I think the first time we came into contact with Master Hongyi (formerly known as Li Shutong) was the popular song "Farewell". When I was young, I didn't understand the meaning of the song, but when I listened to it again, I became the person in the song. I think his life is also a process of constant farewell. I don’t know what kind of understanding it takes to write such a desolate voice, but my heart is trembling when I listen to the song. This time, after reading Master Hongyi's "Meditation, Willingness, and Letting Go", I have gained more understanding of people and things.
? Although he was born into a wealthy family since he was a child, it does not affect his noble background. His family is really rich, selling salt and opening a bank. In today's terms, he is a real rich second generation. I have never seen a luxury car, a BMW, a precious jade plate, or beautiful scenery. However, such a man has become a monk. Isn't he a special existence? He didn't mean that when he had eaten enough big fish and meat, it would be as simple as switching to some pickles for dipping. If it were that simple, then he would definitely have to switch back when he got tired of eating. As soon as he entered this door, he thought about it.
"A pot of turbid wine brings joy to the reunion. Don't dream coldly tonight."
There are several points in his life worth mentioning: ?
1. 15 When I was 20 years old, I once wrote these two poems: Life is like the sun on the west mountain, and wealth is like the frost on the tiles. Just like everyone he wrote in this book has four wives: body, money, wife, and mind. When you die, you will understand that you cannot take your body with you, that your money is just something you robbed, that your wife will be with you throughout your lifetime, and that what will be with you is just your cultivated character. Therefore, we need to look at things openly, let go, be compassionate and wise, never get angry, make our hearts peaceful, and take care of our hearts.
2. When his mother was seriously ill, he went to prepare the best coffin for her. However, while he was away, her mother passed away. He wasn't even ready to say goodbye to his mother properly, so he never had the chance. The Buddha said that people have eight sufferings: birth, old age, illness, death, separation from love, meeting of resentment and hatred, not being able to get what they want, and the five yin beings. We all experience the first seven types while we are alive. The book also tells about a mother who refused to leave in front of the tomb after the death of her only son. She wanted to die with her son. A mage asked him to find incense that had never died before to prolong her son's life. Naturally, he wanted to find incense that had never died before. Unable to find her, she also relieved the pain of losing her son in the process of searching. So follow your heart, whatever happens, whatever happens, whatever happens. "All conditioned phenomena are like bubbles in a dream, like dew or lightning, and should be viewed as such." All appearances are false. Therefore, the death of his 26-year-old mother should have been a big blow to him. He went to study in Japan alone, leaving behind his wife and children. This was a decisive farewell. Having no worries about food and clothing, and a completely prosperous life made him have a higher pursuit, which is spiritual wealth: music, calligraphy, painting, drama... It is mentioned in the book that people who want to devote themselves to the study of Buddhism and enlightenment should not think about these things. , because these arts will disturb you and cannot make you concentrate and meditate. But one thing I think is that art helps Buddhism and is sensitive to the world. Enlightened people also need to have a keen understanding of life.
3. The success of the fasting regimen gave Master Hongyi the idea of ????purity, and he fasted for 17 days. After cutting off his appetite for wine and meat in the mortal world, this time the influence of incense opened up his wisdom in Buddhism, and his farewell this time was more decisive and thorough. At the age of 39, he became a monk and took the Buddhist name Hongyi. He was determined and his wife collapsed. He begged for a meeting, but he refused. Later, through various relationships, we finally met on the West Lake. His wife called his name, and he said please call me Hongyi. Her wife said with tears, Master Hongyi, tell me what love is? He said: Love is compassion. The Buddha does not save people, and everyone saves himself. His cultivation is because he is far away from the grand world of mortals, but his cultivation is to save people in this mortal world.
Those love, hate and separation will eventually leave us and turn into dust, and flowers will bloom in the dust. Look a little lighter and a little lighter. No worries, no fear. I especially like this Zen saying. One day, Zen Master Wen Yan asked his disciples, "I don't ask how you were before the fifteenth day of the month. I only ask how you are after the fifteenth day." ’ The disciples all said they didn’t know. Zen Master Wen Yan answered for them: "Every day is a good day." '"Yes, there are flowers in spring and moon in autumn, cool breeze in summer and snow in winter. Don't worry about other things, it is a good time in the world. If we calmly cherish what we have now and don't look at what has been lost, we will surely be able to survive in the world of mortals. Be a happy person