佛之两句略戒
[281] [The] Buddha’s Two Lines [As] Brief Precepts
至言持戒，且先守佛两句略戒。其戒唯何？曰：「诸恶莫作，众善奉行。」此两句，包罗一切戒法，了无有遗。
[For the] utmost [true] saying [on] upholding precepts, [that we] only [have to] first observe, [are the] Buddha’s two lines [as] brief precepts. What [are] these precepts then? [They] say, ‘[Of] all evil not do, [of] all good practise.’ These two lines embrace all precepts’ Dharma [teachings], completely without having omissions.
[Note 1: While this saying might be assumed to be similar to the moral essence of other religions and philosophies, there are some key differences unique to Buddhism. According to the Buddha’s teachings, all evil (恶) is everything in thought, word and deed (身口意), that arise from the three poisons (三毒) of greed, anger and ignorance (贪嗔痴), be they towards oneself or any other sentient being. Conversely, all good (善) arise from the ‘three antidotes’ (三药) of generosity (布施), compassion (慈悲) and wisdom (智慧). This avoiding of evil and doing of good (止恶行善) must be complete and perfected for all beings, for Buddhahood (佛果) to be attained.]
此系如来《戒经》中语。文昌帝君引而用之于《阴骘文》，切勿谓原出于《阴骘文》也。
This [is] connected [to the] Thus Come [One’s] Precepts Sūtra’s words within. [As] Lord Wénchāng quoted and used them in Hidden Good Deeds’ Text, [they] absolutely cannot [be] said [to have] originally come from Hidden Good Deeds’ Text.
[Note 2: Although not a traditionally Buddhist text, the Hidden Good Deeds’ Text《阴骘文》also encourages avoiding of evil and doing of good. As also taught by the Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛) in the Dharma Line Sūtra《法句经》(Dharmapada), ‘Of all evil not do, of all good practise, and to self-purify this mind, these are all Buddhas’ teachings.’ (诸恶莫作，众善奉行，自净其意，是诸佛教。) This verse was also taught by the Buddha in Great Parinirvāṇa Sūtra《大般涅槃经》.]
[Note 3: This can perhaps be seen as the Pure Land Tradition’s (净土宗) further interpretation of the verse above – ‘At once mindful of Buddha, end evil and practise good, and with Self and Other-power, completely purify this mind.’ (当下念佛，止恶行善，以自他力，圆净其意。)]
此两句，泛泛然视之，似无奇特。若在举心动念处检点，则能全守无犯（凡起心动念，不许萌一念之不善，则诸戒均可圆持。见《续编·复宋慧湛书》），其人已深入于圣贤之域矣。
These two lines, [if] superficially thus regarding them, [are] seemingly without [that] unusual [or] special. If [when] at [the] point [of] raising minds [and] moving thoughts examining, then able [to] completely guard [it] without violation (All giving rise [to] minds [and] moving thoughts, [should] not allow [the] sprouting [of] one thought of [that] not good. Then [of] all precepts, all can [be] completely upheld. See ‘Second Compilation’s Reply Letter [To] Sòng Huìzhàn’), these persons [have] already deeply entered [the] domain of noble sages.
[Note 4: Even apparently ‘simple’ yet fundamental Dharma teachings, when practised well, will lead to profound spiritual fruition. To be mindfully vigilant of what thoughts arise, so as to prevent evil thoughts from forming and powering words and deeds, is like guarding a mousehole to ensure the harmful do not ‘escape’ and grow to create chaos. Those who can do this perfectly with adequate practice will become enlightened ones.]
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
《印光法师文钞》（三编）：复陈飞青书；
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings (Third Compilation): Reply Letter [To] Chén Fēiqīng;
印光大师文钞菁华录（第两百八十一则）：八、释普通疑惑：论戒律（第一则）
Record [Of] Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence (281st Short Section): 8th [Chapter]: Explanations [On] Common Doubts [And] Confusions: Discussions [On] Precepts [And] Rules (1st Short Section)
[Ref: #281 / 8.8.1]
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
相关典籍
Related Text:
《印光大师文钞菁华录》
Record Of Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence
https://purelanders.com/jinghualu
相关教理
Related Teachings:
修诸教偈
Verses On Cultivation Of All Teachings
https://purelanders.com/2019/07/04/verses-on-cultivation-of-all-teachings
