華麗的冒險

攻城獅筆記之世上沒有後悔藥
幸好當年早知道

想和阿九(Azure)做好朋友，今天順利了很多，幸好當年啃完桌上這本厚厚的磚頭書MCSA Windows Server 2012 R2 all-in-one。微軟的天使和我們討論時講得飛快（今天的工程師叫Angel，就直接稱呼他為天使吧👍），但是我們架設時腦袋靈光，沒有在基本概念卡卡，多虧了當年所下的苦工啊👏👏👏

還記得當年從MCSA Windows Server 2003 all-in-one開始看起，到2012和2012 R2，每本厚厚一千多頁啃完，雖然沒有考過MCSA的證照，基礎概念還是有吸收進去。現在上雲端了阿九更複雜，若是基礎不好真的很辛苦。

因果不會辜負我們💪
佛法在生活中的體會

攻城獅筆記之二：所知障拖累你我人生

星期五原本預計下午5點至7點的工作，在莫非定律影響下，原本順利地執行，將近7點時果然出問題。所謂莫非定律就是：「凡是可能出錯的事就一定會出錯。」

身為優秀的攻城獅，憑技術與經驗立刻決定重開機排除數個可能狀況，仍然出現同樣的錯誤訊息，於是只好與Dell EMC廠商的工程師在電話上研究如何排除錯誤。她的聲音好像Naomi Scott，就叫她娜歐蜜吧~

一個小時，兩個小時慢慢過去，娜歐蜜想了好幾種方法仍然重複遇到同樣的錯誤訊息，期間我提過兩次疑問：「有沒有可能是別的地方出錯，間接造成這個錯誤訊息？所以我們應該往不同的方向去檢查、嘗試。」娜歐蜜堅持眼前的錯誤訊息很清楚，我們應該著眼解決它。

第三個小時過後，另一位廠商工程師加入電話，聽起來像相聲演員孫越。孫越聽完問題，自己從頭執行一遍見到錯誤訊息，聽完我的懷疑，反而花了很多時間解釋我的懷疑不合理。

第四位聽起來像宋少卿的廠商工程師加入電話，娜歐蜜從頭解釋了問題，我也趁機再次提出疑問，孫越再次花了很多時間解釋不合理，我們應該要解決眼前問題。此時已經過第五個小時了，宋少卿聽不太懂解釋，決定照自己理解，往新的方向嘗試處理，孫越拼命在電話上說NONONO...你沒有搞懂問題!

結果，成了！

凌晨一點，娜歐蜜和孫越呆了，問道：「你怎麼知道這樣可以解決問題？」

其實，沒有人知道。只是當沒有認清實相，心中有著成見，一直在原地打轉輪迴，反而失去了嘗試新方向解決問題的可能。

你我的成佛之道，也是這樣被所知障遮蔽著吧？

#幸福讀書會隨筆
大家吉祥，今天讀書會選讀的是星雲大師《豁達的人生》一書第六章：人生的方向。大師在文內提到人生要有方向，而選定人生方向的原則有四：前人走過的方向；目標明確的方向；了解方向在那裡；選定方向不改變。

大家今天分享了各自的人生方向：有人希望了脫生死，有人想要成就子女，有人願作維摩詰居士，也有人願作一盞給人光明的燈。我們會立下這些獨特的方向，是因為我們有信仰，有佛法。

普賢警眾偈：「是日已過，命亦隨減，如少水魚，斯有何樂？」我們談論人生的方向，也談論生死的問題與彼此經驗。如何在有限的生命，做無窮的事業？唯有朝著自己選定的方向努力，才能有所成就。如文中所說：選定了人生的方向，不能輕易改變；能夠堅持到底，才有成功的希望。

祝福各位，朝著選定的方向，走出幸福快樂的人生。

#幸福讀書會隨筆
大家吉祥，今天10/6讀書會選讀的是星雲大師《豁達的人生》一書第四章：人生八不可。大師在文內提到人生有很多可做的事情，也有很多不可做的事情：說話不可無忌、利害不可不知，人情不可不顧、財帛不可亂貪、晨昏不可顛倒、輕重不可不明、感情不可亂愛、心意不可亂想。

今天大家的討論分享多關於「說話不可無忌」，希望大家也注意「心意不可亂想」。大師在文中提到：「心」如同一國之君，心王不正，則下面的子民就會胡作非為。

除了善護六根，我們要怎麼守護心意，當事情繁多手忙腳亂時，怎麼不讓心意亂想，繼續面對接下來的挑戰呢？

《大智度論》道：「…著忍辱鎧，捉智慧劍，執禪定盾，遮諸煩惱箭，是名內忍。 」

有了佛法，就好像心王有了武裝；有了智慧，就能知利害、顧人情、明輕重，做到「人生八不可」。我們不可不勉勵自己，時刻注意。

大家吉祥，今天幸福讀書會選讀的是星雲大師《豁達的人生》一書第三章：人生七寶。

大師在文內提到人生有七樣珍寶，分別是健康、正見、明理、信仰、立志、善緣、道德。七寶之中，每個人重視的都不同，有人覺得健康第一，有人認為立志最受益，有人覺得不可缺乏信仰，有人覺得必須要有正見。大師在文末提到：以上人生七寶，少一寶都不行；既是人生之寶，吾人自應好好珍惜它。

我們討論到不同宗教例如猶太教徒他們的教性堅強，行為舉止食衣住行皆受信仰影響。佛弟子皈依三寶，固然對三寶珍而重之，但是當我們遭遇困難，感到迷惘，或是沮喪懊惱時，是否有皈依三寶，祈求佛菩薩慈悲，從佛法中尋求智慧，找到指引前路的明燈？希望大家珍惜人生之寶，身心健康，有正見能明理，立志發願，廣結善緣，培養道德，也能了解重視信仰，從信仰這個珍寶受益，過著幸福的人生。

http://www.fgs.org.tw/cultivation/fgu-chan/Q&A/q&a...

地鐵上，一位西裝筆挺的男士非常有禮貌地詢問我背包上的掛飾。

看著他一臉認真的表情，我反手提起背包，開始解釋這是「法輪」，是佛教裡非常代表性的標誌，旁邊八個輪軸代表「八正道」，當我從「正見」一路開始介紹下去時，他指著掛飾問中間那是什麼符號。

中間？

法輪的中間是什麼？

被猛然這麼一問反而答不出來。仔細一看，原來是一朵蓮花。接著便開始介紹蓮花在佛教代表的涵義，誰知道他輕輕地搖頭，再次微笑地問道：「請問，這個吊飾背面中間的符號是什麼？」

背面？

翻轉吊飾，中間是卍。

「喔！這個念『萬』」，正思索該如何解釋「吉祥海雲相」時，這位男士很有耐心地再次提問：「請問，你不覺得這和什麼東西很像嗎？」

「確實很像，但這是不一樣的」。至此，我總算明白問題的重點，站直了身體，面對他也面對周圍的乘客們，認真地解說兩者間的差異。原來老兄以為我膽大包天，把納粹黨的標誌帶在身上到處亂晃，想好心提醒我別惹事生非，畢竟紐約市很多猶太人，稍有誤會可能一個拳頭就往我身上招呼。

「謝謝你的解說，我學到佛教有一個很獨特的符號。」

「你是一個亂來的人嗎？」

簡短的問題，其實很容易回答。可以說：「當然不是，因為我有受五戒呀！」、「我隨便亂來也亂去到處亂跑全球玩透透！」或者「我是佛光青年，所以我努力行三好。」相信可以有很多不同,很有彈性的答案。

被詢問的當下，卻應以沉默。

甚至，生起「為什麼你會針對我提這個問題」的想法。似乎，在心裡，有一塊小小的地方被刺痛了。

為什麼？

晚上針對這一點思維，發現其實是「我執」在作祟：覺得自己稍微有了些努力，認為「自己」是「清淨」的，對於和合的假我，產生保護的念頭。對旁人提出的玩笑話語非常敏感，很怕被認為是不好、不清淨，馬上如刺蝟一般想要反駁。

《阿含經》言：「念欲惡，惡念欲亦惡；彼斷念欲，亦斷惡念欲。」以此句和未來的自己勉勵。也謝謝這次的因緣，有善知識讓我察覺到自己的缺失。學佛，真好！

那天，決定種下從加拿大飛到澳洲再來紐約的種子。

灑水的時候，心情十分複雜，畢竟本人是著名的植物殺手，連仙人掌都難逃天絕地滅的毒手，這些不知名的偷渡客又能生存多久？也許，也許尚未萌芽便會腐爛殆盡吧？撥土覆蓋，沒有植下生機的期盼，卻彷彿在埋葬自己，看著自己的死期。

一天，兩天。慢慢地，溫柔地澆著水。

──閒即旁邊立，看多長卻遲。

第三天，一株綠芽輕吐，好似情人的吻，輕著辦公室沉悶的空氣。

第四天，像是要回應我之前的輕視一般，一個個全都探頭出來耀武揚威。

想不到，你們，居然還是活下來，而且無畏挫折，從土壤裡更挺拔地探出。

青青翠竹，盡是法身；鬱鬱黃花，無非般若。這些無名的朋友，學著熱血的少年漫畫，提醒我：「自己的故事，只有自己能當主角」。這麼精彩的畫面應該可以拍成MV吧？

眺望遠山是一相，山腳仰望又是一相；行至山腰另成一相，登頂後一覽眾山小又是一相；待得攻頂下山，回首再望，又是一番不同面貌。在人生的谷底，坐看鏡花水月，縱然寂寞如刀愁似雪，不過是在原已百孔千瘡的地方再補上幾個創口。《金剛經》云：「若見諸相非相，則見如來。」眼前霧裡看花，步步驚魂，吉凶未卜；對境生迷，又怎知不是陽燄？撫掌一按，說不定淤泥生紅蓮，又充滿了無限可能、無限希望。

對未來的憧憬，多麼美好。希望，明天會更好。

看到最近朋友們在台灣努力溫書，精進求法，遂將《阿含經隨身剪輯》翻出來，趁著搭乘地鐵的空閒時間閱讀。

莊老師在序文中寫到：「......假如能有一本隨身手冊，摘錄重要經文，即使在只有五分鐘、十分鐘的空檔裡，能拿出來讀一讀、想一想、反省反省，讓生活落實在佛法的實踐中，經常獲得佛法的滋潤，而將時間、空間的限制，降到最低，......」隨身書籍的便利，已在如今繁忙緊湊的生活中顯現，以當前電子閱讀流行，連Borders這樣老字號的連鎖書店都敵不過，如何讓字字珠磯的經典被大眾接受，讓忙碌的人們更便捷地汲取佛法的智慧，相信會是我們這一代所要努力的方向。

一頁一頁翻來，可見莊老師多年對阿含經的心得，從漢譯的四阿含經中精挑細選出三百一十一頁的剪輯，簡短的經文帶來一次又一次的深省，卷後「一分鐘正思維」摘錄阿含經法語，站牌或月台候車時默默憶念，亦頗有幾分體會。「行住坐臥，眠寢語默，皆正知之。」難嗎?如果，有這樣一本小抄在手，時時刻刻提醒自己，離解脫的彼岸，似乎又近了一步。

離家遠行，總要整裡行囊；上班出門，也要提帶背包。什麼該帶？什麼必備？那個可捨？重拾《阿含經隨身剪輯》提醒了我：忙，不是藉口。閒暇莫空逝，常念正思維，萬般不帶走，唯有法隨身。

《阿含經隨身剪輯》可至網上閱讀

 http://agama.buddhason.org/book/tb/tbi.htm

慈悲偉大的佛陀！
三月十一日，日本本州宮城縣等
沿海地區發生大地震和海嘯了！
您可曾聽到眾生的呼號？
您可曾看到親人的慘痛？
佛陀啊！佛陀！
那是人間地獄發出的哀嚎！
那是娑婆浩劫傳出的聲音！
在那裡，
天搖地動，海嘯驚人，
在那裡，
惡水火劫，滿目瘡痍；
千萬人身陷災區中，
正在恐慌；
他們此時正像迷失的遊子，
　 都在尋找寄住的家園；
他們此時正像驚惶的羔羊，
　 都在尋覓安全的依怙。
慈悲偉大的佛陀！
祈求您的加被，

這次頭一回參觀佛陀紀念館，雖然尚未完工，仍然心情激動不能自己。許多人對於相片中出現的光點提出看法，我也順著氣氛開玩笑說那應該是蓮池海會佛菩薩，等著大家同成佛道。其實不單是這次照片中的法輪，常常發現周遭的人對於種種異象非常兩極化，可能運用各種科學方法去分析，尋找解釋；也有深信不疑，讚嘆成就。我想前者好奇心強，也許從中深入研究，說不定日後可以開發出更新更好的相機或攝影技術；後者生大信心，於佛道上勇猛精進，也可有一番成就。為什麼非要爭得面紅耳赤，結下惡緣呢?

青菜蘿蔔，各有所好。大道如天，各行一邊，偏偏總是有人硬要強迫大家走同一條路，何苦？真的又如何?幻象又怎樣?

────我們不是為了這些來學佛的。

莫說今天照片上出現幾個法輪，就算五方佛從大殿上走下來，或者十方三世諸佛一齊現前，仍然是自己要修行求解脫。如果因法輪示現而懈怠放逸，豈不辜負佛菩薩一番美意？與其追求神通、祈求瑞象，不如追求圓滿的智慧，廣大的慈悲。我們不是來學移山倒海之術或種種神通變化，佛陀教導我們調伏欲貪、斷欲貪、越欲貪，那才是我們應該關心注意之處，而不是一個小小的異象。

************************************** 

http://www.merit-times.com.tw/NewsPage.aspx?Unid=202501

【人生問卷】非風非幡 仁者心動

  2010/9/15

  問：有幾次到寺廟照像，拍完後看照片，竟發現照片上有白色圓形光點，有大有小，光點中偶爾會看到彩色紋路。請問禪師，這是傳說中的法輪嗎 ？學佛者又該以何種心態面對異象？

福報禪師答：許多年前，佛光山水陸法會期間，有不少人言之鑿鑿說看見大佛轉身，因為不只一人看見，而是從各個定點同時看見，一時傳為靈感事蹟。當時有緣親身經歷的信徒，無不是感動非常，此後一提此事，也煞時欣喜莫名，歡喜踴躍。

當然，也有人以科學角度認為，這不過是幻象；甚至有人猜測，大佛底下裝了轉動軸。事後雖證實大佛腳下是鋼筋水泥的實心建築，不可能裝有轉動機器，不過不信者恆不信，為了立論，一再找各種理由反駁，卻沒有考慮到，在反駁的當下，其實自己的心念，是負面，甚至是惡心的。

後來，佛光山迎請佛指舍利來台，也發生類似兩面的看法，信者感動涕下，自覺佛光庇佑；不信者以惡毒語言批評謾罵，自以為社會正義，殊不知正是擾亂了千萬信眾虔誠的心，結下不少惡緣。

So near the end of training camp, venerable pass me a few sheets stapled together. It was probably a homework from one of the class. Unfortunately I drove down to Middletown to run some errand so I didn't participate the class. But here are some of the feedback written on the sheet:

2 People impress you most & why

--Frank. He used to be shy but when asked, he gets the job done.

--He has taken a big responsibility to help NYYAD to grow & do good deed say kind word & have a big helping heart

--Frank Yao impress me for his running of this training camp. He has tried to change several aspects of camp, especially the new renewed focus on the 3 good manners.

After reading them, I just had one thought: You got me all wrong! I didn't do anything! It's all Fluffy's idea. Fluffy is behind everything!!! All hail Fluffy for the cute & flurry power!

5/19是最後一次<<六祖壇經>>讀書會，十堂下來收穫如何，倒也自知。最後一堂課的功課是要摘錄名句與同學分享，可惜在公司印出來卻沒有帶走，臨時重找卻成為記憶大考驗。

Be an unrequested helper

Someone once asked me if it’s difficult to be a volunteer. It seems like only students have the luxury of time to be involved in volunteer work. It could be a student club focus on community service, helping out at the local temple or church the family frequently visits, or working as a volunteer at hospital. Once we leave the fantastic college life behind and become working professionals, “volunteer” become an unfamiliar word that sound so distant because we don’t seem to have the time or energy anymore after a week of hard work. One would assume that our life turn towards the career path and focus on work, meetings, and commute. Should we still perform a service willingly without pay?

Most people think that they are too busy to be of service. In spite of our often hectic schedule, I believe we can still be a volunteer. We just need to be an unrequested helper.

What is an unrequested helper? As our Venerable Master Hsing Yun said: “People usually wait for others’ requests or invitation before offering their help, but a truly compassionate and generous person will automatically step forward and offer a helping hand when seeing others in need.” Being an unrequested helper does not necessarily require a lot of time or effort. It could be as simple as holding an elevator door, pouring the tea for someone sits next to you, or give up the seat for elderly. From these small actions, our compassion grows as we help others each day.

Nevertheless, compassion alone sometimes is not enough. Without wisdom, our unrequested help could bring negative results. Accountants should not eagerly offer advice on tax evasion as it harms nation’s economy; teachers should not help students to cheat or skip school because it does not lead them towards the correct path. How do we determine if our unrequested help follows morality?

Is our action wholesome? When we provide unrequested help, does it lead to wholesome results? We should be of service to others, but we do not assist in someone’s wrong doing. Our action should alleviate other’s suffering, not to cause more pain.

Did our speech affect others in a negative way? Did our words bring joy and hope to others? A few sentences can bring smile to someone and brighten up their day, but it can also diminish their courage and indirectly result in their failure. We want to guard our speech carefully to bring positive impact on others.

Did we have a kind and compassionate heart? Or did we provide assistance with questionable intention? Only wholesome intention can lead to good outcome. Since we want to be a volunteer, we should always be of service and practice the three good manners: do good deeds, say kind words, have a compassionate heart.

It is said that a Bodhisattva is a volunteer for sentient beings, while a volunteer is a bodhisattva for the world. Being an unrequested helper is the first step towards Bodhisattva path. I hope everyone in NYYAD can be an outstanding volunteer, starting by helping your fellow members in YAD. The 2010 Children’s Summer Camp is around the corner. There are a lot of preparations need to be completed. With everyone’s unique talent and experience, I am confident we will finish the preparation in time. Yet, sometimes a few things might slip out of crack or fall behind because we might be too busy with our regular work and academic assignments. If each of us can be an unrequested helper and assist our friends, I believe we can make operations more smooth and deliver a memorable summer camp experience.

為接引青年朋友認識佛教、提昇團員佛學素養，佛光山紐約青 年團舉辦為期三天兩夜的青年學佛營，名為 “Workshop on Humanistic Buddhism”，於三月二十七至二十八日在佛光山鹿野苑舉行，特別邀請覺瑋法師授課，共計二十餘名學員 報名參加，其中包括來自紐約理工大學、紐約州立大學石溪分校 的學生及社青。

此次學佛營以輕鬆活潑的方式，輔以極具巧思的趣味遊戲，帶領學員認識人間佛教的真諦，只見各組推派出的代表一下一 下地拍著皮球，大家緊張地計數，不時為組員加油打氣，當 遊戲結束後訪問各人心情時，從彼此分享中發現其實皮球沒 有那麼容易控制，越是想讓它維持在定點，手上便不自覺地 加重力量意圖操控，往往就是在這個時候彈出自己掌控，與 一個人的日常生活相似，越是想追求穩定不變的幸福，越容 易患得患失。遊戲最後的玩家照名次依序抽籤，再按籤號閱 讀《迷悟之間》與《星雲禪話》的文章小品，經過一番熱烈 討論後，師父指出即使遊戲第一名可以先抽籤，籤上也可能 寫第二號，選到的文章也有可能是最難進行討論的，我們是否不 應太執著於眼前的勝負呢？

結營前學員們熱烈地分享心得，將兩天所學以短劇形態表演， 除了非常感謝主辦單位的安排與課程內容的用心，亦紛紛詢 問未來何時有類似的學佛營或禪修營，大家相約下回鹿野苑再見。

What is 8 precepts retreat?
by Frank Yao

Many practitioners are eager to practice diligently and improve their conduct. They wish to cultivate a pure mind and live a life of detachment. However, they do not have the chance or proper condition to become monastic. 8 precepts retreat is a special retreat that was devised to let ordinary lay practitioners to experience such life. Throughout the retreat, the participants will observe the 8 precepts to refrain themselves from conducting behavior that might lead to unwholesome deeds. The 8 precepts are as following:

1.To refrain from destroying living creatures.
2.To refrain from taking that which is not given.
3.To refrain from sexual activity.
4.To refrain from false and incorrect speech.
5.To refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs.
6.To refrain from eating after midday
7.To refrain from sensual entertainment and use of bodily adornments.
8.To refrain from using a high or luxurious bed.

The first five are derived from the five precepts, with minor change on third percept. In short, to refrain from killing will develop our compassion towards sentient beings. To refrain from stealing not only prevent us from conducting bad deed, but also teach us to respect other’s property. Since we want to experience the life of monastic, participants will refrain from sexual activity. To refrain from false speech is to respect one’s dignity and be true. Be true to elf and others. Intoxicating drinks and drugs often clouds our judgment and lead to unwholesome behavior. Since we want to cultivate wisdom, such substance should be avoided.

In Buddhism, we treat dinner as a medicine to heal our body and we often practice mindfulness during each meal. Normally, a non-practitioner has desire towards excessive food and craves for delicacy. To refrain from eating after midday during 8 precepts retreat will help us detach from such desire and focus on our practice. Thus, we can turn our attention to cultivating morality, mindfulness, and wisdom. It helps our mind to distinguish real hunger from craving for delicious sweets or snacks. To refrain from sensual entertainment and use of bodily adornments will avoid us to be indulged into useless things. It reminds us to reflect on ourselves as we should equip ourselves with merits and virtues instead of using cosmetics or bodily ornament. To refrain from using a high or luxurious bed is a reminder that we want to dedicate this day to diligent practice. As high and luxurious bed sometimes provide too much comfort and lead us into a path of indolent life, we want to be aware of such comfort for the duration of retreat.

Observing these 8 precepts for one whole day will develop a right and virtuous conduct. It will train our mind to be more aware of things, to be less indulging into bad or useless things. I hope after understanding the purpose behind these precepts, everyone can set aside one day and participate.

This year marks an important year for New York YAD as we face many changes. We elected new president and our two new vice presidents. We have a new line up of capable executives. Many new activity ideas were brought up. No doubt we will be very busy planning and preparing for the upcoming activities. While we try to adjust to those changes and balance our hectic schedule with YAD function, I want to remind everyone that we should always remember our inspiration.

What was your inspiration? What made you join the YAD? It could be a person you look up to; a quote you read from our master’s book; a brief dialog you heard from lecture; or a moment of realization you experienced during an event. Each of us join YAD with different reason, but our inspiration is what motivates us and keep us going. There may come a time when you question the result of your effort. You might find yourself busy juggling between school, work, and activities. You almost gave up because it felt so tiring to finish that extra mile. During those dire times, I find it most helpful to contemplate on my inspiration. It reminds me of the goal I set when I had that inspiring moment. It made all the trouble worthwhile because I know that I am one step closer towards the objective.

The spirit of a Bodhisattva must be combined with the energy of a youthful heart in order to spread Buddhism widely. If we always remember our inspiration, we will be able to generate the strength to help us face difficulty. The Youth Buddhism Retreat is coming up around end of March. The 2010 Children’s Summer Camp is also around the corner and set to start at end of June. With our new found energy, I believe we will finish the preparation on time and make these events successful.