什么是菩提心？我有一个很简单的比喻：未发菩提心前，好像面粉未下发粉；一旦发菩提心之后，好像放下面种。久而久之，面便会长大。若问菩提心像个什么样子？本来它是无形无相，只是个觉道。觉者，觉悟也，就是明白，明白道理。不单是明白，还要修这条道。
What is the Bodhi resolve? I have a very simple analogy: Before we bring forth the Bodhi resolve, we are like flour before yeast is added. Bringing forth the Bodhi resolve is like adding yeast to the dough, so that it will rise and expand over time. What is the Bodhi resolve like? It is without any form or mark; it is only the enlightened Way. To be enlightened means to understand; to understand the principles of the Way. Yet we should not stop at understanding the principles; we must also cultivate the Way.
也可以用宝塔来比喻菩提心：这一座宝塔，无论它多高多大，必要从地上修起；地，就是我们的心地。要从地上建这座宝塔，使它一层比一层高。菩提心，也是从心地上建起，愈发愈大，愈发愈高；本来只是一点点，很小的，但逐渐膨胀、发大；等到功德圆满了，最后可以成佛。这只是我一个很粗浅的看法，一个简单的比喻。
The Bodhi resolve can also be compared to a pagoda: no matter how tall a pagoda you plan to build, you have to start from the ground. The ground is analogous to our "mind ground." Just as we have to build a pagoda story by story from the ground up, the Bodhi resolve is similarly built up from the mind ground. Starting very small, it gradually grows greater and higher. And eventually, when we perfect our merit and virtue, we will become Buddhas. This is only a very simple and rough analogy.
一九七九年十一月十二日开示
A talk given on November 12, 1979
