4月23日

菩薩行法
東晉 鳩摩羅什 譯 ( 344~413 )

何謂菩薩其心堅固，而不疲倦？
一者，於諸眾生起大悲心；二者，精進不懈；
三者，信解生死如夢；四者，正思量佛之智慧。

何謂菩薩世世不失，菩提之心？
一者，常憶念佛；二者，所作功德常為菩提；
三者，親近善知識；四者，稱揚大乘。

何謂菩薩於眾生中，善知方便？
一者，順眾生意；二者，於他功德起隨喜心；
三者，悔過除罪；四者，勸請諸佛。

何謂菩薩不由他教，而能自行六波羅蜜？
一者，以施導人；二者，不說他人毀禁之罪；
三者，善知攝法，教化眾生；四者，解達深法。

何謂菩薩不斷佛種？
一者，不退本願；二者，言必施行；
三者，大欲精進；四者，深心行於佛道。

──選自《思益梵天所問經》

April 23th

The Practice of a Bodhisattva
Translated into Chinese by Kumarajiva (344 - 413, Eastern Jin Dynasty)
English translation: You Zai and Zhi Yue

How does a bodhisattva keep his resolve firm and unregressing?
1. By giving rise to the mind of great compassion
    for all sentient beings;
2. By persisting to work diligently and tirelessly;
3. By believing and understanding life and death as illusory dreams;
4. By possessing the right thinking on the wisdom of the buddhas.

How does a bodhisattva ensure that the Bodhi Mind
is never lost life after life?
1. By always being mindful of the Buddha;
2. By constantly contemplating Bodhi wisdom in the form
    of meritorious deeds;
3. By being close to good and virtuous friends;
4. By praising the Mahayana teachings.

How does a bodhisattva thoroughly understand the practice
of skillful means amongst sentient beings?
1. By obliging sentient beings;
2. By rejoicing in the meritorious deeds of others;
3. By repenting and eliminating transgressions;
4. By requesting and inviting the presence of all buddhas.

How does a bodhisattva remain unwavered by others
and autonomously practice the Six Perfections?
1. By guiding others with generosity;
2. By not slandering or speaking of others’ faults;
3. By thoroughly knowing the All-Embracing Virtues
    and teaching sentient beings;
4. By understanding the profound Dharma.

How does a bodhisattva ensure that the seeds of Buddhahood
are never disrupted?
1. By not regressing on one’s original vows;
2. By practicing what one teaches;
3. By desiring to be diligent;
4. By being fully committed to practicing the Way of the Buddha.

── from Siyi Fantian Suowen Jing
(Sutra Asked by Visesacinta Brahma Deva)