英文书 E109 - The Philosophy of Sheng-Yen Lu 盧勝彥的哲思

Preface:“I”

Whatis “I”?

Does it represent a person, or is there a deeper, more elusive meaning to it?

The word “I” is both concrete and profoundly abstract. It encompasses the entiretyof life, existence, and thought, yet it remains fluid, constantly shifting indefinition and significance.

In short, the word “I” deserves far more exploration than we often give it.

While I seek to explain what “I” is, can I truly capture its full essence in a single book? The truth is, this “I” is neither fixed nor definitive; it is an ongoing evolution. At its core, it is a concept in constant flux.

To help illustrate, let us take “I” as “Living Buddha Lian Sheng Sheng-Yen Lu.” What does “I” mean in this context? Who exactly is“I”? What is “I” meant to do? These questions cannot be answered solely by conventional frameworks or definitions.

If I were to attempt to answer these three questions directly, the simplest response would be:

 I am a buddha.

 I am the incarnation of the White Mahapadmakumara.

 I have come to this world to guide all beings.

 However, this kind of answer, rooted in religion, speaks most clearly to my disciples, yet it may not resonate with those outside that context. Many people are drawn to understanding Sheng-Yen Lu not just for his spiritual teachings, but for his life, philosophy, and moral insights. This is why I feel compelled to write this book.