2025年1月20日：【科技的监牢】The Prison of Technology
⧉ 今天道场的网络突然瘫痪，义工执事原本依赖线上作业的工作便被迫中断。
若放在一般世俗生活里，网络瘫痪恐怕引起的冲击会更大，因为现代人的衣食住行几乎都离不开网络。从上班工作、与家人联络，到休闲娱乐乃至交通出行，全都与网络紧密相连。不然，不妨试试看：连续七天不碰手机、不开电脑、不上网，究竟还能不能好好「活下去」？
因此，我们究竟是在「使用」科技，还是已被科技「使用」？曾看过一句话：古代用监狱囚禁人，现代则用科技「监禁」人。科技已经把我们关进了一座看不见的「监牢」，使人无法挣脱。
佛陀在《遗教经》中说：「多欲之人，苦恼亦多；少欲之人，则无此患。」确实如此。因此，我也时常和道场的执事们互相勉励：除非为处理道场法务或学习所需，能少用网络就尽量少用；能不接触社交媒体就尽量不接触，以免在不知不觉中「中毒」。
据说，如今甚至出现所谓「网瘾」的现象，这与吸毒有何不同？事关重大，不得不慎重以对。凡尘越是迷惑，我们身为佛弟子便越要清醒。
那么，又该如何避免被「科技的监牢」所禁锢呢？可从三方面着手：
一，念佛。
二，闻法。
三，除基本生活所需之外，尽量不用、不依赖科技。
古人说：「与佛越亲近，便越能远离娑婆的种种习气。」因此，除了念佛，就是念佛。是时候少用手机、多念佛了。
念佛堪称「最棒」的科技。一念佛，便能与十万亿国土外的阿弥陀佛当下连线；一念佛，极乐世界即生起属于我们的那朵莲花。世间科技再先进，也远不及此。愿更多众生能多亲近念佛的「自然科技」，少接触娑婆的「人为科技」。南無阿彌陀佛。
≡ 净本法师记录 ≡
English Translation: The Prison of Technology
Today, the dharma centre's internet suddenly went down, and the volunteers, who usually rely on online tools for their work, were forced to halt their tasks.
In ordinary secular life, an internet outage would likely cause an even bigger impact, since modern people’s basic necessities—food, clothing, shelter, and transportation—are almost inseparable from the internet. From going to work and contacting family to leisure activities and getting around, everything is tightly connected to the internet. If you doubt it, try this experiment: go seven days without touching a phone, turning on a computer, or going online. Would you still be able to live comfortably?
So, are we “using” technology, or is technology “using” us? I once heard a saying: in ancient times, people were locked up in prisons, but in modern times, they are “imprisoned” by technology. Technology has locked us into an invisible “prison”， making it impossible to break free.
The Buddha once says: “Those who desire much will have much distress; those who desire little will have no such problems.” Indeed, this is true. That is why I often encourage our volunteers: unless it is needed for handling dharm affairs or study, minimize internet use as much as possible; avoid social media wherever you can, lest you become “poisoned” without even noticing it.
It is said that nowadays there is even something called “internet addiction.” How is that different from drug addiction? This is a serious matter, and we have to approach it with caution. The more deluded the mundane world becomes, the clearer we as Buddhists must remain.
So how can we avoid being locked in this “technological prison”? We can start from three aspects:
Recite the Buddha’s name (Nianfo).
Listen to the Dharma.
Aside from what is necessary for basic living, try not to use or rely on technology.
An ancient saying goes: “The closer you draw to the Buddha, the farther you distance yourself from all sorts of worldly habits in the Saha world.” Therefore, apart from reciting the Buddha’s name, just keep reciting the Buddha’s name. It is time to use our phones less and recite the Buddha’s name more.
Reciting the Buddha’s name can be called the “greatest technology.” With just one recitation, you are instantly connected to Amitabha Buddha in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, countless eons away; with just one recitation, the lotus meant for you in the Pure Land takes form. No matter how advanced worldly technology becomes, it cannot compare. May more beings turn to the “natural technology” of chanting the Buddha’s name and lessen their dependence on the “man-made technology” of this Saha world.
Namo Amitabha Buddha.
≡The Diary of Master Jingben≡
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