Oct 23, 2018
Master Huijing’s Short Teachings about Faith in Pure Land
淨土信仰
In discussing vows, there are general vows and special vows. Amitabha’s special vows are the 48 vows, which have little in common with those of other Buddhas. As Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, his 48 vows reflect those qualities. Their depth of wisdom and compassion is transcendental, far beyond those of all other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
In the Infinite Life Sutra, Amitabha vows,” I have made vows unrivaled in all the worlds.”In the Sutra of Praise of Amitabha, Shakyamuni Buddha also extols Amitabha’s vows: “ the Vows made transcend those of all other Buddhas.” Therefore, Amitabha’s special vows are “transcendental special vows”, also known as “great vows of special intent”.
所謂「願」，有「通願」跟「別願」。阿彌陀佛的別願，是四十八大願，這是跟其他諸佛所不共的，唯獨阿彌陀佛個別所有的，此四十八願特別宏深，其深智悲願，遠超諸佛菩薩。
《無量壽經》中彌陀自誓：「我建超世願」，釋尊也在《彌陀偈經》深讚彌陀之願而言：「發願踰諸佛」。故彌陀別願名「超世別願」，亦名「別意弘願」。
Namo Amituofo!
