|
|
|
|
|
Home
|
Table of Contents
Chan is Your Mind禪在心中 三千多年前，釋迦牟尼佛夜睹明星，証得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。嘆言：「奇哉！奇哉!一切眾生具有如來智慧德相，但以妄想執著而不證得。」現在，二十一世紀的人類雖然能上太空，並可透過網路掌握全球資訊，但眾生不論在地球的東西南北，生老病死的威脅始終存在。縱使目前身強力盛，叱吒風雲於各個專業領域，但能保有多少時日才無遺憾? 探索不可知的未來，適應社會、環境等各方面的變化，都是現代人身心需要承受地重大課題。想穩紮穩打地理出一條生路，不少有志之士開始透過禪修來定心。 永嘉大師云：「行亦禪，坐亦禪，語默動靜體安然。」禪遍於一切處，體會與否完全在這一念心上。中國禪宗三祖僧璨法師久患風病，請二祖慧可和尚懺罪。慧可曰：「你把罪拿出來，我幫你懺罪。」璨良久云：「覓罪不可得。」可曰：「我已把你的罪懺好了。」這就是從心入手，直指根源的禪法。 雖說「病由心生」，但世間人還是需要更具體的方式來用功。惟覺老和尚提出的三環一體--教理、福德、禪定，就是在每一個角落，都能入道的方便法門。若能於生活中仔細體會，舉一反三，就知其妙處無窮。 教理就是正確的知見。諸佛菩薩或是高僧大德留下的經文或語錄甚多，中台山各分院教授佛學課程，都能讓大眾熏修因果、緣起、自利利他及心性本具的妙理。有了正知見引導，就能明了是非對錯，而不易走錯路、走遠路。 福德就是廣修一切善法，實踐圓滿地待人處事之道。當領取每一件執事工作，不論大小或難易，都能用心完成。在與大眾共事時，尊重體諒對方，不居功委過，和合且圓滿地達成任務。 禪定就是處境不動。在禪堂內，初能對治妄想執著昏沈，進則一念不生，契悟本心本性。參加禪修課程或禪七，都可幫助自己達到淨心定心明心的目的。 教理、福德與禪定雖分為三，其實相互融通。如果沒有福德，善緣不具足或沒有禪定，心靜不下來，又何嘗體會出教理的廣博?唐朝百丈懷海禪師為東土第九代祖師，他訂立叢林清規，奉行「一日不作、一日不食」的生活準則。曾開示大眾：「心性無染本自圓成，但離妄緣即如如佛。」這樣的行誼，全都是三環一體的展現。 六祖慧能大師云：「佛法在世間，不離世間覺，離世覓菩提，恰如求兔角。」眾生希望解脫苦惱，不必離開這個世界，而是應回歸到自己的清淨心中。世間善惡境界終會過去，但清楚明白的這念心卻能亙古常存!
Chan is in Your Mind Written by Jian Tai Shifu, abbess of Buddha Mind Monastery Three thousand years ago, Sakyamuni Buddha observed the bright stars under the Bodhi tree and achieved the supreme enlightenment. He said, “How amazing! Although Buddha Nature is in every sentient being, it is not realized because it is covered up by defilements and attachments.” Today, in the 21st century, people are able to launch rockets to outer space and are able to access information from around the world through the Internet. Despite that, no matter where we go, or where we are, the ancient problems of aging, sickness and death are still threatening us. Even if one has a strong and healthy body, and is achieving roaring successes in his field of expertise, how many years of health and success are ever enough? Exploring the unknown future and adapting to the changes of society and environment are among the challenges of modern people. Their minds and bodies have to endure all kinds of stresses. In order to find a sure path for survival in this changing world, many wise people have begun practicing meditation to calm their minds. Master Yungjia once said, “Walking is Chan (Zen), sitting is also Chan. Talking or being silent, moving or staying still, these are all ways of attaining tranquility.” Chan is everywhere. You can only feel it if your mind is in the present. Master Sengcan, the third Zen Patriarch in China, once had a severe headache. He asked the second Zen Patriarch, Master Huike, to help him repent for his sins. Master Huike said, “Hand me your sins, and I will repent on your behalf.” Master Sengcan said, “But I can’t find it!” Master Huike replied, “Well, I have just finished with your repentance.” This is an example of the way of Chan --- straight to the root of the problem by scrutinizing what is in your mind. The old saying goes, “Illnesses arise from your mind.” Despite the realization of this simple truth, people still need some more tangible ways to practice subduing their mind. In response to this need, Grand Master Wei Chueh recommends the “Three Links of Cultivation”— Scripture Understanding, Merits , and Meditation. These are the expedient gates which can be accessed from everywhere. Once you become conscious of Chan in your everyday living, and are able to apply Chan to other aspects of your life, you will know the endless treasure of Chan. “Scripture Understanding” is practicing right view. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Dharma Masters in the past have left us with a treasure of sutras and discourses. In fact, all the branches of Chung Tai Chan Monastery around the world offer sutra study classes and Dharma talks. Attending classes and studying the sutras are good ways to learn the foundational lessons of Buddhism such as cause-effect, dependent origination, self-cultivation and cultivation of others, and original mind. When your life is led by right view, you will understand what is true and what is false and will not step foot in the wrong place. “Merits” is to do all the good deeds. We should strive to treat people kindly and do things well. No matter a task is difficult or easy, big or small, we need to do it whole-heartedly. We also have to respect and be considerate to our co-workers, and maintain a harmonious relationship with them. Don’t just take the praise and avoid the mistakes. In “Meditation”, we learn how to be with Samadhi, which means being unmoved by situations. In the Chan Hall, we initially learn how to become aware of our thoughts, be free from attachments, and not to doze off. Then, we come to no-thought and see our original mind. By joining the meditation class or the seven-day retreat, you can see your pure, still and bright mind. Scripture Understanding, Merits, and Meditation are actually one unified teaching, not three separate components. If you are lack of merits and good connections, you might constantly suffer from bad conditions or have difficulty calming down your mind. Under such a predicament, how is it possible to get in touch with the greatness of the scriptures? During the Tang dynasty, Zen Master Huaihai of Baizhang was the ninth Zen Patriarch in China. He established the code of monastic conduct in the Chan Monastery and pursued the goal of “A day without working is a day without eating.” He taught his disciples, “The Buddha nature is not polluted and is readily profound in you. You are the Buddha at the very moment you are away from illusive thoughts.” Master Huaihai’s practices were perfect manifestations of the “Three Links of Cultivation.” The Sixth Patriarch Huineng said, “The Buddhadharma is here in the world. Enlightenment is not apart from the universe. To search for Bodhi apart from this world is like looking for a hare with horns.” All sentient beings naturally wish to be free from vexations. However, we don’t have to leave this world but instead can look inward to our pure mind to be free from vexations. Remember, all the good or bad situations will vanish eventually, only the already present clear and pure mind stays forever!
Back to TopNew Year New Wish新年新氣象—佛心寺2007年新春活動記實 佛心寺平日推廣禪修，弘揚正信佛法。於新春佳節之際，學習菩薩自利利他的精神，促進中西文化交流，故舉行新春藥師祈福法會及春節聯歡表演。 法會當天，陽光普照，涼風徐徐。上午九時左右，護法信眾陸續雲集。在悠揚的梵唱聲中，大眾恭誦《藥師瑠璃光如來本願功德經》。佛心寺住持上見下太法師用中英文開示持誦藥師經的功德利益，讓與會大眾了解藥師佛除了發願幫助眾生醫治身體的病苦外，更要解除心裡貪瞋癡的煩惱。當調整好自己的身心，廣修善法，我們本具的智慧自然可顯現出它的妙用。 新春法會尚有佛前大供及消災超薦等佛事。大眾至誠以清淨香齋供養諸佛菩薩，並誦經持咒回向正逢一百周年的奧克拉荷馬州，能風調雨順，諸事呈祥。也藉由每一個人的精進用功，祈願護法善信增福增慧，往生者超生淨土。 法會結束後即開始一連串的春節聯歡表演。這次之節目，在八位華語班學員，用中文唱的拜年歌中，展開序幕。接下來的佛曲二部合唱、雙截棍表演、太極拳演出、電子琴演奏及散文朗讀，表現出中華文化豐富的內涵。而活動最高潮是梁遵燕居士表演的仙姑獻瑞，只見她雙手合十，至誠供養諸佛菩薩，接下來的彩帶舞及福袋結緣，讓與會的中西人士，體會中國年的歡喜氣氛。 「新年新春萬事新，日新又新在明心。直下承當照古月，朝朝暮暮在逢春。」新的一年就要有更多的體悟與突破，無論處於何種境界，希望這念心始終清楚明白作主，如此一來，日日皆是好日，年年便是好年。 New Year New Wish Report on 2007 Chinese New Year activities at the Buddha Mind Monastery
We promote the Zen practice and propagate the Zen Buddhism at the Buddha Mind Monastery. While celebrating Chinese New Year, we want to follow the Bodhisattva’s spirit to benefit not only ourselves but also others. Moreover, in order to facilitate better understanding of Eastern and Western culture, we held the New Year Medicine Buddha ceremony and Chinese New Year celebration. On the day of Dharma ceremony, the weather was sunny with a light breeze. Around 9:00 am, all of the Dharma supporters gathered at the Buddha Mind Monastery. Everyone recited” Medicine Crystal Light Tathagata’s Vow and Merit Sutra” and the sounds of chanting were like from heaven. Master Jian Tai, the Abbess of the Buddha Mind Monastery, gave a Dharma lecture in both Chinese and English to demonstrate the merit and virtue of chanting Medicine Buddha Sutra. The Medicine Buddha makes a great vow to cure the physical illness and eradicate vexations of sentient beings. Only when we have a peaceful mind and healthy body as well as do good deeds, will our inherent wisdom manifest naturally. The New Year Dharma ceremony included offering to the Buddha, for prosperity, and dedication to the deceased. Everyone sincerely offered incense and vegetarian food to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. With a wish to have nice weather and to handle public affairs smoothly in Oklahoma, now celebrating its centennial, people attending the Dharma ceremony chanted mantras and dedicated the merits to this land. From the diligent practice of everyone, we wish that all Dharma supporters gain blessings and wisdom, and the deceased can transcende to the pure land. Following the Dharma ceremony, there were many performances and celebration programs. It began with New Year songs in Chinese from eight students of our Mandarin Learning class,followed by Buddhist song choir, nunchakus performances, Tai Chi martial art, electronic piano performance, and Chinese prose. These programs fully showed the rich content of Chinese culture. The performance of “Fairy offers Fortune” by Zweng-Yen Liang reached the most excited period during the Chinese New Year celebration program. She placed her palms together and very sincerely offered to the Buddha. Following her performance was a ribbon dance and distribution of fortune envelops. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year. “In the New Year and New Spring, all is new. Every new day should focus on clearing and purifying the Mind. At the right moment, the ancient moon illuminates. From morning till evening, we meet Spring again.” In the New Year, no matter where you are, you should increase your understandings and breakthrough your limitation. If you can be the master of the Pure Mind all the time, then every day is a good day, and every year is a good year.
Back to TopReport of Grand Opening Purification Ceremony佛心寺開光灑淨報導 佛心寺位處於美國中部的奧克拉荷馬州，由於上惟下覺大和尚不捨一眾生的慈悲願力，道場建築自二零零四下半年開始整修，並接引有緣的西方人士或從台灣、中國或越南等地的移民及留學生。今年欣逢奧克拉荷馬州建州一百週年，在大眾啟請下，佛心寺於五月五日舉行灑淨暨佛像陞座開光大典，恭請中台禪寺住持上見下燈和尚主法，並傳授三皈依。 五月五日當天，美國多家分院的法師、護法善信及社會賢達約一百五十人蒞臨會場。上午九時半，灑淨開光大典在莊嚴的佛號聲中揭開序幕，由蘇景齊居士代表執香案，迎請中台禪寺住持上見下燈和尚主法。為了方便與會的英文人士了解法會所有過程，每一支香都有英文翻譯。 主法和尚於法會期間開示大眾:「雖然地有東西南北，人有男女老幼，但每個人共同追尋的目標是一致的，那就是「萬事如意」。如何才能達到這個目標呢，有下列三個層次可以來觀察: 第一、 物質層面—開門七件事: 柴米油鹽醬醋茶等日常生活所需不虞匱乏。 第二、 精神層面—知識教育提升，參與藝術及休閒生活。 第三、 心靈道德層面—心靈達到圓滿平和，這已涵蓋上述兩個層面。當掌握心靈，就掌握了全部的生活。 佛法的重點，就是引導大眾契悟本心本性，這念心不需向外祈求，本來就具足。雖然每個人都有常住真心，但為什麼許多人會認為生活不如意?這就是不認識本體及作用的差別。 一切事物都會變化，這是無常的。任何事情也都符合因果法則，我們希望有如意的人生，美好的結果，就需修善積福，讓這念心起善的作用。而觀察能見能聞的這念心不會因時空而改變，這就了解本質，體會正知正見的智慧。佛陀是福德及智慧圓滿的覺者，如果大眾都能修福修慧，達到百分之百，就能成佛。 中台禪寺在全世界設立將近一百零八間道場，於美國已有五處，並持續增加中。道場的成立就是幫助大眾淨化身心，圓滿生命的開展及呈現。當自己精進用功，並帶動親朋好友一起來修善積福，世界和平即可早日實現。」 法會結束之後，為慶祝這殊勝的日子，許多居士發心節目表演。首先是各級禪修班及華語班學員學員，以英文演出「佛陀誕生的故事」舞台劇。為讓戲劇更加傳神，在服裝道具及音樂方面，大量採用印度風格。這一齣近十五位演員的戲劇引發極大的震憾及回響，這都是所有參與人員共同發心的成果。接下來是佛曲演唱及散文朗讀，讓大眾在歡喜的氣氛中體會佛法的活潑及中國文字之美。 法會圓滿成功之背後都是三寶護佑及大眾的護持，在這一個半月的籌備期間，護法居士參與各項準備工作，希望從台灣、美國各州及當地來參加法會的人士，更加認識佛心寺的發展近況。特別感謝Grand House，梁遵燕大德及各級禪修班學員發心成就此次殊勝的法會，也感恩 Old Time Buffet, New China Restaurant, Taj Indian Cuisine及護法居士贊助素食餐點。 「佛心含攝一切法，禪水普潤三千界。」佛心寺秉持上惟下覺大和尚的慈悲願力，將動靜一如的禪法傳播於奧克拉荷馬州，並促進中西文化交流。希望這片土地上的有緣眾生，都能透過佛法的修持，進而煩惱永斷，成就菩提道果。
Report of Grand Opening Purification and Consecration Ceremony at Buddha Mind Monastery Buddha Mind Monastery is located in Oklahoma, a state in the middle of United States. As the Grand Master Ven. Wei Chueh has great compassionate vows to liberate all sentient beings from suffering, the Buddha Mind Monastery was established in 2004. American practitioners, immigrants and students from Taiwan, China or Vietnam who were interested in Buddhism came to the monastery. Coinciding with the centennial of Oklahoma, dharma practitioners invited the Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, Ven. Master Jian-Deng to preside the Grand Opening Purification and Consecration Ceremony (GOPCC) on May 5. Soon after, there was also a Ceremony of Transmitting Three Refuges. On May 5, approximately one hundred and fifty people including Masters from various Zen Centers in the United States, honorable guests and dharma supporters joined the ceremony. At 9:30am, GOPCC began with chanting the Buddha name. Representative, Ms.De Lang, held the incense tray to receive the Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, Ven. Master Jian-Deng. All the proceedings were in English translations. During his dharma talk in the ceremony, Ven. Master Jian-Deng said, “Although there are east, west, north and south in a place; there are men, women, old and young ages for human, we all have a common ultimate goal, i.e. ‘to hope for things to happen as one wishes.’ How do we attain this goal? We can assess this goal through the following three aspects: First, from material aspect; we have sufficient daily food to sustain us, such as firewood, rice, cooking oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea. Second, from spiritual aspect; we are able to increase our knowledge and education levels, join artistic and leisure activities. Third, from moralistic mind aspect; the mind is fully peaceful. This level includes the other two levels. When people know their minds, they are in charge of their lives.” Ven. Master Jian-Deng continued, “The essence of Buddhism is to help people recognize their true mind. This present mind is innate. You don’t have to search from outside. Although everyone has their Buddha nature, why are people unhappy with their lives? That is because they don’t know the difference between the true nature and functionality. All things change; they are impermanent. Everything follows the principles of dependent origination, the laws of causality. If we wish our dreams come true or see good results, we need to cultivate good merits and increase our blessings. We should let our minds function in a good and constructive way. If we pay attention, we notice that the ability of the mind to see and hear remains constant and unchanged. If you understand this true nature, you will have the wisdom of right view. Buddha is the awakened one, highest in merits and wisdom. If sentient beings keep on practicing until one hundred percent, they will become Buddha. There are almost one hundred and eight Zen Centers from Chung Tai Chan Monastery around the world. Five are in the United States and keep on increasing. The goal of Zen Center is to help people purify their minds and lead a better life. When you practice diligently and encourage families and friends to cultivate merits and increase blessings, peace in the world will come true.” After the ceremony, in order to celebrate this auspicious day, dharma practitioners performed three shows. First was the English drama named “The Story of Buddha’s Birthday,” which was played by fifteen students from the Meditation and Mandarin Learning classes. In order to fit into the historical context, Indian costumes and Indian music were utilized. This drama was very successful and lots of audiences were moved by it. Next two items were Buddhist hymns singing and Chinese prose reading. Everyone felt the joy of Buddhism and the beauty of Chinese characters. Under the blessings of the Triple Gem（Buddha, Dharma and Sangha）and everyone’s support, the GOPCC was very successful. During the fourty-five days of preparation, many dharma supporters were deeply involved. They hoped the honorable guests from Taiwan or from other cities would learn more about Buddha Mind Monastery. We appreciated Grand House, Ms.Tinny Chang and everyone’s help very much. Besides, Old Time Buffet, New China Restaurant, Taj Indian Cuisine and many dharma supporters have helped cooked delicious vegetarian meals for this great event. Thanks a lot. “The Buddha mind includes all the dharmas, the water of Zen flows three thousand realms.” Masters of Buddha Mind Monastery follow the great compassionate vow of Ven. Wei Chueh. They propagate Zen methods to Oklahoma and promote the connection between the east and west cultures. We hope that the sentient beings in this land, through Buddhism practice, will be free from vexations and reap bodhi fruits.
Back to TopZen Story禪話，禪心 公案一: 他對我說「謝謝」
一位和尚住在深山裡。有一天，竊賊湯姆闖入了這位僧人的寮房，想偷些東西。他發現這裡沒什麼值錢的物品，只找到幾件舊衣服。和尚說：「我沒有什麼好東西，你可拿走這些衣服。但要對我說『謝謝』。」湯姆很小聲地說了一聲「謝謝」後，就離開了。 和尚看到明亮的月光，照在湯姆背上。望著走遠的背影，他想：「我真希望把月亮送給你!」 幾天後，警察抓到湯姆並發現贓物中有幾件衣服寫著一位和尚的名字。警察將衣服送還給師父，並希望他能出來作証湯姆的罪行。和尚說：「湯姆沒有偷我的東西，他有對我說『謝謝』。」 湯姆聽到和尚的回話後覺得很感動。他請求原諒並決定來學佛。他真的得到了那輪明月—意指每個人的清淨心。 Ï生活小哲理 當有人提供協助時，說聲「謝謝」。 當有人讓你開懷大笑時，說聲「謝謝」。 當有人給你一些境界時，說聲「謝謝」。 當有人教導你如何思考時，說聲「謝謝」。 當有人啟發了你的潛能，說聲「謝謝」。 當有人引導你接近真理，說聲「謝謝」。 當你遇到好人，說聲「謝謝」。 當你避開掉壞因緣，說聲「謝謝」。 當你安定心神時，說聲「謝謝」。 當你有一個美妙的構想時，說聲「謝謝」。 當你擁有想要的東西時，說聲「謝謝」。 當你內心充滿喜悅時，說聲「謝謝」。 ＊ 如果你在何地方或任何時間，都能說聲「謝謝」，那你就會發現--處處有明月。
Zen Story He Said “Thank You” to Me
There was a monk who lived in a deep mountain. One day a thief named Tom broke in this monk’s house. He just found some old clothes. The monk said, “I don’t have any valuable things. You can take my clothes. But you have to say, “Thank you.” Tom said, “thank you” with a tiny voice and left. The monk saw the bright moon that shined on Tom’s back. He thought, I wish I could give you the bright moon! Several days later, a policeman caught Tom and found some clothes with the monk’s name written inside. He gave them back to the monk and wanted him to prove this thief’s crime. The monk said, “Tom didn’t steal my things. He said ‘thank you’ to me.” Tom felt much moved after he heard the words of the monk. He then asked for forgiveness and became a disciple of Buddha. He really received the bright moon which represents everyone’s pure heart.
Say Thank you when someone helps you. Say Thank you when someone makes you smile. Say Thank you when someone gives you some troubles. Say Thank you when someone teaches you to think. Say Thank you when someone creates your talent. Say Thank you when someone leads you to the truth. Say Thank you when you meet some good people. Say Thank you when you avoid a bad situation. Say Thank you when you calm down your mind. Say Thank you when you had a good idea. Say Thank you when you have everything you need. Say Thank you when you feel joyful in your heart.
If you can say “Thank you” in any place and any time, you will find the bright moon everywhere.
公案二: 我國宴然
高沙彌到藥山參見惟儼禪師，禪師問道：「我聽說京城長安不太安寧。」高沙彌回答：「我的國家非常平靜。」禪師問：「你的見解是從經書上讀到的呢，還是向師父請教的呢？」高沙彌答：「既不是從看經學到，也沒有請教別人。」禪師又問：「有些人不讀經，又不去請問師父。為什麼學不到呢？」高沙彌答：「他們不是學不到，他們只是不肯承當罷了。」
Ï生活小哲理 當你看見一位美女，卻不會被她的美色所迷惑，那就是真正的平靜。 當你坐在吵雜的房間內，卻不會受到聲音的影響，那就是真正的平靜。 當你聞到新煮咖啡的香味，卻不會被香氣誘惑，那就是真正的平靜。 當你嘗到一片苦瓜時，卻不會被苦味所困擾，那就是真正的平靜。 當你睡在硬板床上，卻不會感到困苦，那就是真正的平靜。 當你做惡夢時，卻不會被眼前的幻象所掌控，那就是真正的平靜。 當你不會被自己的眼睛、耳朵、鼻子、舌頭、身體及意念所騙，那就是真正的平靜。 ＊ 落實你曾學過的好觀念，你會發現「真正的平靜」一直在你身旁。
Zen Story My Country is Peaceful
When Zen Master Gao was still a novice, he went to pay his respects to Zen Master Weiyan of Yaoshan. Weiyan asked Gao, “I heard that the capital Chang-an is very noisy.” Gao replied, “My country is peaceful.” Weiyan asked, “Did you learn this from reading sutras or talking to a master?” Gao said, “From neither.” Weiyan then asking, “There are people who do not read sutras nor talk to the masters. Why do they learn nothing?” Gao replied,”It doesn’t mean they learn nothing. It is because they do not practice what they learned.”
When you see a beautiful girl but you are not influenced by her beauty, that is the TRUE PEACE. When you sit in a noisy room but you are not influenced by the sound, that is the TRUE PEACE. When you smell the redolence of freshly brewed coffee but are not influenced by its fragrance, that is the TRUE PEACE. When you taste a piece of bitter melon but you are not influenced by the bitter taste, that is the TRUE PEACE. When you lie on a hard bed but you are not influenced by the hardness, that is the TRUE PEACE. When you have bad dreams but you are not influenced by the vision, that is the TRUE PEACE. When you are not cheated by your eyes, ears, noise, tongue, body or mind, that is the TRUE PEACE.
Practice good ideas which you have learned, you will find TRUE PEACE always following you.
Back to TopChinese Culture is shining in the History of Oklahoma華人文化放光輝，奧州歷史開新頁 --佛心寺受邀奧州歷史博物館展覽記實--
歷史，是人與人活動的記錄；文化，是人和人精神之傳遞。美國奧克拉荷馬州歷史博物館（Oklahoma History Center）與奧華文教中心合作，舉辦「歸來燕，中國人在奧州的經歷（A Scissortail Returns：The Chinese Experience in Oklahoma）」展覽，為期一整年。將華人在奧克拉荷馬州生活之經歷，透過歷史的角度來呈現。 佛心寺為奧克拉荷馬州第一座大乘禪宗道場。奧華文教中心主任梁遵燕居士了知佛法在中國人的心目中，占有崇高地位。特邀奧州歷史博物館Mr. Michael Bell（Curator of General Collections ofOklahoma Museum of History）, Mr. Rodger Harris（Oral Historian, Research Division）及Ms.Susan de Quevedo（Assistant Curator of General Collections）來佛心寺參訪與交流。 為了成就此次展覽，並讓大眾更能了解佛教歷史文化與藝術，佛心寺住持釋見太法師與來訪的貴賓結緣上惟下覺大和尚書寫的「修善積福」新春賀聯及中台山文宣。並將自己收藏多年的古物：一百零八顆鳳眼菩提念珠、引磬及木魚各一組，捐贈給奧州歷史博物館。 鳳眼菩提子產於印度，每一顆的芽眼如鳳眼，因此得名。由於質地十分堅硬，經持誦後顏色轉深，且愈來愈具光澤。而一百零八顆念珠之意義，則是修行人為求證百八三昧而斷除一百零八種煩惱。 引磬為寺院中使用的打擊樂器，又稱手磬。銅質碗形，直徑約七厘米，隆起的頂端有鈕，置於一根木柄上端，木柄長約三十五厘米，用細長銅棍敲擊。 木魚刻有首尾相接的魚形。魚本身沒有眼瞼，睡覺時眼睛張開，以此現象勉勵修行者精進用功。而龍形木魚的樣式則取乎「魚化成龍」，表示「轉凡成聖」之意。 任何事情之成就，皆需殊勝的因緣才能達成。歷經長時間的籌備，今年九月二十一日，展覽正式剪綵開幕，梁遵燕主任特邀佛心寺法師及居士參加，並請住持法師剪綵。為了表達祝賀之意，佛心寺護法會致贈鮮花一籃給歷史博物館，由Mr. Michael Bell（Curator of General Collections ofOklahoma Museum of History）代表接受。 當天到場之中外嘉賓共有三百多人，每位參與者都對此次展覽抱持高度的期許。 展覽場地設有服飾、文教、節慶、飲食等區，並闢有「精神教化」區（Spirituality），於此區內，中台禪寺開山方丈上惟下覺大和尚書寫的「修善積福」四字，印在朱紅的牆面上，吸引眾人之目光。佛心寺開光灑淨法會及建築照片，讓與會來賓看到佛法在異國興盛的氣象，而展示櫃內則陳列各方捐贈給博物館的精品。 華人團體在奧克拉荷馬州的數目雖然不算多，但勤奮認真，對地方逐漸顯現出影響力。佛心寺從2004年開始弘法度眾，接引中外人士認識佛法、學習禪修、了解中華文化。並藉由奧州歷史博物館展覽之因緣，讓愛好歷史文化藝術的人士，有機會和三寶結緣，擴展生活視野，體會佛教藝術之美。在此要感謝主辦單位，梁遵燕主任及為此展覽付出的所有人員，由於大眾的發心，過去點點滴滴的努力，在這次中西文化之交會中，閃耀出璀璨的光芒，也為華人在奧州之貢獻，作了最佳見証。
Chinese Culture is shining in the History of Oklahoma The report of Buddha Mind Monastery to the Chinese Exhibition in Oklahoma History Center
History is the record of human activities, while culture is the spiritual connection of people. Recently, the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) and the Oklahoma Chinese Culture Foundation (OCCF) opened a one-year long exhibition, “A Scissor Tail Return – The Chinese Experience in Oklahoma” to show the lives of Chinese people in Oklahoma. The Buddha Mind Monastery (BMM) is the first monastery of the Chan School in Oklahoma. Knowing that a lot of Chinese people are very sincere to Buddhism, Ms. Tinny Chang, the Director of OCCF, especially invited the following; Mr. Michael Bell, the Curator of General Collections of Oklahoma Museum of History (GCOMH), Mr. Rodger Harris, the Oral Historian of Research Division of GCOMH, and Ms. Susan De Quevedo, the Assistant Curator of GCOMH, to visit the Buddha Mind Monastery. In order to support the Chinese Exhibition and let people have a chance to understand the history, culture, and art in Buddhism, Ven. Jian Tai, Abbess of BMM, provided a New Year Blessing scroll “Xiu Shan Ji Fu”, meaning “To practice good deeds and cultivate merits” by the Grand Master Wei-chueh of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, to their guests. Ven. Jian Tai also donated her old collections: one hundred and eight phoenix-eye chanting beads, a hand bell and a wooden fish to the Oklahoma History Center. Phoenix-eye bead trees grow in India; every bead has an eye like a phoenix-eye. Beads are very hard and after chanting for a long time, the beads will become shinny and their color will turn darker. “We used to connect one hundred and eight beads together, which means to cut off one hundred and eight vexations and attain one hundred and eight Samadhi” said Ven. Jian Tai. The hand bell is a percussion instrument used at a Buddhist monastery. It is made of copper and its shape is like a bowl, with a diameter of seven centimeters. The copper bowl is put on top of a 35 centimeter long wooden stem. People use a long copper stick to strike the bell. There are two fish images in the wooden fish. We all know that fish don’t have eyelids and their eyes are open during sleep. This phenomenon is used to encourage Buddhists to practice diligently. Sometimes people carved a wooden fish with a dragon shape to show that normal people can turn into sages and saints. Good results rely on wonderful causes and conditions. Through great planning and long term preparation, the exhibition was opened on Sep 21, 2007. Ms. Tinny Chang invited the Shifus and the lay people of BMM to join the opening ceremony. Ven. Jian Tai was also invited to cut the red ribbon. In order to celebrate this Chinese exhibition, the Dharma Support Association of BMM sent a basket of fresh flowers to OHC. Mr. Michael Bell, the Curator of GCOMH, represented the OHC and received the flowers. There were more than three hundred people who joined the opening ceremony. Every one had high expectations for this exhibition. There where many samples of Chinese clothing, food, festivals, literature and spirituality in the exhibition. The calligraphy “Xiu Shan Ji Fu” of Grand Master Wei-chueh attracted everyone’s attention. The photos of the Buddha Mind Monastery, and its Grand Opening Purification and Consecration Ceremony showed that Buddhism is propagating prosperously in Oklahoma. All the donation offerings displayed in the cabinets where a wonderful site to behold, proof of the great support by the local communities. Though there are few Chinese people living in Oklahoma, their diligence and hard work has been affecting Oklahoma communities greatly. In 2004, the Shifus of the Buddha Mind Monastery started to propagate Buddhism and introduce meditation and Chinese culture to local people. For the first time, people who love Chinese history and art have a great opportunity to get to know the Buddha Mind Monastery and enjoy the art that is in Buddhism. We truly appreciate the efforts and time spent by the Oklahoma History Center’s, Ms. Tinny Chang and many volunteers. As a result of the effort and time spent by many people, the Chinese Exhibition is a shinning addition to Oklahoma’s history and proves that the Chinese people are contributing to the culture of this state.
Back to TopTo Be ContinuedOne reaps what one sows. Back to TopTo Be ContinuedRecognizing suffering is the first step on the path of ending it. Back to TopTo Be ContinuedIn grave illness, the precepts are fine medicine. Back to Top
|