建議

　　Making Suggestions

　　如今，許多高僧大德們在漢地建立了許多佛學院。無論是兩年預科，還是四年本科，甚至研修班等，都建立了一整套完善的教學體系。這些學院戒律清淨，教學有序，教學內容涵蓋面很廣，涉及顯宗的各大經論。爲各地寺院輸送了大量高素質僧才，實在值得隨喜、贊歎。

　　These days, many eminent monks and learned dignitaries have built Buddhist Academies in the Han Chinese region. These institutions provide an integrated education system, with two- and four-year programs, or even advanced study and training. Their curricula cover extensively the major scriptures and commentaries of Sutrayana; students are expected to advance in a progressive manner and to observe pure precepts. These academies have become a rich source of highly qualified monks and nuns for monasteries in various areas; it is truly a feat for all to rejoice and admire.

　　但美中不足的是，在教學當中往往將世間的自然科學與社會科學，作爲學習的主要課程。實在令人遺憾。的確，爲了度化不同根器的衆生，應該學習世間理論。藏地佛學院也有大小五明學科。但如果將世間知識放在首位，實在是本末倒置的行爲。而且，很多教學都只講理論，不談實修，許多出家多年的僧人，尚不知如何調服煩惱，更遑論調心。這不能說不是一個弊端。

　　But regrettably the curricula often list worldly social science and natural science as the main courses—a blemish on an otherwise excellent system. To be sure, understanding worldly theories is needed in order to guide people who have different capacities. Even in a Tibetan Buddhist academy, the curriculum includes Major and Minor Five Sciences. Yet giving mundane knowledge a premier spot in the curriculum is putting the cart before the horse. Furthermore, many programs only teach theoretical aspects while no actual practice is emphasized. Monks and nuns trained in this way, even after many years of schooling, will not know how to conquer their own negative emotions, let alone how to tame the mind. It”s definitely a big drawback.

　　另外，很多佛學院都聘請在家人擔任法師。使我不得不看到在家人坐在高高的講臺上，出家人恭敬地坐于下端的情形。讓分別念厚重、執著心很強的我，心裏十分不是滋味。當然，有許多在家人知識淵博、修證很高，維摩诘就是以在家人形象度化衆生的。但爲什麼不能培養一批出家人勝任此擔呢？這也更符合佛教的曆史傳統。我想，即使改革創新，也沒有必要抛棄這一規矩，漢地也不至于人才匮乏到如此地步吧！

　　Moreover, many such Buddhist Academies retain lay practitioners as Dharma teachers. It has become common to see a layperson sitting high up on the podium while monks or nuns sit below respectfully. With my conceptual and grasping mind, I can”t help feeling quite disturbed when this happens. Of course, among the laity there are many learned and highly realized practitioners. Vimalakirti, for one, appeared as a layperson to benefit beings. But why can”t the religious community train its monks and nuns to assume the responsibility for Dharma teaching

　　 This will conform well to the Buddhist historical tradition. I think reform and innovation can be done without abandoning this set of rules. The Han Chinese area should not be so desperately in short supply of qualified talent!

　　今天于此胡言亂語一通，有否價值還望有智者思維。

　　Well, perhaps my talk today is quite worthless. But, does it make any sense

　　 I welcome you to ponder it.

　　壬午年四月十四日 　

　　2002年5月25日 　

　　14th of April, Year of RenWu

　　May 25, 2002