萬佛聖城不但是修行的好地方，更是讀書的好環境。我在這兒能靜下心來讀書，不受外界的干擾。我不否認，在此求學會失去很多的「自由」，但所換回來的，是比這種不守規矩的自由還要重要，還要寶貴的學問。這不是所謂「自由開放」式的教育所能得到的成果。
在這兒我學會把握時間，做一些有意義的事；在外頭的話，我不但沒辦法安心求學，反而會浪費很多時間在各種毫無意義的行為上，例如交女朋友、看電視、逛街等等，這些都是必然會發生的現象。如果你不做這些事，別人會以奇怪的眼光來看你，這世界就是如此地顛倒，所以在聖城讀書，我認為是我最明智的選擇。
這個選擇對我的影響不只是一時的，也是一生一世的。在此長大的我，已習慣了這種生活。我即將高中畢業，就要進大學了。以後所過的日子雖然會不同，但我在聖城已養成的生活習慣，使我還會和往常在聖城時一樣不看電視、不吸毒等等。我明白世俗的引誘，不是我們普通人能抗拒的，但至少我會有多一層的抵抗力來幫助我。
在聖城求學不只影響了我個人，也影響了我遠在馬來西亞的父母們。他們不必天天提心吊膽地怕我會學壞，因為他們也瞭解在聖城裡生活和求學是最安全的了。這裡沒有任何的染污，也不會交上一些只會吃喝玩樂的朋友。
談到心靈上的影響，那更是巨大。佛教是我所信仰很久了的宗教，也是我唯一信仰的宗教。但對其教義我卻一知半解，只知道要經常念佛及多做善事。自從來到這座道場後，我才學到了更深一層的佛法，例如誦經、念佛、持咒、打坐等等。這都是經過老師們的指導所學到的。居住在這裡的法師們，都必須持戒修行。和他們住在一起，很奇怪地，外頭的人就都覺得我們很有修養，而且還有很高尚的氣質呢！
這五年來，我的確學到了不少東西。在這兒成長，是我終生難忘的經驗。 |
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The Sagely City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is not only a fine place for spiritual cultivation, but also a fine environment for studying. Here I can really calm my mind down and study without distractions from the outside world. I don't deny that a student gives up a lot of "freedom" here, but what he learns in return is much more precious and important than the so-called "freedom" of not having to follow rules. This is something he could never obtain through an education where such freedom was allowed.
I have learned to cherish my time and use it in meaningful ways here. Outside, not only would I not be able to concentrate on my studies, I'd waste my time in meaningless pursuits, such as going out with girlfriends, watching TV, and going shopping. It's for sure that I would do these things, because if I didn't, other people would think I was weird. That's how upside-down the world is. So I think I made an intelligent decision in choosing to study at the Sagely City.
The effect of this decision is not temporary; it will affect my whole life. Growing up here, I've become used to this kind of lifestyle. I will soon graduate from high school and go to college. Although things will be different then, the habits I've developed at the Sagely City will help me live the same way--not watching TV, not taking drugs, and so forth. I realize that as ordinary people, sometimes we won't be able to resist the temptations of the world; but at least I will have that extra layer of resistance to help me.
My studying at the Sagely City has influenced not only me, but also my parents back in Malaysia. They have no worries that I will turn bad, because they know the learning environment at the Sagely City is the safest one there is. There are no defilements here, and no opportunities to make friends with kids who only know how to eat, drink, and goof off.
The Sagely City has had a tremendous influence on me spiritually. Buddhism is the religion I have long believed in, and it is the only religion I believe in. Yet I didn't really understand its teachings before. I only knew that we should always recite the Buddha's name and do good deeds. Since coming to this monastery, I have studied the Buddhadharma at a deeper level. For instance, under the guidance of my teachers, I've learned to recite Sutras, recite the Buddha's name, hold mantras, and meditate. The Dharma Masters who live here uphold the precepts and cultivate. Strangely enough, because we live together with them, people from outside all perceive us as having a lot of cultivation and integrity!
I have learned quite a bit in the past five years. Growing up here is an experience I'll never forget. |
