佛教慈善的理论支撑

On the Supporting Theories for Buddhist Compassion

支撑佛教慈善的理性包括佛教的"缘起论"、"不二论"、"果报论"和"往生论"、"六度"、戒律等教义、大乘佛教的"菩萨"精神。菩萨精神基于缘起理论,旨在体现无我、平等的观念,从而构成了佛教慈善的基本德性,依此支撑佛教以"无缘大悲"为显著特点的慈善行为。佛教主张先"拔苦"后"与乐","拔苦"为悲,"与乐"为慈,构成了菩萨慈悲基本的行为方式,这种慈悲方式基于佛教"不二法门"的世界观,导致其布施行为的特点表现为一种无上的清澈、彻底、轻松,无上的宽容、包涵、体谅和信任。佛教的"因果报应"理论一直是深刻影响并推进社会慈善的一种宗教积极力量。

The theories that support Buddhist idea of compassion are teachings such as the pratitya-samutpada, theory of monism, cause and effect, being bern in the Pure Land, the six paramitas, and ethics as well as the Bodhisattva spirit of the Mahayana Buddhism. The Bodhisattva spirit is based on the pratitya-samutpada, which tries to reflect the spirit of non-self and the concept of equality. Thus it establishes the basic Buddhist virtues of charity, and supports the charity behavior characterized by the Buddhist unconditional compassion. Buddhism holds that one should first save people from sufferings and then give them happiness. Therefore, saving people from suffering is merciful while giving people happiness is compassionate, which constitutes the basic behavior of Bodhisattva compassion. Such compassion is based on the Buddhist idea of monism, and leads to behavior characterized by tolerance, indulgence, understanding and trust which are totally clear, complete and relaxed. Buddhism＇s ＂karma＂ theory is an active religious force profoundly influencing and promoting the social charity.