文／佛光星雲（1927～）

忍耐，是潛移默化的功夫。

忍一時之詬辱，便能夷滅自己一時之戾氣，

修一世的忍耐，便能默化他人一世的頑冥。

百煉鋼之所以能化成繞指柔，

全憑「忍」字一訣。

功名富貴之前退讓一步，何等安然自在！

人我是非之前忍耐三分，何等悠然自得！

這種謙恭中的忍讓才是真正的進步，

這種時時照顧腳下，

腳踏實地向前才是至真至貴。

──選自《佛光菜根譚》

The Strength in Patience

by Venerable Master Hsing Yun (1927 -)

English translation: William Chong and Stephanie Mei Gaw



Patience is a subtle and imperceptible effort.

Enduring a moment of shame

can end one’s momentary hostility.

Cultivating a life of patience

can slowly erode the lifelong obstinacy of others.

Steel can be tempered to softly wind

around a finger due to patience.

If we take a step away from fame and fortune,

how peaceful and free we become!

If we patiently deal with people and their disputes,

how carefree our lives become!

Such patience that stems from humility

is what progress is truly about.

Such awareness one has every step of the way,

and moving forward in a grounded manner

is what is truly genuine and precious.



── from Fo Guang Cai Gen Tan

(Roots of Wisdom)