五百羅漢_Five Hundred Arhats

羅漢五百各異姿，神通應用無定途；
觸處得通即證覺，涅槃寂靜百花開。

跋

此次在廣東、雲南朝禮多處佛寺，曾值五百羅漢像多次，或供於專堂，或分列大雄寶殿之兩側。諸尊各現特色，明示靈通應用不拘定途，但能觸處通透，隨即頭頭是道，無非解脫。涅槃寂靜，非同死水，正不妨活靈活現，以萬般舉止教化世間。

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　二〇〇八年八月十三日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　養和齋　　　　於加州

Five Hundred Arhats　Yutang Lin

Arhats numbered five hundred, each with individual postures
Application of supernatural powers abides by no definite ways
Wherever contacted, one comprehended and became enlightened
In the profound tranquility of Nirvana all kinds of flowers bloom

Comment:

During my recent trip in Guang Dong and Yun Nan of China we visited several monasteries and encountered there statues of Five Hundred Arhats several times. Some were honored in one or several halls set aside for them, and some were displayed on the two sides of the main shrine hall. Each Arhat displayed his individual posture and characteristics; thus, illustrating clearly that application of supernatural powers abides by no definite ways. As long as one can comprehend the truth thoroughly upon contact with whatever phenomena, then everywhere is the path leading to enlightenment. The tranquility of Nirvana is not like a still water; there is no harm done in lively application and exhibitions of myriads behaviors to teach and convert beings in the worldly realms.

Written in Chinese and translated on August 13, 2008
El Cerrito, California

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