Dec 20, 2018
A quote from Master Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra
善導大師語錄
A text about the ‘three augmentative causes of light-embrace’
Amitabha’s light, though shining universally, embraces only those who exclusively recite his name.
Question: Through the cultivation of various practices, all practitioners can be reborn if they dedicate all merits and virtues for rebirth, why does Amitabha’s light, though
shining universally, embrace only those who exclusively recite his name? What is the meaning of this?
Answer: There are three meanings:
1. Intimate relationship – When sentient beings commence the practice of frequent Amitabha recitation (verbal karma), the Buddha hears it at once; in frequently and reverently prostrating to Amitabha (bodily karma), the Buddha sees it at once; in often thinking of Amitabha (mental karma), the Buddha knows it at once. When sentient beings are mindful of Amitabha, the Buddha is mindful of them. These three karmas are bound together without separation, so it is known as the intimate relationship.
2. Close relationship – When sentient beings wish to see Amitabha , the Buddha will immediately respond by appearing in front of their eyes. This is known as the close relationship.
3. Augmentative causal condition – Sentient beings who recite Amitabha’s Name will immediately clear the offenses they have accumulated over many eons (kalpas). Moreover, at the near end of their lives, they will be welcomed by the Buddha with a multitude of sages.
《觀經疏》「光攝三緣」之文:
佛光普照，唯攝念佛者。
問曰：備修眾行，但能迴向，皆得往生；何以佛光普照，唯攝念佛者，有何意也？
答曰：此有三義： 一明「親緣」：眾生起行， 口常稱佛，佛即聞之； 身常禮敬佛，佛即見之； 心常念佛，佛即知之。 眾生憶念佛者，佛亦憶念眾生， 彼此三業，不相捨離，故名「親緣」也。
二明「近緣」： 眾生願見佛，佛即應念，現在目前，故名「近緣」也。
三明「增上緣」： 眾生稱念，即除多劫罪； 命欲終時，佛與聖眾，自來迎接；諸邪業繫，無能礙者，故名「增上緣」也。
Namo Amituofo!
