Life is full of unexpected changes. When things don't go as planned or catch us off guard, it often disturbs our peace of mind. This is something we all experience from time to time.

生活中面對人與事突如其來的變化，若是不順己意、出乎意料，往往最是擾亂心神的。這種被外在環境干擾的經驗相信大家都經常遇到。

Venerable Master Cheng Yen teaches that most people are often entangled in various emotional attachments, unable to break free. When the mind is trapped in emotions, wisdom becomes clouded, leading to suffering in life. However, if we understand the impermanence of life and the principle of cause and effect—that everything arises due to certain causes and conditions—then we can learn to let go. Those with wisdom will not be held back by emotional attachments or resentment.

證嚴上人說，凡夫被種種情綑住了，不得自由，思想無法超越，智慧不通達，這也是人間苦的原因。若能知道生命來去，了解如是因、如是緣、如是果、如是報，有智慧的人就能看得開、放得下，不被情纏。

When we grasp the law of karma—that everything happens as a result of our own past actions—we stop blaming others or external circumstances. Instead, we turn inward, reflect on ourselves, and let go of resentment. This shift in mindset brings clarity and inner peace.

能通達佛法因緣果報之理，了解萬事萬物都是「因我而起」，如此則不會怨天尤人，而能反躬自省，放下怨懟、心開意解。

Venerable Master Cheng Yen reminds us, "Since we have chosen to follow the Buddha, we must understand his teachings. When faced with difficulties, we should learn to resolve them within ourselves. Otherwise, no amount of external advice can truly help. Even if the path is right before us, we won't be able to walk it. Practicing Buddhism means learning to let go and see things clearly—only then will we find the way forward."

上人說：「既然已經學佛，就要了解道理，遇事時要自我開解，否則再多人來勸導都解不開，道路就在面前也行不通；學佛就要學得放得下而且看得開，才有道路走。」

This may sound simple, but in reality, it is very difficult. Venerable Master Cheng Yen also says, "If we cannot untangle the knots in our hearts, we will remain trapped in suffering. Only by seeing things with clarity can we move forward on the path ahead. Otherwise, we will never reach our destination."

這件事說起來很簡單，但是做起來很難，證嚴上人說：「心結打不開，永遠沉浸在痛苦中；唯有看得開，趕快把握時間繼續前行，否則永遠到不了目的地。」

The path of spiritual practice is never-ending. It requires constant mindfulness—every word we speak and every action we take is part of the practice.
Venerable Master Cheng Yen likens this journey to eating a meal. No one else can eat for you; only by eating yourself can you be nourished. In the same way, no one can walk your path for you—you must take each step on your own to move forward.

這是一條無盡的修行之路，時時刻刻都要守好自心，一言一行都是修行。上人形容修行就像吃飯，自己吃才能自己飽，無法請別人代替；走路也要靠自己邁開腳步才能前進。
This article is excerpted from the English Tzu Chi Monthly. For the full text, please refer to：慈濟月刊690期
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