Jan 31

Jan 31, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土信仰

The purpose of Buddha’s descent to this world is to deliver all sentient beings. If his teachings do not provide means to deliver sentient beings, his goal of coming to this world cannot be achieved. Conversely, if his teaching, no matter of what kind of teaching, that can deliver sentient beings in the ten directions, helping them to leave the Three Domains and the Six Realms, to break the cycle of birth-and-death, and to attain happiness without any suffering, this teaching is regarded as fulfilling the purpose and intent of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Because rebirth in the Land of Bliss is the only thing we sentient beings are able to do, and also the only way we can escape from the cycle of birth-and-death and reincarnation in the present life, so we can say that the main purpose of Shakyamuni Buddha’s descent to this world and preaching for 49 years in his life is wishing for all sentient beings of the ten directions be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

佛陀出世的目的就是要救度所有的眾生，如果所講的法沒有辦法救度眾生，就沒有達到祂出現在世間的目的。反之，所講的法，不管是什麼法，只要能使十方眾生往生，使十方眾生脫離三界六道，了生脫死，離苦得樂，那這個法就是釋迦牟尼佛的目的、本懷。

因為唯有往生極樂世界這法門才是我們眾生做得來的，也是今生可得解脫生死輪迴的，所以可說釋迦牟尼佛出生這世間中，一生講經四十九年最主要的目的，就是希望十方眾生都往生極樂世界。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 30

Jan 30, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風俗諦

An Amitabha-reciter must have deep faith in “aptitude”. He must deeply believe that he is an iniquitous sentient being, without any chance to leave the cycle of birth-and-death. However, owing to this name, and with the augmentative cause and support given to us by Amitabha Buddha, we are empowered and will not feel afflicted being an iniquitous sentient being. Our life, thereafter, will be stable and happy; we will live with regret at and repentance for [our karma], as well as with gratitude and humility.

With the grace of Amitabha Buddha, we care of others with a gentle mind, as said in the attribute of our sect’s Worldly Truth: Be reverential and trusting towards Amitabha Buddha, and compassionate and understanding to other people. In our deportment, we should be modest and amiable. It is the living of Amitabha-recitation.

念佛人要有「機」的深信，深信自己始終是罪惡生死凡夫，無有出離之緣。但因為有這句名號，有阿彌陀佛的力量做我們的增上緣，給我們依靠，所以不因自己是罪惡生死凡夫而苦惱，從此所過的生活，是安穩、喜樂的生活；是慚愧、懺悔的生活；同時也是感恩、謙和的生活。

感阿彌陀佛的恩，柔軟自己的心腸來體貼他人，這就是我們宗風俗諦所講的：「對彌陀恭敬信順，對他人恩慈體貼，對自己謙卑柔和。」過這種念佛的生活。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 29

Jan 29, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風真諦

One Gatha says, “The greatest benefit is free from illness, the greatest wealth is contentment with your lot, the greatest relation is good friends, and the greatest happiness is Nirvana”. Through out our whole life, the greatest enjoyment is health and free from illness; the greatest riches is a heart that knows enough is better than too much. Our most intimate relation is not necessarily our family, but good and virtuous friend of our school, for husband and wife could be an awkward bedfellow, while father and son will depart in the future and wander around in accordance with respective karma, or even obstruct each other. 

So, our good and virtuous friends are those who bring benefits to our whole life and help us for emancipation of our reality body and sectarian life. “The greatest happiness is Nirvana”: the Land of Bliss is a realm of nirvana, where we can realize enlightenment once we are reborn there. As achievement of nirvana is the true happiness, so it says that “the greatest happiness is Nirvana”.

有首偈語說：「無病第一利，知足第一富，善友第一親，涅槃第一樂。」我們一生最大的受用是健康無病，最富有的是知足的心，跟我們最親近的是善友，是我們這個法門的善知識，倒不是家人，因為夫妻往往同床異夢，而父子至親，然而將來都各自隨業流轉，甚至有可能彼此障礙。

因此，對我們一生有益處、有幫助的，能使我們法身慧命得解脫的，是我們的善友、善知識。「涅槃第一樂」，極樂世界是涅槃世界，我們往生極樂世界之後就能夠證悟涅槃，而涅槃才是真正的樂，所以說涅槃第一樂。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 28

Jan 28, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

The Infinite Life Sutra says, “If there are people who hear the Name of that Buddha, rejoice so greatly as to dance, and remember him even once, then you should know that they have gained great benefit by receiving the unsurpassed virtue.”

It means that when we hear this name – Namo Amituofo, we will have boundless, immeasurable, and inconceivable merits and virtues. By reciting this name, reincarnation within the Six Realms resulted by our karmic offenses can be eliminated. It also enables us to attain rebirth and expedite the achievement of Buddhahood in the Land of Bliss. So, we must be joyful and devoted in exclusive practice of Amitabha-recitation. In every single recitation, we are embraced by the unsurpassed merits and virtues with great benefits.

So, in the course of studying Buddhism, we have to clear karmic obstruction on one side, and to increase merits and virtues on the other. For achievement in both of these two areas, we have to exclusively recite Namo Amituofo. Nothing is easier or more splendor than reciting Namo Amituofo.

《無量壽經》說：「其有得聞，彼佛名號，歡喜踊躍，乃至一念；當知此人，為得大利，則是具足，無上功德。」

意思是說，當我們聽到這句「南無阿彌陀佛」的名號，有無量無邊不可思議的功德，念這句名號能 夠消除我們六道輪迴生死的罪業，能夠令我們往生極樂世界快速成佛，我們就歡喜地、虔誠地專一稱念，念念當中，都在擁有這句名號的大利無上功德。

所以，我們學佛一方面要消業障，一方面要增長功德，無論消業障也好，增長功德也好，都要專念南無阿彌陀佛，都沒有比專念南無阿彌陀佛來得既容易又殊勝的。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 27

Jan 27, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

What is the most important thing to a Buddhist practitioner? The critical matter of death-and-birth, because it comes rapidly. We ordinary beings can do nothing to escape from the cycle of rebirth by ourselves. So, we must rely on Amitabha Buddha. Once having this idea, we will invoke and recite without forsaking – reciting the Name when we are doing anything.

對一個修行人來講，什麼事情最重要呢？──生死事大，無常迅速。可是對我們而言，我們沒有辦法靠自己了脫生死輪迴，所以，我們要靠阿彌陀佛，有這一種觀念，他就會念念不捨，就會「隨作務，隨念佛」。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 26

Jan 26, 2018
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

Amitabha Buddha knows that the spiritual capacity and aptitude of each individual is different. Monastic people take Buddhist practice as their career and devote more time to Amitabha-recitation. Because they don’t have any family burden and worries about the future, their mind may become relatively tranquil when they recite Amitabha’s name. Most of the householders are engaged in various kinds of work and have to take care of the elderly and the kids in their family, so they are inevitably distracted and worried when they practice Amitabha-recitation, particularly in the time, say, when they are heavily in debts during a financial crisis. Amitabha Buddha knows all about these situations.

Hence, Amitabha Buddha says, “You can exclusively recite Amitabha’s name in accordance with your own capacity and circumstances. When time comes (near the end-of-life), I will come to greet you with Avalokitesvara, Mahasthamaprapta, and Bodhisattvas of the Great Sea of Purity, accompanied by a percussion ensemble in grand march, and take you to the Land of Bliss. If the time is yet to come, I will keep emitting light on you, so as to protect you, follow you, and stay above your head. I am always with you.”

阿彌陀佛知道每個人的根機各不一樣，出家眾是專業的修行人，所以念佛的時間比較多，因為他沒有家累、沒有後顧之憂，念起佛來或許心比較清淨；在家眾大多從事於士農工商之中，上有老下有小，如果遇到金融風暴，又負債累累，念起佛來難免三心兩意、東想西想的，這一切阿彌陀佛都知道。

阿彌陀佛就說：你們就以各自的根機因緣專稱彌陀佛名，時間到（臨命終）的 時候，我會率領著觀音、勢至、清淨大海眾，敲鑼打鼓，浩浩蕩蕩來迎接你到極樂世界；如果時間還沒有到，我會持續以光明照耀你、保護你、跟著你，我就住在你 的頂上與你同在。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 25

Jan 25, 2018
慧淨上人法語
正依經典

The principal sutras of the Pure Land Buddhism include: the Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra, and the Amitabha Sutra. Of course, the three sutras have different text and vary in length; but they all have the same line of thinking and objective. There is no difference. They talk about only one thing, not two. Hence, the method of our rebirth is name-recitation in accordance with the Fundamental Vow. By name-recitation, we can get on board Amitabha’s boat of the Fundamental Vow.

淨土宗的正依經典：《無量壽經》、《觀無量壽經》、《阿彌陀經》，三經固然文字不同，經文也各有長短多寡，可是它們的思想與宗旨都一致，並沒有差別，所講的就是一件事，沒有兩件。所以我們往生的方法，就是「本願稱名」，稱名就能乘上了阿彌陀佛的本願船。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 24

Jan 24, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土信仰

A Buddha’s direct reward and circumstantial reward is one entity. So, Amitabha Buddha and the Land of Bliss is also one entity. Moreover, the original substance of a Buddha and his name is also one entity. Where are the merits and virtues of the Buddha’s substance? All lie in this name.

That is to say, this name consists of merits and virtues as much as Amitabha Buddha has. As said in the sutra, Amitabha Buddha’s merit and virtues are “boundless and immeasurable, inconceivable”. So, this name also possesses merits and virtues that are “boundless and immeasurable, inconceivable, extremely profound, supreme and unsurpassed”.

佛的正報和依報是一體的，也就是說，阿彌陀佛跟極樂世界是一體的；再者，佛的本體跟佛的名號也是一體的，佛的本體功德在哪裡？就在這句名號裏。

這樣說來，阿彌陀佛有多少功德，這句名號就有多少功德。經典中說，阿彌陀佛的功德是「無量無邊，不可思議」，所以這句名號也是具足「無量無邊、不可思議、甚深微妙、至高無上」的功德。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 23

Jan 23, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風俗諦

If we can realize how deep Amitabha’s love is, we can love others as deep as Amitabha does; if we can realize how great Amitabha’s forgiveness, we can forgive others as great as Amitabha does.

我們若體會到彌陀的愛有多深，對別人的愛也會有多深；我們體會彌陀對我們的包容有多大，對別人的包容也會有多大。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 22

Jan 22, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風真諦

Getting close to good and virtuous friends is very important in learning Buddhism because they always talk about good teachings, all about the principles of this school. Getting close to them helps to eliminate incorrect knowledge and views, and increase our correct knowledge and views.

This is what the proverb professes: “Contact with vermilion makes one red, with ink makes one black; contact with the sage makes one bright, with the fool makes one dull.”

Another says, “Bitter daisy that grows up among hemp plants rises upright without any support.” So, do develop close ties with good and virtuous friends, and keep a distance from those who are not. If one keeps doing so, even an idiot will have the correct knowledge and correct views, and not digress to a wrong path.

學佛，親近善友是很重要的，因為善知識所談的都是善法，都是有關我們這個法門的教理，親近他就可以消除我們不正確的知見，而增長我們正確的知見。

所謂「近朱者赤，近墨者黑；近智者明，近愚者暗。」

又說「蓬生麻中，不扶自直」，修行就是要親近善知識，同時要遠離非善知識，若能常常親近善知識，而不親近非善知識，即使愚癡者也會有正知正見，不至於走錯道路。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 21

Jan 21, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

The ultimate aim of studying Buddhism is to become a Buddha. However, before becoming a Buddha, we hope our karmic offenses can be cleared, and our wisdom and blessing increased. Contemplation Sutra says, “In this way, he sincerely and continuously says 'Homage to Amitayus Buddha' [Na-mo-o-mi-t'o-fo] ten times. Because he calls the Buddha's Name, with each repetition, the evil karma that he has committed during eighty kotis of kalpas of Samsara is extinguished.”

As long as we sincerely recite Namo Amituofo, our heavy offenses of birth-and-death in reincarnation can be extinguished at each moment of our Buddha-invocation. So, we have to exclusively recite Namo Amituofo no matter we want to eliminate karmic offenses or enrich wisdom and blessing. Nothing is better than exclusively reciting Namo Amituofo, which is simple [in practice], yet splendid [in reward].

我們學佛最終的目的是要成佛，可是在還沒成佛 之前，也希望能消業障、增福慧，《觀無量壽經》說：「如是至心，令聲不絕，具足十念，稱南無阿彌陀佛。稱佛名故，於念念中，除八十億劫，生死之罪。」

只要虔誠地稱念南無阿彌陀佛，念念當中，就能夠滅除我們生死輪迴的重罪，所以無論消業障也好，增福慧也好，都要專念南無阿彌陀佛，沒有比專念南無阿彌陀佛更簡單又殊勝的了。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 20

Jan 20, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

As we take refuge to Amitabha, sentient being’s life and Amitabha’s life combine together to form one entity, inseparable, like a bird with two heads as said in the Amitabha Sutra. Hence, it is appropriate to practice Amitabha-recitation in our daily life, and regard Amitabha-recitation as our true life. We live for Amitabha-recitation.

既是歸命彌陀，則眾生生命與彌陀生命，已是機法一體，生佛不離，如同《阿彌陀經》所言「共命之鳥」。是故，宜將念佛落實在日常生活之中，以念佛為自己真正性命，為念佛而生活。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 19

Jan 19, 2018
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

An Amitabha-reciter who truly aspires to be reborn and exclusively recites the Buddha’s name can be reborn, same as all other reciters, even if he recites Amitabha’s name while watching TV. Due to his habitual behavior, his mind of rebirth-aspiration will gradually dilute his hobbies though he is still watching TV and newspaper during Amitabha-recitation.

Amitabha-recitation will gradually adjust the habitual behavior of a practitioner. Some people may commence Amitabha-recitation for two hours, then longer time in Amitabha-recitation, and shorter time in various acts related to the Five Desires.

For instance, a housewife is used to watch a particular TV program every day. When the program is about to start, she will stop phone talking, and set aside the household works, then be concentrated in watching the TV program. However, one day, her neighbor tells her suddenly that her son is hurt in a car accident, and the condition is acute. At that time, she has no mood in watching TV, and rushes to the hospital. She does not care about the scenes along the road because her mind is clinched to her son. The situation is similar to the mind of rebirth-aspiration, without forsaking in every thought.

真願往生，專稱佛名的念佛人，即使看著電影也會念佛，也平等往生。因為根機不同，雖然看電影、看報紙念佛，願生淨土的心會慢慢使他（她）不喜歡看電影。

念佛會慢慢調攝行人。有的人開始念兩個鐘頭，會慢慢增長念佛時間，五欲種種也會減少。

比如，有位家庭主婦，平時愛看電視某一節目，每天固定的時間一到，電話拿掉、家務放下，以便專心看這節目。有一天，突然鄰居來告知，她兒子出車禍了，狀況危急，此時，她會無心看電視，趕緊往醫院跑去，在路上也無心看風景，心裏只想著兒子，這即是願生心切、念念不捨之心。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 18

Jan 18, 2018
慧淨上人法語
正依經典

All sutras talk about two things: method and goal. Following a given “method”, one can reach the “goal”. The three Pure Land sutras are about reaching the goal of rebirth in the Land of Bliss through the method of Amitabha-recitation.

If we exclusively practice the Pure Land teaching, the three Pure Land sutras are the sutras that we should chant if we want to. All these three Pure Land sutras talk about the method of Amitabha-recitation and the goal of rebirth. In this case, let’s simply “exclusively recite Amitabha’s name and aspire to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land”.

所有的經典都在說兩件事：一件是「方法」，一件是「目的」，依照這個「方法」就能達到這個「目的」。淨土三部經就是說以「念佛」為方法，就能達到「往生極樂世界」的目的。

若是要專修淨土法門，誦經就誦淨土三部經，淨土三部經都在說念佛的方法跟往生的目的。既然這樣，我們就「專稱彌陀佛名、願生彌陀淨土」就好了。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 17

Jan 17, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土信仰
(continued)

Where can we get the necessary credential, merits and virtues required for our migration from the Land of Saha to the Land of Bliss? It also comes from Namo Amituofo, the name with a myriad of virtues. As long as we exclusively recite it with singleness of mind, we are assured of rebirth in the Land of Bliss. So, Amitabha’s name is the credential of our rebirth, and the unsurpassed and worthy merits and virtues for rebirth.

The Larger Sutra says, “If the person invoke the Buddha with joy and excitement, even just one thought, he should have acquired the great benefit, and attained sufficient, unsurpassed merits and virtues. We should know this.”

After rebirth in the Land of Bliss, one can expedite in achieving Buddhahood. Where does he obtain the merits and virtues? It also comes from Namo Amituofo, the name with a myriad of virtues. With the purpose of helping us to break away from suffering and attain happiness, and transcend from ordinary to sagely being, Amitabha Buddha has accomplished the 48 vows in five kalpas, and accumulated immeasurable merits and virtues for us in countless eons.  With the blessing of the Buddha, our rebirth is assured and we can also expedite the process to attain Buddhahood.

我們從娑婆到極樂世界，資糧功德在哪裡？同樣在這句萬德洪名的南無阿彌陀佛。只要我們專一稱念，就必定往生極樂，彌陀名號是我們往生的資糧，往生的大利無上功德。
《大經》說：「歡喜踴躍，乃至一念，當知此人，為得大利，則是具足，無上功德。」

往生極樂之後，快速成就佛果，功德在哪裡？也在這一句萬德洪名的南無阿彌陀佛，因為阿彌陀佛是為了成就我們離苦得樂、超凡入聖，而五劫思惟四十八大願，兆載永劫積植菩薩無量德行的，成就我們的必定往生、快速成佛。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 16

Jan 16, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土信仰

We have owed huge amount of debts to sentient beings in the ten directions since our many past lives. It is all over the universe. How can we pay back the debts in order to leave the Saha World? It will be fine by just exclusively reciting Amitabha’s name, because this single Amitabha’s name carries inconceivable, boundless and immeasurable merits and virtues, which allow us to pay off all our debts.
The Contemplation Sutra says, “He who recites Amitabha's Name, at each recitation, can extinguish his evil karma accumulated for eighty kotis of kalpas of Samsara.” Master Shandao says, “Persons without root of virtues, who have slandered the correct teaching and committed Evil Actions, can clear their karmic offenses if they change their mind and practice Amitabha-recitation for rebirth.”

我們生生世世以來欠十方眾生的債非常多，遍滿宇宙，我們要離開娑婆世界這些債要如何償還呢？只要專稱彌陀名號就好，因為這一句彌陀名號具足無量無邊不可思議的功德，是足以讓我們償還一切業債的。《觀經》說：「稱南無阿彌陀佛，於念念中，除八十億劫生死之罪。」善導大師也說：「謗法闡提行十惡，迴心念佛罪皆除。」

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 15

Jan 15, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風俗諦

In our teaching, we talk about Amitabha’s deliverance, and about Amitabha’s love, as well as Amitabha’s forgiveness for us. Think about it: If Amitabha does not love us, why does he deliver us? If Amitabha does not forgive us, how can we be delivered?

Think about it: We have committed the three karmas life after life till now, so how can we get through the hell’s gate reigned by Yama King? Will Yama King forgive us? Yama King refuses to forgive us, and the law of cause and effect refuses to forgive us. Only Amitabha Buddha will forgive us, and not bargain with us, but come to deliver us.

我們這個法門是講彌陀的救度，也就是講彌陀對我們的愛、彌陀對我們的包容。想想看，如果彌陀不愛我們，怎麼會救我們呢？如果彌陀不包容我們，我們怎麼可能被救度呢？

想想看，我們生生世世，乃至此生此世，我們的三業行為過得了閻羅王這一關嗎？閻羅王會包容我們嗎？閻羅王不肯包容我們的，因果也不肯包容我們的，只有阿彌陀佛包容我們，不跟我們計較，而且還要來救我們。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 14

Jan 14, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風真諦

The proverb says, “Contact with vermilion makes one red, with ink makes one black; contact with the sage makes one bright, with the fool makes one dull.” (Equivalent to “The finger that touches rouge will be red.”) If we follow experienced teachers and get together with helpful friends, we will also learn the wisdom, understand the truth, and even achieve Buddhahood. If we get together with people who know nothing, we will quite likely become one of them. Following a crowd walking toward the East, you will go eastward; following a crowd walking toward the West, you will automatically go westward.

Hence, Master Shandao asks us to get close to “intimate friends walking on the same path”. Walking on the same path refers to peers who are learning the same school of Pure Land Buddhism. If they are not learning the teachings of our school, don’t get close to them, no matter they are lay practitioners or belong to a monastic assembly, a teacher or a student. Don’t get close to them, because we may change according to circumstances, and circumstances will imperceptibly change us.

俗語說，「近朱者赤，近墨者黑；近智者明，近愚者暗」。若都跟明師益友在一起，我們也會有智慧、懂道理，甚至可以成佛；若是跟什麼都不懂的人在一起，也可能會跟他一樣。跟隨向東的人走，就會向東；跟隨向西的人走，自然就會到西方。因此，善導大師說要親近「同行善知識」，「同行」就是同樣學習本門的人，若不是學習這個法門的，就不要親近，不論他是在家眾或出家眾，是老師或學生，都不要親近。因為我們會隨「緣」而轉變，緣在無形中會改變我們。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 13

Jan 13, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

Master Shandao says, “Invocation of name-recitation means confession and repentance.” We are Amitabha-reciters, so we must take Amitabha-recitation for granted as our exclusive practice. We regard the Buddha’s Name as our life.

It must be “Namo Amituofo” whatever comes up in the mind; it must be “Namo Amituofo” too whenever we open our mouth. Every single recitation refers to confession and repentance of our karmic obscuration; every single recitation can eliminate our karmic offenses.

善導大師說：「念念稱名常懺悔」，我們是念佛人，當然以念佛為專修，以一句彌陀佛名為我們的本命元辰。只要起心動念，就念南無阿彌陀佛，張開嘴巴，也是念南無阿彌陀佛。這樣，每一念每一念都在懺悔我們的業障，每一念每一念都能夠消除我們的罪業。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 12 2018

Jan 12, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

Being an Amitabha-reciter, we always exclusively recite Amitabha’s name, just as Master Shandao taught. “Always” and “exclusively” indicates “do not mix with others” – not to engage concurrently in recitation of other buddha’ names, or other dharani for merit-dedication, also not to engage concurrently in other practices and other teachings for rebirth.

We exclusively recite Amitabha’s name in all circumstances, regardless of time, location and condition, or whether we are busy or in leisure, fortunate or unfortunate, happy or sad, facing the matter of birth-and-death. In every step, in every speech, and in every thought, just recite Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo…

既是念佛人，即如善導大師言「一向專稱彌陀佛名」。「一向」與「專」，顯示「不兼餘」，亦即不兼念餘佛餘咒以迴向，不兼修餘行餘法以求生。

無論何時、何地、何緣，閒忙順逆，苦樂生死，悉皆專念南無阿彌陀佛。步步、聲聲、念念，皆南無阿彌陀佛、南無阿彌陀佛……。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 10 2018

Jan 10, 2018
慧淨上人法語
正依經典

No matter how extensive the scripture of a sutra is, it must have a main theme, which is known as the “sutra-eye”— the eye of that sutra. We have to grasp the “sutra-eye” when we read a sutra.

If we don’t have eyes, we cannot see the most important gems even though we have entered a treasure depository. If that is the case, the result is same as staying outside. We may have read a sutra for many thousand times, but if we don’t know the “sutra-eye”, we can only have the merits and virtues of sutra-recitation, and cannot be benefitted from the sutra.

經文字句即使再廣泛，都有一個大意，這個叫做「經眼」——一部經的眼睛。我們誦讀經典要抓住經眼。

人如果沒有眼睛，即使進入寶藏，也認不清哪個是最重要的寶物，這樣的話，進去了還是等於沒進去。一部經即使誦了幾千遍，但是不曉得經眼，可以說只有誦讀的功德，而不能獲得這部經的利益。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 9

Jan 9, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土信仰

The teaching of One Great Store consists of eighty four thousand kinds. All eighty four kinds of teachings converge to one Amitabha’s Name, which generally includes all eighty four thousand kinds of teachings. So, Amitabha’s Name is the reward of a myriad of virtues.

As said by Master Honen, all merits and virtues internally realized by Amitabha Buddha, such as the Four Kinds of Wisdom, the Threefold Body, the Ten Kinds pf Powers, the Four Kinds of Fearlessness, and all his externally dedicated merits and virtues, such as good marks, light, preaching dharma, benefiting sentient beings, etc. are embraced within Amitabha’s Name.

一大藏教所說之法，總言八萬四千，八萬四千，皆納於一句彌陀名號，彌陀一句，總持八萬四千。故彌陀名號是萬德之所歸，

如法然上人言：彌陀一佛所有四智、三身、十力、四無畏等一切內證功德，相好、光明、說法、利生等一切外用功德，皆悉攝在阿彌陀佛名號之中。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 8

Jan 8, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風俗諦

If we realize Amitabha’s compassionate mind of deliverance, we will 100 per cent to receive and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, creep under Amitabha’s feet, walking to and fro within Amitabha’s embrace, and respect Amitabha Buddha 100 per cent.

As a person respect Amitabha Buddha 100 per cent, he must be 100 per cent humble and modest. Having the temperament of Amitabha’s compassionate mind, he knows how to care other people, forgive other people. It is because he know Amitabha is proactive, equal and unconditional in delivering sentient beings.

Although we still have greed, hatred and delusion, our afflictions are severe, our karmic attachment is heavy, and all these weakness are exposed under adverse conditions, we can turn around immediately because our capacity to adjust our emotion and to review in retrospect is strong.

能體會到阿彌陀佛的救度悲心，就會對阿彌陀佛的救度百分之百的領受，匍匐在阿彌陀佛的腳底下，徜徉在阿彌陀佛的懷抱中，他就會對阿彌陀佛百分之百的恭敬；既然是百分之百的恭敬，自己就會隨之也百分之百的謙卑、謙和，就有彌陀的悲心氣氛，知道去愛護別人，體諒別人，因為他曉得彌陀是主動、平等沒有任何條件的救度眾生。

儘管自己還有貪瞋癡，煩惱強盛，業習深重，逢緣觸境，貪瞋業習當下暴露，但是事後立即的反省檢討能力與心情會很強，立刻會反轉過來。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 7

Jan 7, 2018
慧淨上人法語
淨土宗宗風真諦

In a group with the same faith, same aspiration, same practice, same belief and same goal, there should not be no norms, otherwise the good and the bad are intermingled just like weeds and seedlings are mixed. If ordinary beings with the three poisons (greed, anger and delusion) are allowed to be a law unto themselves in the group, it will never be a harmonious association. Therefore, Master Baizhang established the Pure Rules; Master Honen called for restraint in moral conduct and in interactions with other Buddhist sects, and Master Shandao disciplined himself in order to transform others. These are models for us.
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Patriarchs also set the rule “don’t develop intimate relation with friends not practicing on the same path” because rebirth is the upmost important event of our life and we should not follow a group randomly according to circumstances, which will impede this great event. If your intention is to convert a wicked person, or transform those with incorrect views, you should weigh and consider your own ability. If you have accomplished rebirth in the Land of Bliss and return from there, you will be able to guide the confused mass, mingling with them in the same world.

If rules do not exist, ordinary beings can go wild like untamed horses and cause more harm to the group. Moreover, if the knowledge and views are incorrect, they will most easily misconceive the Fundamental Vow of Amitabha Buddha and fall to a place of suffering.

在一個同信同願同行、同理念同目標的團體之中，不可全無規範，否則龍蛇混雜、良莠不齊，三毒凡夫，我行我素的結果，將建不成一個和合的團體。故百丈立清規，法然制戒條，善導大師自行化他，以垂典範。

祖師亦有「不可親近非同行善知識」之戒，蓋往生之事是何等大事，豈可隨緣逐隊，妨礙大事，若要度惡人，化知見不正者，亦宜量己之分；否則從淨土回來時，不怕不能合光同塵地廣度群迷。

凡夫狂性難歇，若無規範，將如野馬不羈，為害更大；倘復知見不正，極易誤解彌陀本願而墮落。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 6

Jan 6, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

Many Buddhists show repentance for their karmic offenses by reciting the Confession and Repentance Verse. This is highly commendable. However, our karmic obstructions being accumulated since the time of unknown eons is boundless and immeasurable. We cannot eliminate them even though we recite the Confession and Repentance Verse every day. What should we do then?

The only way to truly eliminate our karmic offenses is to recite Amitabha’s name, of which the merits and virtues are boundless and immeasurable, inconceivable, extremely profound, splendid, wonderful, and unsurpassed.

很多學佛的人，幾乎都會念「懺悔偈」來懺悔自己的業障，這是很可貴的。可是，我們無始劫的業障無量無邊，即使天天念「懺悔偈」，也是沒辦法消除的。那要怎麼辦呢？

唯有稱念無量無邊、不可思議、甚深秘密、殊勝微妙、無上功德的阿彌陀佛名號，這才真正能夠消除罪業。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 5

Jan 5, 2018
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

Each of us should discipline and set demand on ourselves according to our identity and capacity, in order to spare time for recitation of Amitabha’s name whenever possible. “Even ten times” as stated in Amitabha’s 18th Vow implies that we should allocate time in our schedule to recite Amitabha’s name.  So, we should comply with Amitabha’s vow, and recite his Name when time is available.

我們每個人都要隨自己的身分、力量，來約束、要求自我，一有時間就念佛。阿彌陀佛的第十八願「乃至十念」，就是要我們就自己的時間來念佛，所以我們就要隨順阿彌陀佛的願，有時間就念佛。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 4

Jan 4, 2018
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

Ordinary beings are accustomed to settled habits. Our mind is strong in attachment to the Five Desires of the secular world, but weak in thinking of Amitabha’s name. So, we must always be alert; not to be capricious. We should use all the time to recite Amitabha’s name, except sleeping or working. For people with speech impairment, they should always be mindful of the Buddha, and think of the grace of the Buddha.

It is the reason why aspirants should always single-mindedly and exclusively recite Amitabha’s name, no matter under what circumstance or in what time, or whether they have faith or doubt in self-power or other-power.

凡夫習氣繁重，念世俗五欲之心強，念彌陀佛名之心弱，故應自我惕勵，不應自我放任。當然睡眠、作事等不能念則姑且置之，其他時間即應念佛。若喑啞者，心中念佛，存想佛恩。

是故，願生彼國者，不論信疑自他，不論時處諸像，唯應「一向專稱彌陀佛名。」

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 3

Jan 3, 2018
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

“All phenomena are unreal (impermanent and conditioned), only Buddha is real.” All worldly matters of a myriad of forms are impermanent, so we should fix not our mind on any of them. The mind of ordinary beings are also impermanent, false, assorted and afflicted. None of our thoughts in mind is real, so that we cannot settle our mind.

That is why, if we don’t recite Amitabha’s name, our thoughts must be impermanent, false, assorted and afflicted. Instead of having miscellaneous false thoughts, afflictions due to ignorance, or even being spit by vicious ghosts, why don’t we fix our mind in Amitabha’s name on which our mind can be pacified and settled, so that we can always accompany with the Buddha?

A rebirth-aspirant must admire reality, purity, light, and keep away from impermanence, defilement, darkness. So, it is natural to fix our mind on Amitabha’s name as ‘only Buddha is real’, and renounce from miscellaneous false thoughts. Our mind always inclines to wholesomeness, truth and purity, and admires reality, purity, light.

「世間虛假，唯佛是真。」世間一切，森羅萬象，都是虛假，不足繫念。而凡夫之心，也都是虛妄、雜念、煩惱，無一真實，不可安住。

是故，若不念佛，必念虛假、妄想、雜念、煩惱。與其生妄想雜念，起無明煩惱，遭惡鬼吐痰；何不繫心，安住彌陀，與佛同在！

一個願生者，欣慕真實、清淨、光明；厭離虛假、污穢、黑暗。故自然常繫心於「唯佛是真」的彌陀佛名，厭棄此心所起之妄想雜念；此心總是向善向真向淨，嚮往真實、清淨與光明。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 2

Jan 2, 2018
慧淨上人法語
正依經典

(continued)

We regards the Contemplation Sutra, the Amitabha Sutra, and the Infinite Life Sutra as the principal and founding sutras of our school’s teaching, and these three sutras are also known as the “basic classical scriptures” or “fundamental sutras”. Any other important and well-known sutras, such as the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, the Suramgama Sutra, etc. as mentioned above, are not listed as our school’s primary sutras.

What are the reasons behind? It is because these three sutras are specialized classical scriptures that focus mainly on Amitabha Buddha and his Land of Bliss, and nothing else. The other sutras put Amitabha Buddha and the Land of Bliss on the sidelines and only speaking of them incidentally; their focus is not on this area. Hence, other sutras cannot be read as the fundamental sutras, but side reference only. Contents about Amitabha Buddha and his Pure Land in other sutras, however, can be used as complementary reference in certain areas that are not mentioned in the fundamental sutras.

我們是以《觀無量壽經》、《阿彌陀經》和《無量壽經》這三部經作為我們這個宗派主要依據的經典，也就是所謂的「正依經典」；而不以其他的經典，譬如剛剛所講的《華嚴經》、《法華經》、《楞嚴經》等這些很重要、很有名的經典為主要依據之列。
原因在哪裏呢？在於這三部經是專門的、純粹的以講極樂淨土、阿彌陀佛為主的經典，其他經典的主旨則不在此，而是附帶、從旁的連帶提到彌陀和彌陀淨土，所以其他的經典就不作為根本依據的經典，只是作為「旁依」的經典──因為它們的確也跟淨土、跟彌陀有關係，在某些方面可以作為正依經典所沒有講到的補充說明。

Namo Amitabha!

Jan 1 2018

Jan 1, 2018
慧淨上人法語
正依經典

(continued)

The Sutra of Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine-Master) also says, if one recites the name of the Master and dedicates the merits for aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, he will be received by eight great bodhisattvas leading him to the Land of Bliss.

The Ksitigarbha Sutra also mentions that if one recites the Buddha’s name once near the end-of-life, all heavy offenses of the Five Gravest Transgressions and slandering of the teachings will be clear off, and he will be reborn in the Pure Land. So to speak, many important sutras are related to Amitabha’s Pure Land.

(to be continued tomorrow)

《藥師經》也說，如果念藥師佛而迴向願生極樂世界，就會有八大菩薩前來帶領往生極樂世界。

《地藏經》也提到，臨命終時，若能稱一佛名，就能夠消除五逆謗法之重罪而往生淨土。可以說，很多重要的經典都跟彌陀淨土有關係。

Namo Amitabha!