Dec 20

Dec 20, 2017
慧淨上人法語
正依經典

From the perspective of the self-power teaching, the nine levels [of rebirth in the Contemplation Sutra] are interconnected and can be expanded to infinite levels. However, based on Amitabha’s deliverance, the infinite levels can be grouped into one level only, and the infinite kinds of aptitude can also be grouped into just one – the kind of aptitude that has no chance to leave [the cycle of reincarnation].

Why did Shakyamuni Buddha not talk about this teaching [of Amitabha’s deliverance] in the very beginning? The reason lies at his approach of teaching that is conducive to learning by people of various aptitudes: to teach in accordance with their aptitudes. If Shakyamuni Buddha starts with this teaching, people may have difficulty in believing and accepting it. So, he needs to tone up the aptitudes of various people first, and then wait for the ripened conditions appropriate for him to talk about this teaching.

(continued tomorrow)

說九品互通而有無量品，是就自力法門來講的。如果都依靠彌陀的救度，無量品就只有一品，無量機就只有一個根機──就是無有出離之緣的根機。

釋迦牟尼佛為什麼一開始不講這個法門？是因為觀機逗教，引導種種根機。如果一開始就講這個法門，恐怕大家難以接受，所以就先調熟種種的根機，等根機成熟了再講這個法門。

Namo Amitabha!