我们生长在一个不幸的时代。世间上的诱惑力太厉害了，令人纸醉金迷，利令智昏。日新月异的科学发明，令人把“根本”都忘了。在这个不幸的时代中，若是能认识环境而不随波逐流，不同流合污，就能改变你的命运，作一个幸运的人。
We live in an unfortunate time. The temptations of this world are too powerful and make people indulge in a wanton life. Profits dim their wisdom. Rapid scientific development has caused people to forget their foundation. During this unfortunate time, if we can recognize the situation and not go along with it, we'll be able to change our destiny and become fortunate people.
我们人的根本是什么呢？孔子说：“君子务本，本立而道生。孝悌也者，其为仁之本欤。”人的根本就是“孝悌”两个字。在西方，人人都忘本了，根本就不知道什么是“孝悌”；这就好像把树木的根刨出来一样－－树若是没有根，或者露到泥土上，这个树就会倒塌。人若是不懂得“孝”义，也等于树木没扎下根一样，如何成一个有用的人呢？
What is the basis for being a person? Confucius said, "A superior person devotes himself to the foundation. When the foundation is established, the Way will come forth. Filiality and fraternal respect are the basis of humaneness." So the basis of a person is "filiality and fraternal respect." But in the West people neglect this foundation. They don't even know what filiality and fraternal respect are. This is just like digging out the roots of a tree. If a tree has no roots, or the roots are exposed, then the tree will fall. People who don't understand filiality and fraternal respect are just like trees without roots. How can they be useful?
君子要务本。在家要孝顺父母，悌敬兄长。要帮助家里的操作，不可好吃懒作。若能找到根本，那么，就在这个世运不安、不幸的时代里，能作一个卓然独立、出类拔萃的幸运人。小朋友！你们应该作－－
A superior person devotes himself to the foundation. At home you should be filial to your parents and respectful towards your siblings, help with the housework, and not be a lazy glutton. If you pay attention to the basics, you can become an outstanding and fortunate person in this turbulent time. Young friends, make yourselves into
疾风中之硬烛，
烈火里的精金。
Strong candles in the gusty wind;
Pure gold in the blazing fire.
风愈大，这根蜡烛愈烧得光亮。人人颠倒发狂，而你不受物欲所诱惑，不同流合污，这就像疾风中之硬烛，真金是不怕火炼。你如何烧它，其份量不减，因为这个金是纯真的。你们要像真金，任何烈火也烧不坏。
The gustier the wind, the brighter the candle burns. Other people may become mad and deluded, but you won't be tempted by material desires; you won't go along with the crowd. Be like a strong candle in the gusty wind. Pure gold is not afraid of being smelted in the blazing fire. No matter how you smelt it, it will not lessen, because it is pure. You should be like pure gold that cannot be harmed by any fire.
一九八三年十一月开示洛杉矶金轮圣寺
A talk given on November, 1983, at the Gold Wheel Sagely Monastery, Los Angeles
