自古以来，中华民族崇尚“修身齐家治国平天下”的道德理念。在这片古老的土地上，先贤们留下了无数关于“修齐治平”的智慧结晶。正是这些智慧，指引着一代又一代的中华儿女，在追求个人品德修养的同时，致力于家庭的和谐、社会的稳定与国家的繁荣。本文将以此为引，探讨如何在新时代背景下，传承和发扬这一优良传统。

Since ancient times, the Chinese nation has held the moral concept of "Cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the state, and pacify the world" in high regard. On this ancient land, the sages have left behind countless wisdoms on "Cultivate, manage, govern, and pacify." It is these wisdoms that guide generations of Chinese people in their pursuit of personal moral cultivation, while also devoting themselves to the harmony of the family, the stability of society, and the prosperity of the nation. This article will take this as a starting point to discuss how to carry forward and promote this fine tradition in the context of the new era.

1. 后来，朝廷忠义之士，诛灭吕家势力。吕后的苦心经营，荡然无存。

1. Later, loyal and patriotic officials of the court eradicated the power of the Lü family. The diligent efforts of Empress Lü were completely destroyed.

2. 接着说「存诚」。「存」者，保存也。「诚」则可以就三方面来解释。第一，当「实在」、「老实」讲。好比说我们学佛了，就知道宇宙天地间有许多的佛菩萨和鬼神，所以我们凡是在大众当中怎么做的，私底下也该如是做，也就是要「表里一致」。第二，作「诚恳」、「恳切」解释。像我们平日在佛堂拜佛、问讯、顶礼时，内心要虔诚、恭敬；印光大师说：「有一分恭敬就得一分利益，有十分恭敬就得十分利益」。第三，「诚」还可以解释为「平实」、「朴素」。

2. Next, discuss the concept of "keeping sincerity." "Keep" means to preserve. "Sincerity" can be interpreted in three aspects. First, it means to be "genuine" and "honest." For instance, after we learn Buddhism, we know that there are many Buddha and bodhisattvas as well as spirits and gods in the universe. Therefore, whatever we do in public, we should also do so in private, which is to say, we should be "consistent in words and actions." Second, it can be interpreted as "sincere" and "earnest." For example, when we worship Buddha, pay respects, or kowtow in the Buddhist hall, our hearts should be sincere and reverent; Master Yin Guang said, "A little respect brings a little benefit, and a lot of respect brings a lot of benefit." Third, "sincerity" can also be understood as "simple" and "plain."

3. 深信切愿 持佛名号

3. Deeply believing and sincerely desiring to hold the Buddha's name.

4. 中国人讲求「五伦」─君臣、父子、夫妇、兄弟、朋友，若依社会群体的发展来说，是从「夫妇」这伦开始，才有「父子」、「兄弟」等等其他关系的。至于要如何推动，才能使「五伦」和谐、亲厚呢？印光大师说，要点只有一个「孝」字。孝道非常重要，像现在台湾南部还有些地方，把祖先牌位奉祀在三合院或四合院的正厅，就是一种重视孝道的表现。

4. The Chinese emphasize the "Five Relationships" ─ ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, brother-brother, and friend-friend. According to the development of social groups, these relationships begin with the "husband-wife" relationship, and then extend to "father-son," "brother-brother," and other relationships. As for how to promote harmony and closeness among the "Five Relationships," Master Yin Guang said that the key is only one character: "filial piety." Filial piety is of great importance. For example, in some places in southern Taiwan today, placing the ancestors' tablets in the main hall of a three-southern-or-four-southern courtyard is a manifestation of the importance attached to filial piety.

5. 天道好回，因果不虚。善良的人，总会有福报。

5. The universe loves to return what it receives, and cause and effect are not in vain. Kind-hearted people will always receive blessings.

6. 众善奉行，就播种了福田。

6. To do good to all beings is to sow the seeds of a bountiful field.

7. 大家都经验过，流理台上若没擦乾，很容易就淹死蚂蚁。另外，如果我们家中有小孩，难免就会有养乐多、糖果、饼干之类的甜食。若小孩吃完糖果，一定要教他把糖果纸拿到水龙头下冲一冲再丢掉，因为糖果纸上多少会沾黏一些糖膏，如果不处理，蚂蚁一来，很容易就被黏住而闷死在其中了。还有，养乐多或装果汁的铝箔包，吃完也不要乱丢，因为甜甜的水会吸引蚂蚁跑进去而浸死在其中。所以，在丢弃之前，最好先用水冲过(铝箔包要先用剪刀剪开)，这样就不容易招来蚂蚁了。学佛就是这样，不必讲得太深奥，只要平常多在生活当中实践力行即可。

7. Everyone has experienced that if the countertop is not wiped dry, ants can easily drown in it. Moreover, if there are children at home, it's inevitable to have sweet treats like yogurt, candies, and biscuits. After the children finish eating candies, they must be taught to rinse the candy wrappers under the tap before throwing them away, because the wrappers will沾some sugar paste. If not handled properly, ants can easily get stuck and suffocate in it. Also, don't throw away the aluminum foil packages of yogurt or juice after eating them, as the sweet liquid will attract ants to crawl in and drown in it. Therefore, it's best to rinse them with water before throwing them away (cut the aluminum foil package open with scissors first), so it's less likely to attract ants. Practicing Buddhism is like this; it doesn't have to be overly profound; it's just about practicing and living it out in everyday life.

8. 民国二十九年，印光大师八十岁。老人家在圆寂前几天说，灵岩寺没住持不妥当，要立一位住持。当时，他心目中的人选是任监院的上妙下真法师。由于寺内上上下下对妙真法师都很有好感，觉得他办事勤快、修持又好，因此就无异议通过了。印光大师往生前，勉励妙真法师要平实领导道场，不要讲排场派头，因为排场派头对了生死一点帮助都没有，都是虚套。这虽然是大师对出家众的开示，但这点对在家弟子却更为重要。例如为长辈送终，我们处理上就不要铺张、讲大排场，因为对长辈的往生没有丝毫帮助。如做这种热闹的虚套可以让亡者往生，我们即使再穷也要借钱来办。但正因为毫无助益，所以只要朴实地做即可。以上是「诚」的第三种解释(平实)，举了几个例子，其他日常生活上的事，吾人可以举一反三。

8. In the 29th year of the Republic of China, Master Yin Guang was 80 years old. A few days before his passing, the elder said that it was not appropriate for Lingyan Temple to not have an abbot, and that one should be appointed. At that time, the person he had in mind was the Venerable Shang Miaoxian, who was serving as the abbot. Since everyone in the temple had a good impression of Venerable Miaoxian, thinking he was diligent in his work and excellent in his practice, there was no objection to his appointment. Before Master Yin Guang passed away, he encouraged Venerable Miaoxian to lead the monastic community in a plain and modest manner, not to indulge in grandeur and ostentation, because grandeur and ostentation are of no help in matters of life and death; they are all empty rituals. Although this was a teaching to the monastic community by the master, this point is even more important for lay disciples. For example, when bidding farewell to the elder, we should not be extravagant or grand in our arrangements, as this will not help the elder's passage to the afterlife. If we believe that such lively empty rituals can facilitate the deceased's rebirth, we would even borrow money to organize them. But because they are of no benefit at all, we can simply do it in a plain and honest manner. The above is the third interpretation of "sincerity" (plainness), with several examples given; we can generalize from this in other aspects of daily life.

9. 善良，是一个人最深的修养，最好的品行，是生命里最耀眼的光芒。

9. Kindness is the deepest cultivation of a person, the best virtue, and the most dazzling light in life.

10. 不执着名利，就不会患得患失。得，是福分，坦然受之。失，是天意，淡泊豁达。

10. Without attachment to fame and wealth, one will not suffer from the anxiety of gain and loss. Gain is a blessing, accepted with composure. Loss is a matter of destiny, to be treated with indifference and openness.

11. 自作孽，不可活。不生恶念，则不招恶运。不做恶事，则不招祸事。

11. Self-inflicted harm cannot be lived through. Without harboring evil thoughts, one will not attract evil fortune. Without doing evil deeds, one will not attract misfortune.

12. 再说「众善奉行」，如果依戒律来讲，这就是所谓的「作持」。社会上，很多人都认为自己是好人，因为自己会做善事。比如别人没得吃，我就给他吃的；没得穿，我就供应他穿的。没错，这是对人行善，可是如果就细部而论，所谓善事，应该不仅仅如此而已。何谓「善」呢？要考虑的很多，但至少要包括三点：第一，就时间上来讲，不能只利益眼前，未来也要能如此。第二，不但对自己有益，对他人亦复如是。第三，所行之事，都合乎天地间的正理。符合上述三点，才能称之为「善」。

12. Furthermore, regarding the phrase "performing good deeds," if we talk about it in terms of precepts, this is what is called "the practice of upholding." In society, many people believe they are good because they do good deeds. For example, if someone has no food, I give them food; if someone has no clothes, I provide them with clothes. That's right, this is doing good to others, but if we delve into the details, what we call good deeds should not be limited to this. What is "goodness"? There are many considerations, but at least it should include three points: First, in terms of time, it should not only benefit the present but also the future. Second, it should not only be beneficial to oneself but also to others. Third, the actions taken should be in harmony with the righteousness in the world. Only when these three points are met can we call it "goodness."

13. 修善心，履善行，就是给自己积福德。

13. Cultivating a good heart and practicing good deeds is to accumulate virtue for oneself.

14. 总 说

14. Generally speaking

15. 菜农的儿子就是著名的医学家弗莱明，他发现了青霉素，并因此或诺贝尔医学奖。

15. The son of a vegetable farmer was the renowned medical scientist Fleming, who discovered penicillin and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for it.

16. 别 明

16. Don't mind.

17. 一切福田，不离方寸。

17. All sources of merit are not separated from the inch-square space.

18. 而勋爵的儿子，正是英国首相丘吉尔。

18. And the son of the lord is the British Prime Minister Churchill.

19. 自净其意，就断绝了烦恼。

19. Purify one's thoughts, and烦恼 (烦扰) will be eliminated.

20. 佛说：“四大皆空，因果不空。”

20. The Buddha said, "The four great elements are empty, but cause and effect are not empty."

21. 后来出家因缘成熟，就主动发心出家。在出家期间，大师的德行可以简单列举两点。第一是「吃苦耐劳」。在佛门有饭头、水头、菜头等等，做的是捡菜、烧水一类的工作。这些苦行他都很认真地做，为大众服务，不辞辛苦。第二是「深明因果」。大师在佛门当库头(案：即负责全寺的财务，包含食衣住行等)时，从中得到很大的感触，知道佛家说的因果一点都不能错失。

21. Later, when the circumstances for taking monastic vows were ripe, he actively resolved to become a monk. During his time as a monk, two of the master's virtues can be briefly listed. The first is "enduring hardship and toil." In the Buddhist monasteries, there are positions such as the food master, water master, vegetable master, and so on, which involve tasks like picking vegetables and boiling water. He diligently carried out these arduous practices, serving the community without complaining of the hardship. The second is "deeply understanding the law of causality." When the master served as the head of the treasury (note: this is the person responsible for the entire temple's finances, including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation), he gained a profound insight from this role, realizing that the Buddhist teachings on causality are not to be missed in the least.

22. 所谓：善恶到头终有报，只争来早与来迟。

22. As the saying goes: Goodness and evil will eventually be repaid, the only difference is whether it comes early or late.

23. 诸恶莫作，就远离了祸患。

23. Do not do any evil, and you will be far from trouble.

24. 「闲邪存诚」。「闲」，在此当「防止」、「预防」解释。「邪」，则是指对心理有负面影响者。就当今社会发展来看，有很多事情都对人的身心有非常不好的影响。所以身为学佛人，对坏的事要有所堤防；尤其，对往生有障碍的事，都要小心、注意。我们都是凡夫，每个人都有自己的习性、脾气，因此，要确实说哪样不对、不好很难。不过，有个大原则，就是只要某人或某事会对我将来往生造成妨碍的，就要注意堤防。这是大原则，细节就不论了。

24. "Prevent evil and cultivate sincerity." Here, "prevent" should be interpreted as "prevent" or "guard against." "Evil" refers to things that have a negative impact on the mind. Looking at the development of society today, there are many things that have a very bad effect on both the body and mind of people. Therefore, as Buddhists, we should be vigilant against bad things; especially, we should be careful and attentive to things that may hinder our rebirth. We are all ordinary people, and each of us has our own habits and temperaments, so it is difficult to say exactly what is wrong or bad. However, there is a general principle: if someone or something will hinder my future rebirth, I should be vigilant. This is the general principle; the details are not discussed.

25. 痛苦的根源，是因为内心有所执着。执着，则有贪、嗔、痴，就会被千丝万缕的烦恼纠缠。放下执着，清空内心，自然水澈山明，万般自在。

25. The source of pain lies in the inner attachment. With attachment comes greed, anger, and ignorance, which are entangled by myriad threads of烦恼 (troubles, worries). Let go of attachment, clear the mind, and naturally the waters will be clear and the mountains will be bright, and all will be at ease.

26. 这个宗旨大意就是不做坏事，多做好事，清净自己的内心世界，—— 这就是修身养性的最好方法了。

26. The essence of this principle is to do no evil, do more good, and purify one's inner world —— this is the best way to cultivate one's character and refine one's nature.

27. 我们纠结的一切东西，都会随着时间的流逝而成为过去，甚至连一点痕迹都不会留下。往远了看，当时的焦灼、内耗、痛苦，都不值得。

27. All the things we are纠结 about will become the past with the passage of time, and even leave no trace. Looking further ahead, the anxiety, internal consumption, and pain at that time were not worth it.

28. 禅修自己的内心，无悲无喜，无增无减，无垢无净。以虚静空灵的状态应对世界，自得自在。

28. Cultivate the mind with tranquility, devoid of sorrow and joy, without increase or decrease, without defilement or purity. Approach the world in a state of emptiness and tranquility, achieving ease and freedom in oneself.

29. 有些人，报应在子孙。有些人，报应在自己。

29. For some, the retribution falls upon their descendants. For others, it falls upon themselves.

30. 莎士比亚：“一颗善良之心抵过黄金。”

30. Shakespeare: "A kind heart is better than gold."

31. 不执着感情，就不会有怨憎会的痛苦，爱别离的悲伤。你来，我撑着伞去接你。你走，就任你离开。

31. Without attachment to emotions, there will be no suffering from resentment and hatred, nor the sadness of love separated. When you come, I hold the umbrella to meet you. When you leave, I let you go.

32. 吕雉统摄朝政，培植吕家势力为非作歹。残杀竞争者，打击威胁者，擅杀忠直者。为了对曾经的情敌戚夫人进行报复，将其做成人彘，扔入粪池，活活折磨而死。

32. Empress Lu Zhishou controlled the court affairs and cultivated the power of the Lu family to do evil. She murdered competitors, suppressed threats, and arbitrarily killed loyal and upright officials. In order to seek revenge on the former lover Qi Lady, she turned her into a pig, threw her into a dung pit, and tortured her to death.

33. 说到这里，大家或许觉得可以做到，没有问题。但是一想到自己得好结果(了脱生死)，而家人、朋友却仍然在沉沦当中，就会觉得不忍心，怎么办呢？这就要讲到「发菩提心」。所谓「发菩提心」，并不是指要像大法师一样弘扬佛法；如果我们能发愿，影响家人、邻居、朋友来学佛，这就是「发菩提心」了。不过，说到这儿，问题又来了。佛教的修行法门那么多，我们自己该怎么抉择，又该如何引导别人呢？今天我们必须掌握一条正确的路，这条路就是能令众生当生成就的「净土持名念佛法门」。

33. At this point, perhaps everyone may think that it's achievable, no problem. However, when we think about achieving a good result (liberation from samsara) for ourselves, while our family and friends are still immersed in suffering, we feel不忍心，then what should we do? This is where we talk about "the cultivation of the bodhicitta." What is meant by "the cultivation of the bodhicitta" is not that we should propagate the Dharma like great patriarchs; if we can make a vow to influence our family, neighbors, and friends to learn the Dharma, that is "the cultivation of the bodhicitta." But, when we get to this point, the problem arises again. With so many paths of practice in Buddhism, how should we ourselves make a choice, and how should we guide others? Today, we must grasp the correct path, which is the "Pure Land Nembutsu Method" that can enable sentient beings to achieve success in this very life.

34. 商纣王制造炮烙，肆意残害忠臣良民，极其残忍。以至天下怨恨，诸侯反叛，国家倾覆。自己也在无可奈何的那一刻，走上了烧红的炮烙，化为灰烬。

34. King Zhou of Shang created the torturous device of burning irons, wantonly harming loyal ministers and good citizens, displaying extreme cruelty. This led to widespread resentment among the people and rebellion among the feudal lords, eventually causing the collapse of the state. In a moment of despair, he himself walked onto the red-hot device, turning to ashes.

35. 勋爵感慨于菜农的善良，提出要给他的儿子提供到伦敦上学的机会，把他培养成精英，造福社会。菜农答应了，因为儿子的梦想是成为一名优秀的医生，救死扶伤。他乐意成全他。

35. The nobleman was moved by the kindness of the vegetable farmer and proposed to provide his son with an opportunity to study in London, to nurture him into an elite and benefit society. The vegetable farmer agreed, as his son's dream was to become an outstanding doctor, saving lives and alleviating suffering. He was more than willing to help fulfill his son's dream.

36. 孩子的父亲是尊贵的勋爵，要以重金相谢。菜农拒绝了，他说自己救人出自本心，不是交易。

36. The father of the child is a noble lord and wishes to reward him generously. The vegetable farmer refused, saying that his act of saving the child came from the bottom of his heart and was not a transaction.

37. 之后，他在南海普陀山闭关修行长达三十多年，对外没有任何往来，一心阅藏，从中增进信心。早期受龙舒净土文启发的净土思想，此时则用来潜修，认真受持。大师之名后来之所以为世人所知，是因为有位高鹤年居士将他所写的文章公开刊出，大家才明白有这样一位高僧。所以，七十岁以后在苏州的十年间，就成了大师教化众生最忙碌的时期。

37. After that, he practiced meditation and spiritual cultivation on Putuo Mountain in the South China Sea for more than thirty years, with no external contacts, focusing solely on studying the Buddhist scriptures to enhance his faith. The pure land thought inspired by the Longshu Jingtu Wen in his early years was now used for profound cultivation and diligently upheld. The master's name later became known to the world because a senior layman named Gaohéniang published the articles he had written, and then people realized there was such a great monk. Therefore, during the ten years after he turned seventy in Suzhou, it became the busiest period for the master to teach and transform the masses.

38. 在古代，有位有钱的员外想办冬令救济，煮粥来赈济饥荒的难民。由于冬季天寒地冻，每个人都想吃热食，再加上又可以分得一些银两，因此消息宣布之后，几十里外的人都涌来了。不过，因为事前没有妥善的规划，造成赈济当天发生严重的动乱。天气严寒之下，不耐烦的人群彼此相互拉扯、推挤，结果有二十多人不幸当场死亡。

38. In ancient times, a wealthy magistrate wanted to organize winter relief, cooking porridge to alleviate the plight of refugees suffering from famine. Since winter was cold and freezing, everyone wanted to eat warm food, and they could also receive some silver, so after the announcement, people from several miles away rushed in. However, due to inadequate planning beforehand, there was severe chaos on the day of the relief. Under the severe cold weather, the impatient crowd pulled and pushed each other, resulting in more than 20 people unfortunately dying on the spot.

39. 英国的一位菜农正在种地，看见了不远处有落水呼救的孩子。他不顾严寒和危险，跳进水中施救。

39. A vegetable farmer in the UK was plowing his land when he saw a child calling for help from a distance, having fallen into the water. He disregarded the cold and danger, jumping into the water to rescue the child.

40. 人类历史上，所有有名的恶人，不仅当世不得好死，还被钉在历史的耻辱柱上，遗臭万年。

40. In human history, all notorious evildoers not only met a bad end in their own time but have also been nailed to the pillar of historical disgrace, leaving a臭 reputation for eternity.

41. 这说明什么呢？说明「不忘本」。我们今天能立足社会，跟随善知识学佛，这个我从何而来？是由父辈来的。如果我们重视孝道，就表示仍有一分感恩的心，有这分感恩的心，事情就好办。因为有孝思的话，一个家庭就会平安吉祥，对邻居、社区、乃至整个国家，都会有良好的影响。正因如此，祖师才一再强调孝道的重要。现今大家多会感慨社会人心不古，其实社会上的好人还是占大多数，因为如果坏人较多，我们就不可能有机会坐在此地。然而，坏人虽仅占少数，但确实令人头痛。所以，要靠大家将孝道发扬光大，来影响不好的人，使整个社会都能走向光明。这是第一点「敦伦尽分」，是我们做人、学佛很重要的一个基础。

41. What does this show? It shows "not forgetting one's roots." Today, we are able to stand in society and follow the teachings of the good knowing ones to practice Buddhism. Where does this come from? It comes from our ancestors. If we value filial piety, it means that we still have a sense of gratitude. With this sense of gratitude, things become easier to handle. Because if there is filial thought, a family will be peaceful and auspicious, and it will have a positive influence on neighbors, the community, and even the entire country. That's why the patriarchs repeatedly emphasized the importance of filial piety. Nowadays, many people feel that the social and moral fabric of society is not as it used to be. In fact, there are still the majority of good people in society. If there were more bad people, we wouldn't have the opportunity to sit here today. However, although bad people are only a minority, they indeed cause headaches. Therefore, it depends on everyone to promote filial piety and influence those who are not good, so that the entire society can move towards brightness. This is the first point of "fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities according to the social order," which is an important foundation for us to be human and to learn Buddhism.

42. 几十年后，勋爵的孩子感染疟疾，奄奄一息。多亏了弗莱明的青霉素，他才转危为安。

42. Decades later, the lord's child contracted malaria and was on the brink of death. It was thanks to Fleming's penicillin that he turned the corner and recovered.

43. 世界都是空的，何况是你的执着。有所执，则有所苦。无所执，则无所谓。

43. The world is empty, let alone your attachment. There is suffering when there is attachment, and there is no such thing as suffering when there is no attachment.

44. 因果即天道。你的心性和行为，总会得到天道的反馈。

44. Causality is the way of heaven. Your nature and actions will always receive feedback from the way of heaven.

45. 人是一个矛盾体。既有善的追求，也有恶的冲动。如果人性之恶压倒生命之善，邪气战胜正气，就会戾气满身，感染恶业，反噬自己。

45. A person is a contradiction. They have the pursuit of goodness and the impulse towards evil. If the evil in human nature overpowers the goodness of life, and the evil energy triumphs over the righteous energy, one will be filled with malevolence, infected with evil deeds, and ultimately turn against oneself.

46. 立身处世，要能辨别善恶，为善去恶。这样才能净化自己的生命，消除负能量，增长正能量，给自己吸引源源不断的福报。

46. In life, one must be able to discern between good and evil, and do good while eliminating evil. Only in this way can one purify one's life, eliminate negative energy, increase positive energy, and attract an endless stream of blessings for oneself.

47. 在尚未入文之前，先简单介绍印光大师生平。大师是陕西省郃阳县人，出生在一个家教十分严格的家庭。由于陕西在大陆上属于偏僻地区，一般人民生活较刻苦，因此大师从小就养成勤劳俭朴的习惯。根据印祖传记记载，有一次一位弟子在找他，全寺上下都找遍了却不见踪影。最后发现，老人家原来在天井内洗衣服。当时印祖已经八十高龄，可是洗衣服却依旧不假手他人，可见他勤劳的美德。这是从小受长辈教化的影响。

47. Before introducing the life of Master Yin Guang, a brief overview is given. Master Yin Guang was from Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, and was born into a family with very strict family education. Since Shaanxi is a remote area on the mainland, the general people there lived a hard life, thus Master Yin Guang developed the habit of diligence and frugality from a young age. According to the biography of Master Yin, there was once a disciple looking for him, and despite a thorough search of the entire temple, he could not be found. Finally, it was discovered that the elder was washing clothes in the courtyard. At that time, Master Yin was already in his eighties, but he still did the laundry himself, which was a testament to his diligence. This was the influence of his elders' education from a young age.