..續本文上一頁ind is then released from all fabrications.

　　All fabrications that arise simply change and then disband. This is true of bodily fabrications, verbal fabrications, and mental fabrications. When you see these things in terms of their common characteristics, when you see them as

　　inconstant, constantly spinning around,

　　stressful, hard to bear, and

　　not-self, beyond your control,

　　then whether you”re standing, sitting, lying down, performing physical work, or speaking -- even when you”re just sitting and thinking alone by yourself -- you”ll find all things good and noble flowing to you at all times. This is called practicing insight meditation.

　　A person like this can then set up an enormous distillery, turning the water of the sea into clouds. When the water of the sea has been turned into clouds, they”ll float through the sky. Wherever people are suffering from hardships, the water in the clouds will come raining down, watering the land where people live so that they can grow food conveniently. In the same way, when people have released their hearts from the power of worldliness, their goodness is like clouds. When the clouds turn into rain, the rain water will help good people live in happiness and well-being. This is one of the benefits that comes from those who have developed discernment.

　　So I ask that all of you make a mental note of these three maxims:

　　1) Caulk your boat.

　　2) Set up a mast, unfurl your sails so that they catch the wind, and then stock your boat with provisions by practicing generosity.

　　3) Learn how to take salt water and distill it into fresh.

　　Whoever can give rise to these skills within themselves will, at the very least, become good people. If they”re not heedless, and make a continual effort, they will be able to take the mind beyond all becoming.

　　So, all of you who have gathered together to make merit on this occasion: I ask that you accept, as a gift, the Dhamma described here; take it with you; and put it into practice. You will experience pleasure, flourish, and thrive in the Buddha”s teachings.

《Crossing the Ocean of Life》全文閱讀結束。