從二零二零年起新冠肺炎疫情在世界各地肆虐，造成許多人心不安，又不時傳出天災、戰爭等人禍，讓許多家庭頓失依靠陰陽兩隔，在這種時刻，聖嚴法師所推廣的佛法理念要能如何發揮作用?從佛教源起論的觀點來看，身心互為因緣，必須身心兼顧。當民眾遇到生命危難或疾病確診需要被隔離之時，如何利用最短的時間調整自己的身心狀態，進一步穩定安撫周遭親友的情緒。《法華經》在世界各地流傳已久，近代不乏高僧大德及信眾修持信仰，其中「三界火宅喻」是佛教經典中很有名的一個譬喻。經云：「三界無安，猶如火宅；眾苦充滿，其可怖畏。」貼切呼應著現今的社會環境與時代。 本文主要從聖嚴法師的《絕妙說法：法華經講要》著作、論文、期刊與歷屆「聖嚴思想研究」研討會所結集的《聖嚴研究》專輯，探討法師的法華思想及其生命故事與修行佛法的實踐功夫，助於提供現代人的安心之道、依止之法。在人間苦多樂少，短暫生命一期數載，各有因緣各有福報，善巧方便從《法華經》中找出對人生的妙用，發揮得人身的最大價值，用以造福社會、國家。習修《法華經》明白生命實相，一切境界皆出於心造，身心安住進而提升生活品質，更見人間淨土，此為回歸佛陀出世之本懷。 Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been raging across the world, causing a great deal of anxiety among people. Additionally, there have been recurring reports of natural disasters, wars, and other man-made calamities, further exacerbating the sense of unease. Many families have found themselves abruptly separated by life and death. AT these moments, how can the Buddhist principles have advocated by Master Sheng Yen comfort human’s heart and spirit? From the perspective of the Buddhist theory of origins, the body and mind are interdependent and must be attended to collectively. When individuals face life-threatening situations or receive a diagnosis of illness requiring isolation, how can they swiftly adjust their mental and physical states. Furthermore, how can they stabilize and soothe the emotions of people around them? The Lotus Sutra has been widely circulated around the world for a long time, with many venerable monks, devout practitioners, and followers practicing and embracing its teachings in modern times. Among its teachings, the "parable of the burning house within the three realms" is a well-known metaphor within Buddhist scriptures. This strongly resonates with the current social environment. This article primarily draws from Master Sheng Yen's book "Profound Teachings: An Explanation of the Lotus Sutra" and academic journal papers, along with collections from previous "Master Sheng Yen's Thought Research" seminars, to explore the Master Sheng Yen's Lotus Sutra thought, his life story, and the practical aspects of his Buddhist practice. This compilation, titled "Sheng Yen Studies," aims to provide a path of tranquility and a means of refuge for contemporary individuals. In human society, suffering outweighs joy, and our brief life lasts just a few decades. Each person has their own karma and blessings. Skillful means and expedient teachings from the Lotus Sutra can reveal the profound utility of life, enabling individuals to realize their maximum potential and contribute to the betterment of society and their country. Practicing and studying the Lotus Sutra allows one to understand the true nature of life, recognizing that all experiences are products of the mind. When the body and mind find tranquility, it is possible to enhance the quality of life, and perceive the possibility of creating a pure land in this world. This aligns with the original aspiration of the Buddha's teachings.
