【孝敬父母，為人準則。】
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「五月」是孝親的月份。
在《雜寶藏經》中記載了這麼一段感人的故事…
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佛說：「有二種惡行，他的果報如擊球反彈般快速，能令人快速墮下地獄。是那兩種呢？
1⃣. 不孝敬、奉養父母。
2⃣. 父母還健在時，作奸犯科，做了種種惡行，使父母臉面無光。
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但是，世間也有兩種正行，能快速使人享受福報。是那兩種呢？
1⃣. 奉養、孝敬父母。
2⃣. 父母健在時，廣修善法，使父母善名遠揚。」
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接著，佛陀又說了一則故事……
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「從前，在雪山裡有一隻鸚鵡，牠的父母因為雙目失明，不能外出覓食，鸚鵡每天都會飛好幾里地外，到處去蒐集好的菓子回來供養雙親。
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鸚鵡經過一處農地，看見有一位善良的農夫，他正發願要將自己種的稻穀，與天地間所有的眾生一同分享。鸚鵡聽完他的誓願，以後便經常至此，蒐集穀糧。
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一天，農夫到田裡巡視作物，發現最近很多稻穗被啄斷了。農夫起了懊惱之心，竟在田裡設下網子。
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隔天，當鸚鵡再來的時候，正好被網子給逮個正著。農夫發現補網有動靜，便走了過來。
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鸚鵡見了農夫說：『還記得您先前曾發願，要將稻穀布施給天地萬物嗎？所以我才敢經常到這兒來覓食，現在您怎麼反悔了呢？』
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農夫聽完，想起了自己的願望問：『你拿這麼多稻穀要給誰吃呢？』
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鸚鵡：『是要奉養我雙目失明的父親、母親的。』
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農夫聽了特別感動，於是告訴鸚鵡：『以後，你可以自由地在我這兒拿取穀糧。』
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當時的鸚鵡就是佛陀的過去生，農夫是舍利弗，盲父、盲母即是淨飯王與摩耶夫人。」所以，人的一份善願，能促成一份善緣的聚合，並且不斷延續下去…
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故事改編自《雜寶藏經》卷之一。
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#金菩提禪語、#孝敬父母、#百善孝為先、#五月台曆
【Demonstrating love and respect for one’s parents is a basic principle of being an evolved human being.
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May is the month of filial piety
This is a touching story that was recorded in the Miscellaneous Treasures Sutra…
The Buddha said: “There are two kinds of evils. The karma from committing these two evils will cause a person to rapidly fall into hell just as fast a ball rebounds after being hit. What are these two evils?
1. Not honoring or supporting parents.
2. When parents are still alive, one flouts the law and commit many evil deeds dishonoring and embarrassing the parents.
However, there are two kinds of right actions that can allow one to enjoy positive karma quickly. What are the two?
1. Taking care and honoring parents.
2. When parents are alive, carry out good deeds, giving parents a good reputation.
The Buddha then shared another story…
“In the past, there was a parrot living in the snowy mountains. Since Its parents were blind, they could not go out and hunt for food. Hence, the parrot flew a few miles each day to collect good fruits to feed his parents .
One day, the parrot passed by a farmland and saw a kind farmer. The farmer was willing to share his rice with all beings in the world. After the parrot listened to his vows, it often went to collect the grain.
One day, the farmer went to the field to inspect his crops. He discovered that many of his rice crops had been pecked off recently. The farmer felt annoyed and decided to set up a net in the field.
The next day, when the parrot came back, it was caught in the net. The farmer found that there was some movement in the net and came over to inspect.
The parrot met the farmer and said, “Do you remember that in the past, you made a vow that you would give your rice to all sentient beings in heaven and the earth?” That’s why I dared to come to your farm to get food. Are you turning back on your promise now?
Upon hearing that, the farmer remembered his vow and asked the parrot , “Why did you take so much rice then?” 』
Parrot: “I need to support my father and mother who are both blind and unable to look for food. ”
The farmer was extremely touched. He told the parrot: “In future, you are free to take as much grains as you like from me.”
The parrot was actually the Buddha in his past life. The farmer was Sariputta, the blind father and mother were Suddhodana Gautama and his wife, Maya Devi . Therefore, a vow to do good can bring people together through fate and will continue on and on.
This story is adapted from one of the volumes of the famous sutras.
#AphorismFromMasterJinBodhi, #FilialPiety, #FilialPietyIsMostImportantOfAllVirtues, #May, #TableCalendar