..续本文上一页Buddhist practices. Therefore the teaching is to be studied, more to be practiced, and above all to be realized by oneself. Mere learning is of no avail without actual practice. Only by living in Buddha Dharma can its very essence be known.

　　The approach by which we understand Buddha Dharma should be grounded in an awareness of constant flux as the underlying nature of phenomenal existence (viz. anitya). Discourse on the Dharma also changes and grows as Buddhism historically develops. Therefore, we should "understand the changes in Buddhism in order to reveal what is the absolute teaching of the Buddha Dharma, and what are the relative truths which have been adapted from time to time."

　　In practising Buddhism, we should have the attitude of egolessness. There are two aspects to egolessness (s. anatman), i.e. the non-existence of the inpidual soul (s. pudgala-nairatmya) and the non-self nature of Dharma (s. dharma-nairatmya). Because of the egolessness of the inpidual, "we should learn and practise Buddhism without becoming attached to our own view and should eschew all prejudice against others." Because of the egolessness of Dharma "everything in this phenomenal world exists in the form of interdependence and interrelationship, conditioned by every other thing." Therefore, when we study Buddhism we must also understand the interrelationship between the teachings and the Law of Dependent Origination. By following the Three Universal Characteristics of Buddha Dharma, Venerable Yin Shun illuminates for us the right way to learn Buddhism.

　　The Venerable”s collected works range widely and include, but are not limited to, Buddhist text books for primary schools; Dharma talks for general audiences; commentaries on sutras and sastras; a history of Buddhism in India; guides to Buddhist practices; and teachings from various schools and traditions. The selected translations which comprise Parts I and II are in total just a very small portion of the works of the Venerable. A substantial proportion of his important writings lie beyond our abilities to translate at this stage. We sincerely hope that more people will become involved in their translation in the future. On the other hand, we sincerely hope that even this limited selection will enrich the understanding of Buddhism in the West so that more people can benefit from contact with the Dharma.

　　This volume, "Selected Translations of Miao Yun Part II", is our second humble attempt to translate works by Venerable Yin Shun. All the articles in this selection were selected from the eleventh volume of the Miao Yun Collection, namely "Buddha Dharma is the Light of Deliverance." The articles we have selected can be broadly pided into two categories. The first category includes "Buddha Dharma is the Light of Deliverance", "Buddha Come to Save and Protect Us", "Two Distinctive Characteristics of Buddhism", "Let Go of Your Sorrow", "Form Relieving the Suffering of the Mind to Relieving suffering of the Body", "The Critical Issue of Life and Death", "What is the Significance of Life" and "Dharma About Lay People For Lay People". All these articles deal with the fundamental understanding, perspective and practice of Buddhism. They try to answer questions such as: Why should we learn Buddhism

　　 How can Buddhism help us

　　 How do we face life from a Buddhist perspective

　　 From an understanding of the unique characteristics of Buddhism we will be able to grasp the true significance of life, and furthermore realize this significance i.e. achieve Buddhahood in this very life. These are all important teachings of the Buddha that every Buddhist should understand from the very outset of his or her practises. The remaining articles in this selection deal with more advanced teachings in Buddhism such as voidness (s. sunyata) and the Middle Way. They assume some prior knowledge in this field and are therefore more suitable for those who have a deeper grounding in the Dharma.

　　We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Triple Gem for guiding our lives. We gratefully acknowledge and express deep appreciation to Venerable Tsang Hui for his guidance and encouragement. We would also like to thank Mr. Mick Kiddle. Mr. Gregg Heathcote and Mr. Michael Morrison for correcting our English and smoothing the writing. They have made this publication possible. These translations involved members from the University of New South Wales Buddhist Society, the University of Sydney Buddhist Society, the University of Newcastle Buddhist Society and Hwa Tsang Monastery Inc. Despite their busy academic and working lives, many people have contributed their time and energy so that these translations could be completed.

　　We are responsible for any possible mistakes and distortions in the translations and any remedial suggestions from you would be very precious, and very welcome. We hope that we have succeeded in presenting these works of Venerable Yin Shun to you as faithfully and clearly as we can.

　　Finally, let us share a message from Venerable Yin Shun:

　　"Faith in the Triple Gem should be developed from right understanding. The faith derived from right understanding will lead us to skilful action and further our progress on the path of Buddhahood. Let us bring benefits both to ourselves and to others. Let us contribute ourselves to the promotion of Buddha Dharma."

　　Beng Tiong Tan

　　Newcastle, Australia

　　10 July 1996

《Preface》全文阅读结束。