積極，還是消極？這是一個值得深思的問題。為什麼社會上有許多人認為佛教徒是消極的？ Active or passive? It is a question worth reflecting on. Why do so many people perceive Buddhists as passive? 首先，這種誤解往往來自於出家制度。 One source of this misunderstanding lies in the monastic tradition. 中國傳統文化以孝道為本，而孝道的重要內容之一，就是傳宗接代，因此有「不孝有三，無後為大」的說法。 In traditional Chinese culture, filial piety has long been regarded as a fundamental virtue. Continuing the family lineage has therefore been seen as an important responsibility. 然而，出家人選擇獨身，自然不以養育後代作為人生目標。 Monastics, however, embrace a life of celibacy, choosing a different purpose for their lives. 同時，許多人也習慣以地位、財富和成就來衡量一個人的成功。 Many people also measure success by status, wealth, and worldly achievement. 他們認為，人生應該追求功成名就，光宗耀祖，才算不虛此生。 To them, a meaningful life is one marked by recognition, prosperity, and accomplishment. 而出家人與世無爭，將世間名利視為過眼雲煙，因此常被誤解為缺乏進取心。 Monastics, by contrast, do not place their hearts upon fame or fortune. Because they do not compete for worldly success, they are sometimes mistaken for lacking ambition. 現代社會鼓勵消費，也鼓勵不斷追求更多。 Modern society encourages consumption and the constant pursuit of more. 而佛教徒提倡少欲知足，過著簡樸的生活。 Buddhist practitioners, on the other hand, cultivate simplicity and contentment. 尤其是出家人，長年住在寺院，飲食清淡，衣著樸素。 Monastics often live in temples, eat simple meals, and wear modest robes throughout the year. 很多人無法理解這樣的生活方式。 To many, such a way of life is difficult to understand. 他們認為，佛教徒缺乏對生活的熱情，跟不上時代的腳步。 They may assume that Buddhists lack enthusiasm for life or have fallen behind the modern world. 於是，少欲知足便被誤解為消極的人生態度。 As a result, contentment is often mistaken for passivity. 此外，也確實有少數人在人生遭遇挫折後選擇出家。 It is also true that a small number of people enter monastic life after experiencing hardship or disappointment. 有人為了逃避現實，有人因為失去信心，希望藉此遠離痛苦。 Some may hope to escape reality, while others seek refuge after losing confidence in life. 這些例子容易被放大，也加深了社會的刻板印象。 These stories often receive disproportionate attention, reinforcing public misconceptions about Buddhism. 然而，真正因這些原因而出家的，只是極少數。 In reality, they represent only a very small minority. 即使披上袈裟，如果沒有真正的發心，也難以在修行中有所成就。 Simply wearing monastic robes does not make one a true practitioner. Without sincere aspiration, genuine spiritual growth is unlikely. 另一種誤解，則來自佛教徒的處世態度。 Another misunderstanding arises from the way Buddhists engage with the world. 今天的社會競爭激烈，許多人一生都在追逐成功，不斷奔波，無法停下腳步。 Today’s world is filled with competition. Many spend their lives striving relentlessly, unable to slow down or find peace. 然而，從佛法來看，真正令人痛苦的，正是這種被欲望與執著牽引的人生。 From the perspective of the Dharma, however, suffering arises precisely from being driven by endless craving and attachment. 佛陀告訴我們：「一切有為法，如夢幻泡影。」 The Buddha taught, “All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows.” 正因為看見生命的真相，佛教徒學習隨遇而安。 Seeing the true nature of life, Buddhists learn to live in peace with changing circumstances. 隨遇而安，並不是放棄努力，而是不再被境界所左右。 Living in harmony with circumstances does not mean giving up. It means no longer being controlled by external conditions. 放下執著，也不是放棄責任，而是以更清明、更自在的心面對人生。 Letting go of attachment is not abandoning responsibility. It is meeting life with greater clarity, freedom, and compassion. 真正的積極，不一定是永不停歇地追逐。 True positivity is not necessarily found in endless striving. 有時候，它是一顆安住當下、充滿智慧與慈悲的心。 Sometimes, it is simply a heart that rests fully in the present moment, guided by wisdom and compassion. 願我們都能重新思考：什麼才是真正積極的人生。 May we all take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to live a positive and meaningful life.
