学佛，是在和佛做交易吗？

我们凡夫比较容易犯的一个错误，就是总想要抓到一个实有的东西，即使在学佛过程中，也经常抱有一种交易的心态，要得到一个实有的东西。现在很多人哪怕去参学善知识，总是想求一个法，如果没有法的话，就觉得好像没有得到什么。

We ordinary people tend to make the mistake of always trying to grasp for something. Even when we have started learning Buddha-dharma, it’s as if we are making a deal in which we expect to receive something in return.Many people try to receive a specific Dharma teaching from a master, or they feel lost.

其实我们念佛的人，大家都会知道佛教讲信、愿、行。能不能得到佛教的利益，信是很重要的。信是信心，你有没有信心很重要。有信心的话，三宝的功德自然就会在你信心里影现出来。

In fact, a practitioner of the Pure Land Sect should understand that faith, intention and action are the three vital elements of Dharma practice. Faith is particularly important. With faith, the qualities of the Three Jewels will naturally arise in your heart and you will be blessed. 

信为道源功德母

如果没有信心，这个不是有为的交易，也就是加持力不是一个有形的东西可以送给你的，这必须是在有信心的人， 他的心里面才会呈现出来。

所以首先我们学佛的人要修信心， 信为道源功德母，长养一切诸善根。

This is not a business deal. Blessing is not something which can be handed to you; only the faithful can receive it in an organic fashion. We should first and foremost cultivate our faith when we start practicing Dharma. Faith is the origin of the Way, along with all its merits and virtues.