂,並且運用各種不同的方法或手段,去克服痛苦以及獲得美好的生活;但對於這些方法可能產生的正面及負面結果,則值得審慎思考。你們應當察覺到,在短程和長程的利益與後果之間存在著差異性 - 而長程的利益通常較為重要。佛教徒常說,世間無絕對之事,凡事都是相對的。因此,我們必須據環境的狀況來做判斷。
The basic fact is that all sentient beings, particularly human beings, want happiness and do not want pain and suffering. On those grounds, we have every right to be happy and to use different methods or means to overcome suffering and to achieve happier lives. It is worthwhile to think seriously about the positive and negative consequences of these methods. You should be aware that there are differences between short-term interest and long-term interest is more important. Buddhists usually say that there is no absolute and that everything is relative. So we must judge according to the circumstances.
2. 心理上的喜樂
我們的經驗與情感,主要是與身體和心靈相連。從日常生活經驗中,我們了解:心理上的喜樂是有益的。例如,雖然是遭遇同樣悲劇的兩個人,但由於心態差異,其中一人就能夠較輕易面對悲劇。
Our experiences and feelings are mainly related to our bodies and our minds. We know from our daily experience that mental happiness is beneficial. For instance, though two people may face the same kind of tragedy, one person may face it more easily than the other due to his or her mental attitude.
3. 靈性的發展
我相信,若真想要擁有快樂的生活,那麼非常重要的是,必須兼顧內在與外在的追求;換言之,要兼具精神及物質的發展。你也可以說是「靈性的發展」,但當我說「靈性」這個字時,並不必然意味著任何宗教信仰。「靈性」指的是人性基本的良善品質,包括人類的情感、參與感、誠實、紀律、以及受到良好動機、適當引導的人類才智。這些本質是與生俱來的,並非後來才出現在我們的生命之中。
I believe that if someone really wants a happy life then it is very important to pursue both internal and external means; in other words, mental development and material development. One could also say ‘spiritual development’, but when I say ‘spiritual’ I do not necessarily mean any kind of religious faith. When I use the word ‘spiritual’ I mean basic human good qualities. These are: human affection, a sense of involvement, honesty, discipline and human intelligence properly guided by good motivation. We have all these qualities from birth; they do not come to us later in our lives.
4. 善用潛能
生而為人,我們都具備相同的人類潛能 ─ 除非生理上有某種腦部功能障礙。美妙的人腦,是我們力量與未來的泉源 - 倘若我們把它運用在正途上。假如我們將這個如寶石般燦爛的人類心智用到錯誤的方向,那真是一場大災難。
A humans, we all have the same human potential, unless there is some sort of retarded brain function. The wonderful human brain is the source of our strength and the source of our future, provided we utilize it in the right direction. If we use the brilliant human mind in the wrong way, it is really a disaster.
5. 天生的創造力
我認為人類是這個星球上較為優越的生物。人類不僅有為自己創造美好生活的能力,並且還能夠幫助其他生命。我們具備某種天生創造力,明白這點是非常重要的。I think human beings are the superior sentient beings on this planet. Humans have the potential not only to create happy lives for themselves, but also to help other beings. We have a natural creative ability and it is very important to realize this.







