Mar 23, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益
Buddhist scriptures are similar to a map, or an instruction of map reading. When we know the destination and the way after consulting the map and its instructions, we should directly make preparations for the trip and go out to reach the destination. We should not keep reciting the scriptures.
Reciting sutra, of course, has merits and virtues; but other practices, such as “contemplating the mind according to the teachings, and practice in compliance with the teachings”, are more abundant in merits and virtues. Hence, the Amitabha Sutra tells us to holdfast the Name [of Amitabha], and by doing so, we and other objects of delivery, can be reborn in the Land of Bliss. It is a guarantee provided by all buddhas in the ten directions proactively, joyfully, and unanimously; it is also a confirmation to Shakyamuni Buddha’s words, which is absolutely true and not false. At the same time, while extolling the splendor of this teaching, they also protect and look after all Amitabha-reciters.
經典就像一張地圖，也是地圖的說明書，我們看了說明書，也查了地圖，曉得目標和方法了，就應直接整裝上路，往目標前進，而不應一直停留在誦經階段。
當然誦經是有功德的，但是比誦經功德更大的，就是所謂的「藉教觀心，依教奉行」。所以《阿彌陀經》告訴我們，只要執持名號，就能夠使得我們以及所要超度的對象往生極樂世界，這個也是十方諸佛主動地、歡喜地、異口同聲地來向我們保證，釋迦牟尼佛所說的絕無虛假，同時來讚歎這個法門的殊勝，祂們對於念佛人都會加以護念。
Namo Amitabha!
