略說境界(A brief discussion on realms)

文章開始之前先請各位記住幾件事

心物一元跟所有的境界都不是永恆的，是無常，無我，會滅的

忘記無常、無我什麼意思的可以回去看看先前的文章

心物一元指的是身心會互相影響

也可以進一步的擴張為心靈跟物質會互相影響

有了這些概念後，來看看有什麼美麗境界

有些人在禪定中會看到諸如光、佛菩薩

有的時候是一種很祥和的感覺但沒有任何影像

也有的人會看到天堂，看到天使、天女

有的是在夢中夢到中大獎，駕駛剛彈

又或是和夢中情人結婚有了可愛的小孩，美滿的生活

總之就是各種會讓人愉悅、快樂、滿意、祥和、寧靜、想永遠待著的聲音、影像、感受

既然有美麗境界就會有醜惡境界

有些人會看到鬼、地獄

有的時候是看到自己出意外

再不然就是考試沒考好、做生意被人倒債、伴侶跟人跑、炒股賠錢

又或是跟人吵架、被火燒、被打、被咬、被吃

總之就是各種會讓人恐怖、憂愁、厭惡、憤怒、不平靜、想逃離等等等的聲音、影像、感受

當然境界是無量無邊的，不可能用文字描述完

大致知道有那些美麗跟醜惡境界後

我們再來看看涅槃

因為筆者沒有住在涅槃中

所以只能用高僧大德跟經典的描述來說明

既然是超脫一切的

那自然是包容萬物卻又不昧於萬物

身苦但心不苦

唯有一心

苦的止息

不可說

不死

庇護所

即心即佛

不生不滅

極樂、寂靜

無上正等正覺

阿耨多羅三藐三菩提

光看這樣的描述好像沒有多誘人

想來想去還是世間的一切有趣多了

有好吃、好玩、好聽、好聞、好看的

但就如文章一開頭提到的，沒有永恆的，都會滅去

不幸中的大幸是

不是只有美麗境界會滅去

醜惡境界同樣也會滅去

美麗境界也體會過後

醜惡境界也體會過後

雖然還留戀美麗，逃避醜惡

但心中已知凡是生起的，都是會滅去的

有些讀者可能跟筆者一樣有疑惑

既然都會滅去那怎麼涅槃不生不滅??

這問題已經超出筆者能力範圍

或許唯有等到讀者親自證道後才會知道答案

願各位幸福無煩惱

==================================

Before we begin, please remember a few things: the unity of mind and matter, and all realms, are impermanent, devoid of self, and will cease. For those unfamiliar with impermanence and selflessness, please refer back to previous articles.

The unity of mind and matter refers to the mutual influence between body and mind, and can further extend to the interaction between spirituality and materiality.

With these concepts in mind, let's explore some beautiful realms.

Some people in meditation may see lights, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas. Sometimes, there's a serene feeling without any visual images. Others may glimpse heaven, angels, or celestial maidens. Some dream of winning a big prize,  pilot a Gundam , or marrying a dream lover and having a blissful life with lovely children. In short, these are various sounds, images, and feelings that bring joy, happiness, satisfaction, tranquility, peace, and a desire to linger forever.

Since there are beautiful realms, there are also ugly and unpleasant realms.

Some may see ghosts or hell. Sometimes, it's witnessing one's own accidents, failing exams, losing money in business, partners leaving for someone else, or suffering financial losses in stocks. Or it could involve arguments, being burnt, beaten, bitten, or consumed. In short, these are various sounds, images, and feelings that induce fear, sorrow, disgust, anger, restlessness, and a desire to escape.

Of course, realms are vast and boundless; they cannot be fully described in words. However, having a general idea of these beautiful and ugly realms, let's now consider Nirvana.

Since I do not reside in Nirvana, I can only explain it based on the descriptions by eminent monks and scriptures.

Being detached from everything naturally entails embracing all things without being obscured by them. There is physical suffering, but no mental suffering. Only a unified mind. The cessation of suffering. Beyond description. Undying. Sanctuary. Both mind and Buddha. Neither born nor extinguished. Blissful tranquility. The supreme, perfect enlightenment. Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi.

Just from these descriptions, it doesn't seem very enticing. Upon reflection, the various worldly pleasures—good food, entertainment, pleasant sounds, fragrances, and sights—seem much more interesting.

But as mentioned at the beginning of the article, nothing is eternal; everything will fade away.

The great fortune amidst misfortune is that it's not just the beautiful realms that will fade away; the ugly and unpleasant realms will also pass.

After experiencing beautiful and ugly realms, although one may still long for beauty and avoid ugliness, one knows in their heart that everything that arises will eventually cease.

Some readers may share my confusion. If everything is impermanent, how can Nirvana be described as neither born nor extinguished? This question exceeds my capabilities. Perhaps only when readers personally achieve enlightenment will they know the answer.

May all beings find happiness and be free from suffering.