摘要：Buddhism classifies human actions into three types: wholesome actions, unwholesome actions, and neutral actions. Among these, only
佛法把人的行为分成三种，即善的行为、恶的行为和无记的行为。其中，唯有善与恶两种行为可构成业力，并招感未来的苦乐果报。
Buddhism classifies human actions into three types: wholesome actions, unwholesome actions, and neutral actions. Among these, only wholesome and unwholesome actions can generate karma, which in turn leads to future happiness or suffering.
那么，善恶又是以什么作为判断标准呢？《成唯识论》的解释是：“能为此世他世顺益，故名为善……能为此世他世违损，故名不善。”由此可见，善恶行为不是以眼前利益判断的，而是贯穿了现在及未来两世，以它招感的结果来定义。
So, what are the criteria for distinguishing between wholesome and unwholesome actions? The explanation given in the Discourse on the Theory of Consciousness-Onlyis that actions beneficial to oneself and others in this and future lives are considered wholesome, while those harmful to oneself and others in this and future lives are considered unwholesome. Therefore, the determination of wholesome and unwholesome actions is not based on immediate benefits but is defined by the results they bring about, spanning both the present and future lives.
一种行为必须对现在和未来都有利益才能称为善行。比如佛教倡导的布施，就是自利利他并惠及来世的善行。通过布施可以克服自私悭吝，培养慈悲济世的博大胸怀，是现世乐；通过布施可以为将来招感无尽财富，是未来利益乐；通过布施可以积聚成佛资粮，又是法乐。
An action is truly wholesome only when it yields benefits both now and in the future. Take, for example, the act of giving, which Buddhism promotes as a wholesome deed. It is beneficial not only to oneself and others in this life but also in future lives. First, giving helps one overcome selfishness and greed, fostering a generous and compassionate mindset that enhances current joy. Furthermore, it sets the stage for amassing immeasurable wealth in the future, thus ensuring happiness in subsequent lives. Lastly, the act of giving accumulates the merits necessary for attaining Buddhahood, and it brings about a unique joy stemming from the Dharma.
与此相反，对现在和未来都有损害的行为就属于恶法。如杀、盗、淫、妄等伤害他人并触犯法律的行为，如果一意孤行地造作，必然会在生命中结下苦果。不仅现世要受到良心谴责，要提防他人报复，要接受法律制裁，更会在未来招受三途诸苦。当报应现前时，不论我们是否愿意，都不得不吞下自己亲手酿下的苦酒。
In contrast, actions harmful to both the present and the future are viewed as unwholesome deeds. Behaviors such as killing, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, and lying not only harm others and breach laws but also pave a path to inevitable suffering. Individuals committing these acts will confront their conscience’s censure, risk retaliation, and face legal repercussions in this life. Furthermore, they are destined to endure the agonies of the Three Wretched Realms (the realms of hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals) in future lives. When retribution arrives, ready or not, they will have no option but to endure the consequences of the actions they themselves have set into motion.
善恶业之外，还有无记行。所谓无记，即不能记别此种行为是善是恶。比如渴了喝几口水，饿了吃两块面包，累了躺下休息片刻，包括正当、有节制的娱乐生活，都属于无记。
Beyond wholesome and unwholesome actions, there are also neutral actions. “Neutral” here means that these actions cannot be classified distinctly as either wholesome or unwholesome. Examples include drinking water when thirsty, eating some bread when hungry, taking a break when tired, and engaging in legitimate, moderate entertainment.
此外，果报也属于无记之列。比如人天的乐果，现世虽然享乐，却无法为未来带来利益，所以不能称为善。而恶趣的苦果，对现世虽有损害，却不能作用于未来，也不能称为恶。
Additionally, karmic consequences are deemed as neutral. For instance, the joys experienced in Human and Heavenly Realms, though enjoyable in this life, do not bring benefits for the future and thus cannot be categorized as wholesome. Similarly, suffering karmic consequences in the Wretched Realms, while detrimental in this life, do not affect the future and hence cannot be considered unwholesome.
《十善业道经》中也谈到善恶的区分标准。经中说：“言善法者，谓人天身、声闻菩提、独觉菩提、无上菩提，皆依此法以为根本而得成就，是名善法。”
The Sutra on the Ten Wholesome Actionsalso discusses the criteria for distinguishing between wholesome and unwholesome. The sutra states: “What is called a wholesome Dharma refers to the actions that serve as the foundation for achieving the fruits of the Human and Heavenly Realms, the path of the Sravakas, the path of the Pratyekabuddhas, and the unsurpassed Bodhi. All these are accomplished based on the ten wholesome actions, which is called wholesome Dharma.”
这是从结果比知行为的善恶。能成就世、出世间五乘果位的行为是善法。如人天乘的五戒十善，声闻乘的三十七道品，菩萨乘的六度四摄等，都是善的行为。而能招感恶道苦报的行为，则属于不善行。
This means that actions are deemed wholesome or unwholesome based on their outcomes. Actions that lead to the attainment of worldly and supermundane fruits across the Five Vehicles are considered wholesome dharma. For instance, the practice of the Five Precepts and Ten Good Deeds in the Human and Heavenly Vehicle, the Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment in the Sravaka vehicle, and the Six Perfections and Four Means of Conversion in the Bodhisattva vehicle are all regarded as wholesome actions. Conversely, actions that lead to the suffering of the Wretched Realms are considered unwholesome.
摘自《生命的痛苦及其解脱》
作者：济群法师
Excerpted from:
Life’s Suffering and Its Liberation
By Master Jiqun
来源：云水三千
