從愛心出發

清海無上師以英文講於西班牙馬拉加國際禪四 2006.9.30 

我希望全世界能夠採行一種通用的語言，大家講一種語言會比較方便，但是也要保留自己的母語。我寫了一封信給歐洲議會的議長，讚嘆歐盟的一切成就，稱讚他們的慷慨義舉以及所有的優良政策，幫助歐洲成為更美好的地方，並帶給很多百姓更大的福祉。歐盟做得很好，它的會員國竭盡所能地發揚人道精神，只要能力所及，他們確實都會盡力去做，他們幫助了許多低度開發國家，所以我才讚嘆他們。

在信中我還提到：以我個人的淺見，所有歐盟國家除了學自己的母語外，如果還能學習一種共通的語言，那就更好了。我沒說要放棄母語，因為歐盟國家有許多不同的語言，但儘管如此，他們還能有這麼多成就。你們能否想像，如果所有會員國只講一種語言，那豈不是可以更容易了解彼此，更快下決策！歐盟的主張是要「多元融合」，他們尊重所有文化、語言，這種理想真的好美！我不曾聽說過比這更好的理想。但是我們也可以保有自己的文化，同時再多學一種語言，因為無論如何我們都需要！

他們每次召開會議或在其他場合都講英文，那何不乾脆選擇一種通用的語言呢？他們可以投票表決。我在信上說：「我們可以公開投票，選出一種通用的語言。」所有人民都可以投票，這樣大家就不會說歐盟有分別心，比方說比較偏好英文，而看不起波蘭語或法語。我們可以把所有語言都列出來，看看哪種語言得票數最多，然後就採用那種語言當作歐盟的官方語言，其他國家也是一樣。如此一來，我們彼此之間會更容易溝通。如果我們從小就學習英文，那麼講起來就和英國人一樣道地，很容易和其他國家的人溝通，然後透過對彼此的了解，認識該國的優美之處。

依我個人淺見，這樣的做法比較容易。因為坦白說，即使是最聰明的人也無法在一生中學會所有語言，不論他多麼尊重所有的文化和語言，或多麼想精通所有的語言，那幾乎是不可能的事。一來你們有好多事要忙，再說你們頭腦的容量有限，更何況人生苦短，所以我才鼓勵大家都去學英文。雖然英文不是歐盟或其他聯盟投票表決的官方語言，但是它比較容易學，而且比較通用，所以我們不用投票，我們學英文就好，這樣好嗎？（大眾鼓掌）我贊成，只有一票！（師父笑）

比方說，如果我能跟祕魯人講英文，這樣就會容易得多。雖然我不懂祕魯的語言，她還是可以用英文告訴我祕魯的各方面之美，我也可以用英文告訴她悠樂的一切美好事物，作為彼此溝通的起點。如果我們使用相同的語言來建立友誼，那麼我可以更深入地研究祕魯語，或是她也可以學習更多悠樂語，只要她想學，而且又有時間的話。她也可以選擇學習波蘭語，我不會覺得被冒犯；或是她可以選擇學習法語，了解法國文化，我不會覺得受到侮辱，因為我們還是可以用英文溝通。

我不認為使用一種世界共通的語言，同時又學習其他當地的語言，會有任何問題。每個國家的人民都可以從孩提時期就在學校學習兩種語言：官方語言和當地母語。如果你懂這個全球通用的語言，你就可以把你們國家美麗的寶藏、美麗的文學以及你所要介紹的內容，都翻譯成英文，讓全世界的人知道。比方說，每個想了解祕魯的人看了之後就會說：「哇！祕魯好棒喔！祕魯真的是歷史悠久、文化璀璨！那裡的人好有靈性。我喜歡祕魯人，我要去祕魯，我要深入了解祕魯，我要跟祕魯人結婚，並住在那裡。」（大眾笑並鼓掌）

如此一來，大家就可以有所選擇。如果他覺得祕魯文化不能吸引他，他可以選法國，用英文研究有關法國的一切。也許他會想：「噢！這個國家好像比較好。」如果他喜歡的話，他可以去法國，在法國結婚生子。（大眾笑）如果他還是不滿意，他可以再選西班牙，學習西班牙的文學、文化、歷史，也可以來馬拉加，看看自己喜不喜歡留在小中心當長住等等。（大眾笑）

大家能相互了解是相當不錯的。所以我認為，最好是大家都能使用一種官方語言。如同我在信中所提的，儘管並非每個人都贊同使用「世界語」，採行「世界語」仍是一個很好的構想。如此一來，我們就不需要學習更多語言，我們的語言已經太多了。我們只要舉行公開投票，讓所有歐盟會員國的人民投票表決，看哪個語言對他們最方便、最容易。怎麼會有分別心呢？無論是否採用英文作為正式語言，你們都已經是歐盟會員，而大家加入歐盟不就是為了要更團結嗎？所以不管採用哪種語言都沒關係，我們不是英國人、波蘭人，應該說我們是歐盟成員，不管選用哪種語言都沒關係，都是歐盟成員所用的其中一種語言，對嗎？得票最高的語言就當選，然後公告讓大家知道，成為大家共同學習的語言。這是我個人的淺見。（大眾鼓掌）

歐盟的概念跟我們差不多，都尊重不同的文化。我們這裡有祕魯人、墨西哥人、德國人、英國人、波蘭人，（同修：哥倫比亞人！）甚至還有從哥倫比亞遠道來的，還有波多黎各人、葡萄牙人，什麼國籍都有，從這個地方就可以證明。假如大家初次碰面就能溝通良好，該有多好！這樣一來，我們彼此之間就可以盡情分享，不用再多等一年之後，我才能說你的語言：（師父開玩笑）「請你等等我！我會在一年內學好葡萄牙語，然後回來找你，千萬要等我回來哦！」「我要跟你結婚，再等我一年就好！」

事實上，語言並非那麼必要，「愛」才是不可或缺的。但假如大家能用一種共通的語言來表達心中的愛與想法以及美好的事情，我想戰爭一定會減少，人與人之間將更能和睦共處、相互關愛。因此我建議大家，即使你是法國人、德國人或西班牙人，如果學校不教英語的話，可以另外安排讓你的小孩學習英語。

大多數人在學校多少都學會一些英語。即使只是簡單的交談，人們也會覺得彼此有聯繫。至於內在的聯繫，則需花費更長久的時間。看看你們跟我，花了多少時間呢？所以看在老天的份上，先建立好外在的聯繫吧！即使大家都跟英國人一樣用英語溝通，有時仍免不了發生誤解，更何況我們講那麼多種不同的語言，每種語言表達的方式又不一樣，不難想像會發生多少誤解！

假如你不是從小就學英語，得花多少時間才能學會？我只是以英語為例，其他語言也是一樣。連英語這麼簡單的語言，都得花上好幾年的時間，才能了解每句話的真正意思，假如大家都等長大了才開始學別的語言，我們怎麼能相互溝通得好呢？也許可以，但是我們不可能學會所有語言！所以，如果所有國家都能合起來票選一種語言，那就太好了！

不光是歐盟，歐盟只起個開端，然後每個國家都一起加入，學習一種共通的語言。如此一來，除了保留當地母語，我們也保留了所有文化，不縮減任何東西，只是讓彼此更能相互了解。能真正了解對方，才能更相知相惜。如果彼此不了解，如何能相互尊重、相互關愛？如果對當地人民絲毫不了解，又怎麼能和他們有良好的互動呢？比方說，輿論大肆評論阿拉伯回教國家，大肆評論伊朗核武，但並非伊朗人全是壞人，並非他們一無是處，只不過要相互了解得花好長的時間！所以假如大家使用一種共通的語言，就能將當地所有美好的事物從各種語言翻譯成英文，保存在各地的公共圖書館，這樣大家就會有許多關於各國民情的資訊可以參考，以增進彼此的了解，就這麼簡單！

每一種語言都有不為人知的優美之處，所以我們應該保存這世上的所有語言，這是一定的。但是我仍然認為該有一種全球通用的語言，好讓世人能更團結、更和諧相處，並且讓這個世界早日獲得和平。我建議學英語，要是你不喜歡的話，也可以學法語、西班牙語或中文。有時間多學幾種，那當然更好，但先從英語學起，因為英語比較簡單，也比較通用，是嗎？（大眾答：是）好，那我們就這麼做！（大眾鼓掌）

奇蹟不是沒有，但除了等待奇蹟之外，你在世界各地都能找到會說英語的人，可以立刻幫你的忙。語言是非常重要的，有時當我們到別的國家去，即使只會說幾句破破的當地話，他們也很高興，不是嗎？但遺憾的是，儘管每一種語言都是那麼優美，令人稱奇，我們在一生中卻沒有足夠的時間來一一學習。所以最起碼我們把英語學會，這樣遇到麻煩時就可以找人幫忙。即使計程車司機也會說英語，咖啡店老闆會說英語，餐廳服務生會說英語，你可以向他們求助，你們彼此可以聽懂對方在說什麼。到處都找得到會講英語的人，所以至少你能幫自己的忙。

這是我個人的淺見。當你流落在某個國家，不知身在何處、該往哪兒去，肚子又餓了，需要找些食物之類的，而你卻不會講當地語言時，那該怎麼辦？到哪裡總找得到會講英語的人，這是我的親身體驗。

好，我認為可以讓我們的小孩開始學英語。也許可以自己安排，總比沒有好。如果學校沒有教英語，或是孩子太小，還不能在學校裡學英語的話，那就自己找個老師來教，或是找個需要賺外快的同修來教他們一些基本英語。因為有些地方要到高中才開始教外語，那時候學就太晚了！並非因為我是英國籍，我才這麼建議。我只是根據個人的旅遊經驗來看，會講英語對我幫助很大：可以澄清誤會、找到目的地、買到必需品。或許你們也可以組織一下，為整個馬拉加或馬德里小中心找個英文老師來教小孩，或是你們自己都可以學。儘量多從老師那兒學，之後再買光碟片或錄音帶，睡覺時可以放來聽。你可以整天聽，就像聽音樂一樣，或是聽一陣子，直到能夠掌握竅門為止。

現在有許多方法可以讓人很快學會一種語言，不只是英文，任何語言都一樣。除了像非洲一些部落，或是悠樂偏遠山區的方言，我不知道他們會不會有。但是像英文、法文、德文、義大利文、西班牙文、葡萄牙文這些比較普遍的語言，我想不會太難找。如果可以的話，就要求速學的方法。（師父開玩笑）我們是即刻開悟的人，什麼都要快！

當你把基礎學好後，就可以繼續讀報紙。如果不喜歡看報紙，也可以讀我的講經內容，我們雜誌也有英文版，裡面有世界各地的報導，或是可以聽我們的英語節目。聽得越多，你就懂得越多；讀得越多，懂得也越多！你們很幸運，因為我會說英語，我講的英語又很簡單，連外國人都能懂，只要你會一些基本英語就可以。當你看到文章中有什麼字不懂，就做個記號，回家後再查字典或查電腦，你們可以透過這種方式來學習。

現在我們經常要跟別人互動交流，又常會遇到講英文的人，所以你們可以試著和他們交談，也許一開始英語說得很破，但這就是讓自己改正進步的方法。我會提議英文，是因為有許多國家的人都學英語，而且以我的旅遊經驗而言，要找個英語翻譯或是會說英語的人，比找個說德語、法語或是葡萄牙語的人容易。有時我迷路了，看到人就問：「你會說德語嗎？」（師父講德語）「不會！」「法語？中文？悠樂文？」答案都是「不會！」，然後我問：「你會說英語嗎？」「會！」既然我們已經有個很便利、容易學習又很通用的語言，那何不就學習那個語言呢？並非我們偏愛英國人，只不過他們的語言還不錯，我們為了方便而使用罷了。 

http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/ch/news/177/index.htm

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Master Says

Sharing a Universal Language Helps Bring Understanding and Peace on Earth

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, September 30, 2006, Four-day Retreat,
Malaga, Spain (Originally in English)

I wish that in the whole world, we could speak only one language. It would be more convenient to have one language, but also the native language. I wrote a letter to the President of the European Parliament. I praised the EU for all its achievements, all its generosity and all the beautiful policies, which have helped make Europe a better place, with better welfare for many citizens. The EU is good. Its members are doing their best for humanity, and they really take care of whatever they can. So I praised them for that, because they help many under-developed countries.

Then I said that, in my humble opinion, it would be much better if at least all the EU member nations learned one language, apart from their native language. I didn’t say to abandon the native language, because the EU countries have many languages and they still accomplish a lot. But can you imagine if all the member nations spoke just one language? It would be easy to understand each other, and there would be quicker decisions. The EU opinion is that they want unity in diversity, and they respect all cultures and all languages, which is very beautiful. I never heard anything more beautiful than that! But we could preserve our culture and learn one extra language. We need it anyway.

They already speak English in the meetings of the Parliament and elsewhere. So why not just choose one language? They could choose it by vote. I wrote in my letter: “We can vote openly to choose one language.” All the people could vote for it, so that the EU won’t seem to be discriminating, for example, preferring English and looking down upon Polish or French. We could list all the languages and see which language the most people vote for, then choose that language as the official one for the EU. And the rest is the same. Through that, we still can communicate with each other easier. When you learn English as a child, you speak like the English people. It’s easier. And then you can communicate with any other nation and can learn of the beauty of that nation through already understanding each other.

It’s easier that way, in my humble opinion. Because, let’s face it, even the most intelligent person cannot learn all the languages in his lifetime. No matter how much a person respects all cultures and languages or would love to be able to speak all languages, it’s not very possible. Number one, you’re busy with many other things. Number two, your brain has a capacity limit. And above all, your time: Life is short. So that’s why I encourage all of you to study English. Even though it’s not voted as an official language in the EU or any other union, it’s easier, and it’s more or less universal. So, we don’t vote; we just learn English. How about that? (Everyone applauds) I vote; one vote only. (Master laughs)

For example, it would be easier if I could speak English with a Peruvian. Then, even if I don’t understand Peruvian, she can tell me about all the beauty of her country in English, I can tell her about all the beauty of my country in English, then we go from there. If we begin the friendship with the same language, then I can study more Peruvian or she can study more Aulacese, if she chooses and if she has time. She might choose to learn Polish instead; I wouldn’t be offended. Or she might choose to learn French to know the French culture; I would not feel insulted, because I also understand her in English.

I don’t see any problem in speaking one universal language and learning other native languages by choice. Learn it from childhood in school and have a double language in every country: the official language and the native language. Then if you understand this universal language, you can translate all the beautiful treasures: the beautiful literature, all the things that you want to say about your country you can write in English, and the whole world will know about it. For example, everyone who wants to know about Peru will read and say, “Wow! Peru is great! Peru is really, really ancient and cultured; there are really good spiritual people there. I like Peruvians. I went to Peru and I studied more about Peruvians. I married a Peruvian, and now I stay there!” (Laughter and applause)

So then each person has a choice. If he doesn’t feel that Peruvian culture appeals to him, he can turn to French and read all about France, in English. And he might think, “Oh, this sounds better.” Then if he likes it, he can go to France, marry and have French children. (Laughter) But if he still doesn’t like it, he can turn to Spain and read all about Spanish literature, culture and history. Depending on whether he likes that or not, he can go to Malaga, stay in the Center and be a monk or whatever. (Laughter)

It’s OK to understand everyone. So I see that it’s more beneficial if we have one official language. And I said in the letter that Esperanto was a very good idea, even though not all people approved it. So we don’t need to learn more languages; we have already too many languages. So we just make an open vote, and all the EU members vote for the language that’s easiest or most convenient for them. Why discriminate? It doesn’t matter if English is the official language or not. You’re all EU already; aren’t we there for unity? So, it doesn’t matter what language is chosen. We are not English or Polish; we are not anything any more. We should say we are EU. Then it doesn’t matter which language is chosen; it’s among us, right? We just choose one by the most votes and announce it to everyone. And then we learn that language. That’s my humble opinion. (Applause)

The EU concept is almost like us; we also respect diverse culture. We have Peruvians here to prove it, and we have Mexicans, and Germans, the English, Polish, (Audience: Columbian!), and Columbian even, from so far away. And we have Puerto Rican, we have Portuguese; we have all kinds here, yes. But it would be nice if we understood each other in the first instant. Then we could share with each other whatever we wanted, without having to wait for one more year before I could talk to you: (Master jokes) “Wait there:” “I will learn Portuguese in one year and I’ll come back.” “You wait for me, OK?” “I’ll marry you, but wait one year!”

Actually, language is not all that necessary; love is the most necessary. But the thing is, if we could express our love and opinions and beauty through a universal language, there would be less war, more peace, more harmony, and more love among humankind. So I advise you, even if you are French or German ’or Spanish, let your child learn English, privately, if they don’t learn English in school.

Most people who study in school know some English. Even if it’s just a simple conversation, people feel they’re connected. The inner connection takes a longer time! See how long it takes between me and you? So for Pete’s sake, do make the outer connection first! Because even if we speak English together as English persons, we still sometimes misunderstand; imagine how we misunderstand each other in speaking so many different languages. And every language is expressed differently!

So how long will it take you to learn English, if you don’t learn it from childhood? Or any language; English is just an example. Even though English is very simple already, it takes many years to understand all the hidden nuances. So, how would we be able to understand each other if we wait until we are big and then start to learn another language? It’s possible, but you cannot learn them all! So it would be better if all the countries got together to vote for one language. Not just the EU, but the EU will start it from here, and then every country will join in learning one language. And then, apart from the native language, we also preserve all the culture. We don’t diminish anything; we just understand each other more. We appreciate each other more if we know what it’s all about. If we don’t know, how can we respect? How can we love, how can we connect with that native race of people if we don’t understand anything about them? For example, there’s so much talk about Arab Muslims or Iranian nuclear, but it’s not like all Iranian people are bad or that they are even bad at all. It’s just that it takes so long to understand each other. So, if we have just one language, then we can translate all the good things from any language into English, and it can go into any public library so we have all the available information about all the possible countries, and then we’ll understand each other more. It’s so easy!

Every language has its secret beauty. So we have to preserve all the languages in the world, that’s for certain. But still I think we need one universal language so that everyone can be united and more harmonious, and the world will have peace more quickly. I suggest English, but if you don’t like that, you could learn French or Spanish or Chinese. Of course, the more the better, if you have time. But English to start with because it’s more simple and more people speak it. Is that right? (Audience: Yes) OK, then we’ll do that. (Applause)

Miracles do happen, but aside from miracles, everywhere in the world you can find some people who know English and who can help you right away. Language is very important. How often do you go to another foreign land, and even though you just speak a few broken words in their language, they’re so happy? It’s a pity that we don’t have enough time in our life to learn all the languages, which are all very beautiful and very, very amazing! So at least if we learn English, we can always find someone if we get into trouble. Even a taxi driver speaks English. A coffee shop owner speaks English. A waiter speaks English. From them you can get help; you can understand each other, to begin with. You can find someone who speaks English anywhere. So at least you can help yourself.

That’s my humble advice. If you’re stranded in a country and you don’t know where you are or where you’re going, and you’re hungry and you need some food and so on, but if you don’t speak that language, what to do? There’s always someone, somewhere who speaks English. That’s my experience.

All right, then I guess we can start our kids learning English. Maybe privately is better than nothing. You can get a private teacher or an initiate who needs to earn extra money who can teach them some basic English, if the school doesn’t teach English, or if they’re too young to be taught English in your school. Because sometimes they don’t start teaching a foreign language until they’re in high school, and it’s too late then. It’s not because I’m a British naturalized subject that I advise this. It’s just that in my travel experience, it helps me a lot: to clear misunderstandings, to find a destination or to find a necessity. Maybe you can organize something like one English teacher for the whole Malaga or Madrid Centers, for your kids or for yourself. Learn as much as you can with the teacher; later you can buy discs or tapes. You can listen when you sleep. You can listen all day, like you do with music, or just for a while and then you’ll get the hang of it.

Nowadays there are different ways to learn a language very quickly. Not just English - any language except maybe from a tribe in Africa, or some remote local language such as Aulacese from the mountains. I don’t know if they have that. But to find some popular language, like English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese, I don’t think it’s very difficult. If possible, demand the quick learning method. (Master jokes) We are the immediate enlightenment people; we want everything quick!

After you learn the basics, you can continue trying to read newspapers, or read my lectures if you don’t like newspapers. Our magazine is also in English, and we also have news around the world, or you can listen to our program in English. The more you listen, the more you understand; the more you read, the more you understand. You are lucky, because I also speak in English, and my English is very simple. Even as a foreigner you can understand it, if you know basic English. So, whatever words you don’t understand in any article, highlight them and go home and look in the dictionary or look in the computer. That’s how you learn.

And now, because we’re always interacting with each other and there are always English people, you try to talk to him or her. It might be first in broken English, but that’s how you correct yourself. I say English because in many countries people do learn English and it’s easier to find an English interpreter or someone who speaks English than to find a German-speaking or a French-speaking or Portuguese-speaking person, in my travel experience. Because sometimes if I get lost, I look at the person and ask (in German), “Do you speak German?” “No”; the same for French, Chinese and Aulacese. But when I ask, “Do you speak English?” “Yes!” So, since we already have a very convenient, easy to learn and popular language, why don’t we just learn that? It’s not because we prefer the English people; it’s just that their language is OK, and we use it for our convenience.