Mar 3, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Infinite Life Sutra
《佛說無量壽經》
The 19th Vow is different from the 18th Vow. The 18th Vow focuses on exclusivity – exclusively recite Namo Amituofo, exclusively rely on one Buddha – Amitabha. At the same time, Amitabha ties himself to Amitabha-reciters as he vows; if they should not be born there, may I not attain Perfect Enlightenment. They are fully united as one. Rebirth of an Amitabha-reciter is the attainment of the Perfect Enlightenment of Amitabha Buddha. Attainment of Perfect Enlightenment of Amitabha Buddha is the rebirth of an Amitabha-reciter. Rebirth and Perfect Enlightenment are forever one.
The 19th Vow talks about self reliance to set forth the Bodhi Mind, and practice various merits and virtues, according to one’s aptitude. Whether the aptitude is that of a sagely or ordinary being, superior or inferior roots of virtues, they practice and dedicate the merit and virtues for rebirth. Then Amitabha Buddha promises to welcome and receive them. So, the 19th Vow is basically not related to Amitabha Buddha. It is only because they dedicate and aspire to be reborn that Amitabha Buddha comes to receive them.
(to be continued tomorrow)
第十九願跟第十八願不一樣。第十八願專，專念南無阿彌陀佛，專靠阿彌陀佛 一佛；同時阿彌陀佛發願「若不生者不取正覺」，是跟念佛人綁在一起，一對 一的。念佛人的往生，就是阿彌陀佛的成佛；阿彌陀佛的成佛，就是念佛人的 往生。往生、成佛，一對一，綁在一起的。
第十九願是靠自己，靠自己發菩提心，以自己的根機，修種種的功德。這個根 機，不管是聖人的根機、凡夫的根機、銳利的根機、低劣的根機，隨他所修功 德的大小深淺，迴向往生，阿彌陀佛就來迎接他，所以十九願跟阿彌陀佛基本 上是沒有關係的，只是因為他迴向發願往生，阿彌陀佛才來迎接他。
Namo Amituofo!
