先前文章有簡略談到因果的部分
這篇再從不同角度來解讀
可能有人會好奇
為什麼高僧大德老是喋喋不休地談空
這個空就是在講緣起法
阿含經中有一個故事
裡面提到阿難尊者覺得緣起雖然很複雜
但是他可以看得清清楚楚
並不會很難啊
世尊知道了阿難的想法後
跑去跟阿難說:不要這麼說，緣起是很難的
以筆者來說好了
明明同樣做一樣的事
說一樣的話
但是結果卻完全不同
又或是苟達瑪佛同樣都是講苦的止息
有像是迦葉、舍利弗等尊者領會後
親證阿羅漢
也有像提婆達多這樣被煩惱給控制
墮入地獄
這都是因緣
大目犍連、舍利弗尊者都是婆羅門出身
都是當時的貴族
家世優渥過得好端端的
結果跑去出家
提婆達多則是皇室成員
苟達瑪佛更是王子
他們的出身背景都是過去因的成熟
選擇走上解脫道也是
但是結果卻大不相同
差別僅在一念之差
每個當下生起的念都是因
選擇的行動也是
有些人能用"我可以"、"我也行"、"再堅持一下"、"只差一點"、"都過去了"當因
有些人則是"我沒辦法"、"太難了"、"不可能"、"辦不到"、"我過不去"當因
筆者在看經典的時候
也常常有這樣的想
"這怎麼可能辦的到"
後來多看到幾次這樣的想後
發現自己從前種了很多消極的因
在自覺到這點後
就可以改變自己了
每次再有這樣的想生起來
意識到後
就改用"踏踏實實的練習是辦得到的"替代
經過時間的累積
當初種的因讓現在的想大多是"可以的"、"辦得到的"
在後續的行動上，結果當然也能更好
不管選擇的是什麼道
只要不斷地種正確的因
堅持地走下去
總是會抵達的
有些人路上看到一樣的風景
有些人只看到終點
有些人享受著行道
有些人失去了方向
有人到達彼岸
這些觀念其實很多高僧大德或是成功人士都說過了
筆者也不過是借用罷了
畢竟因緣不同
有的是跟筆者有緣
至於會有什麼選擇，則是他們自己的因緣成熟
願各位幸福無煩惱
==========================
In previous articles, I briefly discussed the principle of cause and effect (kamma).
This time, let’s explore it from a different angle.
Why Do Teachers Speak So Much About Emptiness?
Many might wonder why venerable teachers constantly emphasize emptiness (suññatā).
The truth is, emptiness reflects the principle of dependent origination (paṭiccasamuppāda).
There is a story in the Āgama Suttas where Venerable Ānanda remarked
that while dependent origination is complex, he found it straightforward and clear.
However, the Buddha corrected him, saying:
"Do not say so, Ānanda. Dependent origination is indeed profound and difficult to grasp."
The Complexity of Causes and Conditions
Take my own experiences as an example:
Even when performing the same actions and speaking the same words,
the outcomes can differ drastically.
Or consider the Buddha teaching the cessation of suffering.
While disciples like Mahākassapa and Sāriputta realized arahantship,
Devadatta fell under the sway of defilements and descended into hell.
Why such divergence? The answer lies in causes and conditions (paccaya).
The Weight of Past Causes
Mahāmoggallāna and Sāriputta, though born into the affluent Brahmin caste,
chose to leave their privileged lives to pursue liberation.
Similarly, both Prince Siddhartha and Devadatta were born into royalty,
yet their paths diverged greatly:
one became the Buddha, while the other succumbed to greed and hatred.
Their past actions (kamma) created the conditions for their births,
but their choices in the present moment determined their outcomes.
The difference lies in a single thought—just one intention.
Transforming the Seeds of the Mind
Every thought that arises in the present is a seed of cause.
Our actions in response to these thoughts determine the fruit.
Some people cultivate seeds of confidence:
"I can do this," "It’s possible," "Just one more step," "I’ve made it through before."
Others nurture seeds of doubt:
"I can’t," "It’s too hard," "It’s impossible," "I’ll never make it."
Awakening to Past Habits
While studying the scriptures, I often found myself thinking:
"How is this even possible?"
Over time, I realized that this recurring doubt reflected the seeds of negativity I had sown in the past.
Once I became aware of this habit, I began to change.
Whenever such thoughts arose, I replaced them with:
"With consistent practice, it’s achievable."
Over time, these new seeds grew stronger,
and the old seeds of doubt gradually lost their influence.
Now, thoughts like "I can" and "It’s doable" arise more naturally,
leading to better results in both thought and action.
Choosing the Right Path
No matter which path you choose,
as long as you continuously plant wholesome seeds,
and persist in your efforts, you will eventually arrive.
Some enjoy the scenery along the way,
some focus solely on the destination,
some find joy in the journey itself,
and some lose their direction.
But all who persevere will reach the other shore (pāra).
A Shared Message
These ideas are not new.
Many venerable teachers and even successful people in various fields have shared similar insights.
I am merely borrowing their wisdom, reshaped through my own experience.
Each of us has our unique causes and conditions.
Some may resonate with my words, while others may not.
Ultimately, your choices reflect the maturity of your own causes and conditions.
May everyone be happy and free from suffering.
