How can we calm our restless minds? Buddhism offers several insights.
如何让这颗躁动不安的心平息下来？佛法告诉我们，有以下几个方面。
First, changing our perception is crucial.
Western philosophers caution us not to pursue things that we cannot obtain. What is the philosophy behind this? It is examining life with wisdom, because wisdom can lead us away from afflictions.
首先是改变认识。
西方哲学家告诫我们：不要去追求自己得不到的东西。其中包含什么道理？就是以智慧审视人生，所谓“智慧不起烦恼”。
All afflictions are related to how we perceive the world. Many events happen in our daily lives, and how much they affect us depends not on the events themselves, but on how we perceive them.
所有烦恼都和我们对世界的认识有关。生活中每天会发生很多事，这些事对我们产生多大影响，关键不在于事情本身，而在于我们怎么看待。
If we carry a strong ego, judge things in binary terms, or have negative attitudes, even small things can create afflictions. Conversely, if we see the truth with wisdom, nothing will trouble us.
如果带着强烈的我执、二元对立或负面情绪，那么，每件事都可能制造烦恼。反之，如果我们能以智慧透视真相，任何事都不会带来烦恼。
Throughout Chinese history, there have been scholar-officials like Wang Wei and Su Dongpo who were Confucians and engaged in worldly matters, yet also devout Buddhists. By studying Buddhism, they came to see the illusory nature of worldly fame and fortune, which allowed them to remain detached and relaxed regardless of their successes or failures.
在中国历史上，王维、苏东坡等文人士大夫，既是入世的儒家，也是虔诚的佛教徒。他们通过学习佛法，在做事的同时，看到世间名利的如梦如幻，不管得意还是失意，都能超然物外。
Next, we need to diligently follow precepts, practice concentration, and cultivate wisdom.
Precepts guide us to lead a healthy and moderate life. Why is it difficult for modern people to be still? It is because they make their lives too complicated and have insatiable desires, which make their minds chaotic. Indeed, a simple and regular life is the key prerequisite for settling our minds.
其次是勤修戒定慧。
戒是指导我们过健康、有节制的生活。现代人为什么静不下来？就是因为把生活搞得太复杂，索求无度，所以心也变得很乱。如果生活简单而有规律，心就容易清净。
Only from a settled mind can the wisdom of observation emerge. Buddhism teaches that the power of observation is inherent within the mind itself, as stated in the Heart Sutra: “Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, when practicing deeply the Prajna Paramita, perceives that all five skandhas are empty and is saved from all suffering and distress.” This reveals that the wisdom of observation exists within life itself. By practicing meditation, we can manifest such wisdom, enabling us to manage our emotions, calm our restlessness, and remain unaffected by afflictions.
而定是安心之道，由此开启智慧。佛法认为心本身就有观照力，《心经》的“观自在菩萨行深般若波罗蜜多时，照见五蕴皆空，度一切苦厄”，就是告诉我们，生命内在有观照的智慧，通过禅修使这种智慧得以显现，就有能力处理情绪，平息躁动，不被烦恼左右。
摘自《人工智能时代，人类何去何从》
版权所有：济群法师
Excerpted from:
In the Age of Artificial Intelligence, Where Is Humanity Headed? by Master Jiqun
