文／佛光星雲（1927-）

唐太宗李世民曾對玄奘大師說︰「我很想供養僧眾，但是聽說現在的出家人，大多數沒有修行，應該怎麼辦呢？」

玄奘大師︰「崑山雖產玉，但都含有泥沙；麗水雖然產金，也都摻有瓦礫；泥塑木雕的羅漢，對它恭敬就有福報；銅鐵鑄成的佛像金容，破壞它就會遭受懲罰；用泥土塑成的龍雖不能降雨，但是祈雨還是需要泥龍。僧眾不一定能降福給人，但是修福還是需要禮敬僧眾。重要的是供養的人，能因塑像而引發出來的一顆慈善尊貴之心。」

唐太宗恍然大悟︰「今後無論碰到什麼樣的僧眾，一定用禮敬佛的態度來禮敬他們。」

──選自《星雲日記》

Parables

Venerable Master Hsing Yun ( 1927- )

English translation: Zhi Yue

Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, also known as Li Shimin, once asked Master Xuanzang, “I would like to make offerings to the Sangha, but I hear that most monastics are not spiritually cultivated.What should I do?”

Master Xuanzang answered, “Although the city of Kunshan produces jade, all of them contain silt. Although the city of Lishui produces gold, all are mixed with debris. Though an arhat statue is molded out of clay and carved out of wood, being respectful will result in merits. Though Buddha statues are cast from copper and iron, destroying them will result in retributions. Though clay dragons cannot bring rain, they are still essential in rain prayer ceremonies. The Sangha may not bring blessings to others, but the cultivation of merits still requires venerating the Sangha. What is important is the person making the offering, and whether these images can evoke a heart of charity and respect.”

Emperor Taizong suddenly understood and said, “From this day onwards, regardless of what kind of monastics I meet, I must venerate them with the same respect I give to the Buddha.”

── from Hsing Yun Riji

(Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Diaries)