Oct 2, 2018
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about the Infinite Life Sutra
《佛說無量壽經》
(continued)
With respect to the merits and virtues of Amitabha-recitation, by comparing and contrasting the “ten times” mentioned in the 18th Vow, also the “one time’ in the fulfillment text of the 18th Vow, and the “awaken aspiration for Enlightenment, do various meritorious deeds” in the 19th Vow, what do we think? The conclusion lies on the third paragraph – instruction given to Bodhisattva Maitreya:
If there are people who hear the Name of that Buddha, rejoice greatly as to dance, and remember him even once, then you should know that they have gained great benefit by receiving the unsurpassed virtue.
The Buddha instructs Bodhisattva Maitreya to maintain and propagate Amitabha’s 18th Vow and the teaching of rebirth through Amitabha-recitation forever.
Referring to the three paragraphs in the Infinite Life Sutra, in terms of words, as well as the meaning, it is very strict and consistent. By comparing and contrasting, we know the close and tight relationship between the three paragraphs. They are so consistent all the way through, that it leads us to understand the main theme of the Infinite Life Sutra is the 18th Vow - the vow about rebirth through Amitabha-recitation.
有關念佛的功德，第十八願所講的「十念」，與第十八願成就文所講的「一念」，以及第十九願所講的「發菩提心，修諸功德」，相互比較之後會是怎麼樣呢？
結論就在第三段文，也就是「彌勒菩薩咐囑文」：
其有得聞，彼佛名號，歡喜踴躍，乃至一念；當知此人，為得大利，則是具足，無上功德。
佛陀咐囑彌勒菩薩要把阿彌陀佛的第十八願，也就是念佛往生的法門永遠維持而且流傳下去。
《無量壽經》這三段經文，文字上也好，意義也好，都是很嚴謹的、一致性的相互比對，讓我們了解這三段文有緊密的關係，也可以說是內外一致的；也讓我們當下明了，《無量壽經》主要就是在講第十八願──念佛往生願。
Namo Amituofo!
