痛苦其实是块宝

胜义谛的方法-Methods of Ultimate Truth

The final outcome of all the practices is to transform suffering into a positive condition and force in our practice. If this target is met, it means we have successfully cultivated bodhicitta and renunciation. Regrettably, I have not reached this target either; however, that is not a problem, as we can practice and grow together. No one can succeed right from the start; nor can anyone fail indefinitely. It all depends on our effort.

所有修法最终的结果，就是把痛苦转化为修行的助缘、顺缘与力量。如果达到这个标准，就是修好了菩提心和出离心。很惭愧，我也没达到这个标准，但没关系，我们可以一起修行、一起成长。没有一个凡夫，是一开始就达到标准的，也没有一个人永远达不到这个标准，一切都取决于自己的努力。

When ordinary people are together, friction is certain to arise and cause all kinds of suffering. Apart from the buddhas and bodhisattvas, even the arhats cannot consistently bring happiness and avoid causing suffering to others. This is all the more so with ordinary people.

本来凡夫在一起，相互间肯定会发生一些摩擦，从而引起大大小小的痛苦。除了佛菩萨以外，连阿罗汉都做不到永远只给他众带来幸福而不制造痛苦，凡夫就更不用说了。

Although suffering is hard on us, if we know the method, it will strengthen our practice, cultivate the mind, and fill our hearts with joy. When this joyous feeling develops to a certain stage, our physical pain becomes less acute, our mind more open; we can face suffering with ease, and relate better with people; hence, we should embrace, even welcome, suffering when we encounter it. Just as in acupuncture, patients are willing to bear the pain of the treatment and pay for it, because they know they can attain good health in exchange. In the same way, our suffering can bring us mental well-being, happiness, even liberation. We do not have to pay for suffering, only confront it directly and transform it into the path.

痛苦虽然会让人不好过，但如果懂得诀窍和方法，就能使我们的修行有收获、有进步，让我们的心灵有所提升，并且充满欢喜。当欢喜心发展到一定程度的时候，肉体上的病痛也能被压制、覆盖，变得不再明显，心胸也更为宽广、坦荡，面对痛苦不会过分计较，与人相处也更加愉快，所以我们应该以包容甚至欢迎的态度来接受痛苦。就像针灸治疗，虽然患者要承受针刺的苦楚，但大家仍然愿意花钱去买这种痛苦；因为我们知道，痛苦可以换来健康。同样，我们现在的痛苦，不需要花钱去买，通过直接面对痛苦、转化痛苦，就能给我们带来精神上的健康、幸福，甚至是解脱。

However, people who lack wisdom and courage are usually afraid of suffering and try to run away from it — their entire effort in life is to avoid misery; they have never thought of seeking liberation. The basic problem lies in not knowing suffering is a manifestation of mental weakness. This results in further restricting the mind, occupying it with fear of problems that relate to livelihood, family, and old age. Due to ignorance and fear, we unwittingly create bad karma. With the practices mentioned above, we can cut through our delusion, confront suffering with courage, open our hearts to others, and find joy in life.