In the Dharma-ending Age, the quality of monks and nuns varies greatly. Practitioners should take the precepts as their teacher and focus on their own body, speech, and mind.

The perception that "the quality of monks in the Dharma-ending Age is too low" is a prophetic phenomenon within Buddhist doctrine and historical perspective, but it also has different interpretations. The following analysis is based on Buddhist viewpoints:

1. Definition and Phenomena of the Dharma-Ending Age.

Definition of "Dharma-ending Age": According to the *Mahāsaṃnipāta Sūtra*, after the Buddha's passing, the Dharma will go through the True Dharma Period (the initial stage where the Dharma remains pure and uncorrupted) (where practitioners easily attain enlightenment and liberation), the Semblance Dharma Period (where doctrines deteriorate and become merely formalities) (where meditative concentration is strong), and then enter the Dharma-ending Age (where conflict is strong). The "Dharma-ending Age" refers to a period of decline in the Dharma, shallow spiritual capacity among sentient beings, and difficulty in spiritual practice.

Phenomenon: Buddhist scriptures predict a period of "strong Maras and weak Dharma" in the Dharma-ending Age, where many monks seek fame and fortune, their hearts are not on The Noble Eightfold path, leading to a decline in overall quality.

Overall Historical Context: This is an era of heavy karmic obstacles and low moral character.

2. How should we view the "imperfections" of monks and nuns?

We cannot generalize: although some monks and nuns may not behave in accordance with the Dharma, there are still eminent monks and virtuous masters who are dedicated to their practice. There's a famous saying in Buddhism: "People's faculties are weak, but the Dharma is not," meaning the Dharma itself is not the problem; the key lies with the practitioner.

Causal responsibility: As the Venerable Master Hsu Yun said, the shared karma of all beings has brought about such an era. Practitioners are also affected by the karma of the Dharma-ending Age and need even greater concentration.

Respect for the Body of Those Upholding the Precepts: Buddhism emphasizes "relying on the Dharma, not on the person" (meaning that Buddhist practice should be guided by the true teachings of the Buddha (scriptures/truth), rather than blindly worshipping or following the reputation, status, or personal opinions of the Dharma teacher). Even if the quality of monks varies, the merit of upholding the precepts for one day is still inconceivable.

3. The attitude towards spiritual practice during this period.

Strict self-discipline: Don't seek externally; reflect on yourself, diligently practice, repent, and cultivate Bodhicitta.

Emphasizing substance over form: In the Dharma-ending Age, the key is to see whether one truly "cultivates the mind" and "cuts off desires and attachments".

Grateful to the monastics for their support of the continuation of the Dharma: Even in the Dharma-ending Age, there are still monastics continuing the Buddha's wisdom and upholding the true Dharma (as described in the Chung Tai Shan Monthly, Issue 195). We should acknowledge and support the truly righteous Sangha.

In summary, while it is true that the quality of monks and nuns varies widely in the Dharma-ending Age, this is precisely the time to test whether practitioners possess the "Dharma Eye." Practice should take the precepts as its teacher, focusing on one's own body, speech, and mind.

Mahāsaṃnipāta Sūtra

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81sa%E1%B9%83nip%C4%81ta_S%C5%ABtra

The original text is as follows:

對於「末法時期出家人素質太低」的觀感，這在佛教教義和歷史觀中是一個被預言的現象，但也存在不同的理解面向。以下根據佛法觀點進行分析：

1. 末法時期的定義與現象

「末法」定義：根據《大集經》記載，佛陀圓寂後，教法歷經正法（教法維持純正、未變質的最初階段。修行者易證道得果位。）、像法時期（教理變質，徒具形式）（禪定堅固），進入末法時期（鬥諍堅固），意指教法衰微、眾生根基淺薄、修行不易的時期。

現象：經典預言末法時期會出現「魔強法弱」的狀況，不少出家人求名聞利養，心不在道上，導致整體素質下降。

時代背景：這是一個劫障較重、人根低劣的時代。

2. 如何看待出家人的「不盡如人意」

不能以偏概全：雖然有部分出家人行為不如法，但仍有潛修的高僧大德。佛教界有句名言：「人末法不末」，意指法本身沒有問題，關鍵在於修行人。

因果責任：正如虛雲老和尚所言，眾生共同的業力感召了這樣的時代。修行人同樣受到末法業力影響，需要更大的定力。

尊重戒體：佛法強調「依法不依人」（意指學佛修行應依據佛陀所說的真實教法（經典/真理）為指南，而不是盲目崇拜、依從傳法者的名聲、地位或個人主觀見解），即使出家人素質不齊，守護一日出家戒的功德依然不可思議。

3. 此時期的修行態度

嚴以律己：不必外求，應當自省，精進修行，懺悔發心。

重實質不重形式：在末法時期，關鍵是看是否真正「修心」與「斷欲去愛」。

感恩護持：即便處於末法，仍有出家人延續慧命，護持正法（如中台山月刊195期所述），應當正視並護持真正如法的僧寶。

總結來說，末法時期確實普遍存在出家人素質良莠不齊的現象，但這正是考驗修行人是否具備「法眼」的時機。修行應以戒為師，專注自身的身口意。