海岸線的合韻
這次淨灘活動，或許是我在僧大學僧期間的最後一次參與。回想起過去，僧大男眾的淨灘總是伴隨著雨水，而今天也不例外。然而，奇妙的是，當我們下車之後，雨停了，太陽從雲層中探出頭來。直到最後的大合照，我們才開始感受到雨滴的降臨。
每一次踏上淨灘之旅，我都不禁扮演著「我是英雄」、「我是救世主」的角色。好像只有將這片海灘完全清潔乾淨，才能對得起這個環境。我總是選擇那些少人涉足的角落，靜靜地撿拾著垃圾。然而，這次的淨灘活動人數眾多，每個地方都有人。於是，我開始觀察著周遭的環境，以及大家的行動。
海邊的垃圾含有水分，因此顯得格外沉重。裝袋之後，它們更加沉重。參加淨灘的成員多數是女眾法師和菩薩，而我突發奇想，利用廢棄的籃子和纜繩，將它們綁在一起，變成了可以拖著走的方式，更省力地運送垃圾到集中地。
每個人不必都做相同的事情，也不必一味地用蠻力執行。在做的過程中，停下來、放鬆一下、觀察環境的需求，也是一種不錯的淨灘方式。淨灘結束後，我們回到法鼓山，換上乾淨的衣服，一同享用午齋。這次的活動有一百多位來自不同單位的人，演修法師擔任淨灘回顧與心得分享的主持人。他將法師和行者菩薩們分派到各個居士菩薩的組別。我和演誓法師所在的組別有四位將近八十歲的男眾義工菩薩，以及兩位來自美國在台灣工作的肯比（Kanbe）和內森（Nathan）。
在大堂分享時，Kanbe分享道：這是他第一次來淨灘，這次淨灘令他印象深刻，因為大家一同團隊合作，勝過個人的孤軍奮戰。接著，這次淨灘的體驗也讓他思考，未來在消費時，應該如何為這個環境盡一份心力？
我認為演修法師主持分享的方式非常棒，值得我們學習。他讓每一個參加淨灘的法師和菩薩都有機會分享心得，營造出一種雖然不相識卻突然打成一片的氛圍。
淨灘，後會有期。
English was translated by Microsoft Copilot and edited by Yanqi.
Beach Cleanup Reflection: The Harmonious Shoreline
This beach cleanup event may well be my last during my monastic years at Sangha University. Reflecting on the past, beach cleanups at the monastery were always accompanied by rain, and today was no exception. However, as soon as we stepped out of the car, the rain ceased, and the sun peeked through the clouds. It wasn’t until the final group photo that we felt the raindrops once more.
Each time I embark on a beach cleanup, I find myself unintentionally playing the roles of “hero” and “savior.” It’s as if I must completely cleanse this stretch of beach to honor the environment. I often choose less frequented corners, quietly picking up trash. However, this time, the event drew a large crowd, and people were everywhere. So, I began observing the surroundings and everyone’s actions.
The beach trash, saturated with seawater, felt exceptionally heavy. Even after bagging it, the weight increased. Most of the participants were female monastics and bodhisattvas. In a moment of inspiration, I repurposed discarded baskets and ropes, creating a more efficient way to transport the heavy bags—something akin to a makeshift sled.
Not everyone needs to perform the same tasks, nor should we rely solely on brute force. During the process, taking breaks, relaxing, and assessing the environment’s needs can be just as effective. After the cleanup, we returned to Dharma Drum Mountain, changed into clean clothes, and shared a meal together. Over a hundred people from various organizations participated in this event. The venerable leading the reflection and sharing session ensured that every monastic and participant had a chance to express their insights, fostering a sense of camaraderie among strangers.
During the gathering, Kanbe shared that it was his first beach cleanup experience, leaving a profound impression. He appreciated the teamwork, which surpassed individual efforts. Furthermore, this cleanup experience prompted him to contemplate how he could contribute to the environment through mindful consumption.
I commend the venerable for facilitating the sharing session. It’s a model worth emulating—providing each participant with an opportunity to share their reflections, creating an unexpected sense of unity among unfamiliar faces.
Until the next beach cleanup, farewell to the shore.
