Apr 4, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛度亡
慧淨上人法語
念佛度亡
It seems to be ordinary, nothing special that we recite Amitabha’s name while we are alive. We cannot see our body emitting any light, nor Amitabha Buddha standing in the sky. Given that we cultivate through our own power for the whole life, the merits and virtues accumulated through various wholesome practices are not comparable to recitation of the single name. It is because this single name possesses ten-thousand virtues that have been accomplished and contained within it.
We can dedicate these merits and virtues to our ancestors. Even though in their previous lives they did not have any karmic connection with Amitabha Buddha, did not take refuge to the Three Jewels, were not vegetarians, or did not recite Amitabha’s name for aspiration to rebirth, Amiatbha Buddha will also emit light to protect and fortify them when we dedicate the merits to them. Once the karmic conditions are ripened, they can also be reborn in the Land of Bliss.
我們在陽間念佛，好像很平常，沒有什麼奇特的，看不到我們身上放光，也看不到阿彌陀佛顯現在空中。假若我們一生中要以自己修行，累積種種的善事功德，再怎麼修都不及這一句名號的功德。因為這一句名號是萬德，是所有功德都已經成就，容納在這一句名號裏面了。
我們把這一句名號，迴向給我們的祖先，即使祖先在生之時沒有佛緣，沒有皈依三寶，也沒有吃素學佛修行，也沒有念佛求往生；可是我們念佛迴向給他，阿彌陀佛也會放光加持他們，等他機緣一到，就能夠往生極樂世界。
Namo Amitabha!
