2025年2月1日：【新春念佛感悟】Reflections on the Lunar New Year
⧉ 新春佳节对许多世间人而言或许是一个悠闲的假期，但对于出家人来说却意义非凡。因为这段期间，正好可以将“念佛”这一殊胜功德，传达给家家户户。毕竟，在华人文化里，春节期间总是会前来寺院祈福，这是难得的因缘，也就借此向大众介绍念佛的殊胜利益。
在今年的新春法会中，见到许多家庭——老少齐聚，甚至有人长途驱车前来道场，只为一起参加祈福、认识南无阿弥陀佛，真是令人法喜充满。
福建话里有个说法叫「走春」，谐音听来就像「有剩」，也意指「越走越有剩福」。但，走到哪儿并不一定都有福；如果能走到阿弥陀佛的道场，一定是福德无量。为何如此？因为念佛乃“善中之善、福中之福”，能为人生带来广大的福德。
没有福德，人生举步维艰；没有福德，各种业障难免缠身；没有福德，甚至多灾多难，想要真正解脱更加困难。好在，念“南無阿弥陀佛”就可以化解诸多障难，并获得圆满的福德。
因此，今年新春法会的开示主题着重在「念佛祈福」。透过对近年社会种种案件的省思，提醒我们回顾过往、反省自己的人生，也让更多人意识到此时此刻念佛的重要性，可以化解人生的困扰，进而迈向阿弥陀佛光明护佑的未来。在法会现场，看到无论男女老少，对这一主题都欢喜赞叹，或许正是从中发现了人生新的需求——那便是念佛（完整开示往后会发布）。
也有人说，这几年对新春的感觉渐渐平淡了，仿佛少了儿时那般热烈的气氛。原因可能是自己“长大”了，也或许是时代变迁，使得新春与平日并无太大区别。
这正如佛所说的「无常」。世间的一切热闹终究是短暂且变化的，更关键的是：我们能否在节日中获得更长远的利益？正因如此，每逢佳节，净土宗道场都围绕「南無阿弥陀佛」开展活动。毕竟，念佛所带来的，是「永无众苦，但受诸乐」的究竟利益。
最后，在新的一年里，诚愿所有众生都能信佛、念佛；让今生得平安，因缘成熟时更能永享极乐。也随喜赞叹各地的法师、莲友们，在新年期间于道场发心接引十方大众，共同念佛祈福。大家虽然辛苦，却无比值得。恭祝大众新年安乐，
南無阿彌陀佛
≡ 净本法师记录 ≡
English Translation: 【Reflections on the Lunar New Year】
For many people in the secular world, the Lunar New Year may simply be a leisurely holiday. However, for monastics, it holds extraordinary significance. During this period, we have a perfect opportunity to share the supreme merit of “chanting the Buddha’s name” with every household. After all, in Chinese culture, it is customary for people to visit temples during the New Year to seek blessings. Such a precious circumstance enables us to introduce the exceptional benefits of chanting to the public.
At this year’s New Year Dharma Assembly, it was heartwarming to see so many families—young and old—gathering together. Some even drove long distances just to participate in the blessing ceremonies and to learn about “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” Witnessing this filled everyone with great Dharma joy.
In the Hokkien dialect, there is an expression called “zô͘-chhun” (走春), which sounds similar to “having more left over” (有剩), implying “the more you venture out, the more blessings you accrue.” But simply going places does not guarantee blessings; if one can make it to Amitabha Buddha’s Way Place, one’s merits and virtues increase boundlessly. Why is this so? Because chanting the Buddha’s name is “the greatest of all good deeds and the foremost source of blessings,” capable of bestowing vast blessings upon our lives.
Without blessings, life can be a constant struggle; without blessings, all kinds of karmic obstacles naturally weigh upon us; without blessings, misfortunes can abound, making genuine liberation even more difficult. Fortunately, by chanting “Namo Amitabha Buddha,” many of these obstructions can be resolved, and complete blessings can be attained.
Hence, the theme of this year’s New Year Dharma Assembly focuses on “Chanting the Buddha’s Name for Blessings.” By reflecting on various social incidents in recent years, we are reminded to look back on our past and examine our own lives. More importantly, we learn the urgency and importance of chanting the Buddha’s name right now, which can help resolve our life’s troubles and guide us toward a future under Amitabha Buddha’s radiant protection. At the assembly, practitioners of all ages were delighted and in full praise of this theme—perhaps they discovered a new need in life: chanting the Buddha’s name.
Some have mentioned that over the years, the New Year has gradually lost its excitement, lacking the festive atmosphere once felt in childhood. The reason could be that we have “grown up,” or perhaps societal changes have made the New Year feel little different from any ordinary day.
This is exactly what the Buddha referred to as “impermanence.” All the bustle in this world is temporary and ever-changing. What truly matters is whether we can derive more enduring benefits during these festive times. That is why, every holiday, Pure Land temples organize activities centered on “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” After all, the benefit of chanting the Buddha’s name is ultimate: “freedom from all suffering and the enjoyment of countless joys.”
Finally, as we enter a new year, may all beings develop faith in the Buddha and sincerely chant his name, so that we may enjoy peace in this lifetime and, when the right conditions arise, experience everlasting bliss in the Pure Land. We also rejoice in and praise the Dharma masters and fellow practitioners around the world who, during the New Year, have dedicated themselves at the temple to welcoming and guiding all people to join in chanting for blessings. Though the work is laborious, it is infinitely worthwhile. Wishing everyone a peaceful New Year.
Namo Amitabha Buddha
≡The Diary of Master Jingben≡
⧉ 净土宗 Pure Land Buddhism ⧉
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