July 7, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Infinite Life Sutra
《佛說無量壽經》
What is the meaning of the text about the three tiers? Some people may think the upper tier is superior to the middle tier, and the middle tier is superior to the lower tier. True, this is not incorrect, because the text about the three tiers talks about the differences in aptitude.
For instance, people of the upper tier are those who are monastic and can practice vigorously. Those of the middle tier cannot leave home; but, can practice generosity or other teachings. Those of the lower tier have no karmic connection to become monastics, cannot practice generosity, or other teachings with vigor. However, if they come across the Pure Land teaching at the near end-of-life and practice exclusive Amitabha Recitation, they will be reborn in the Pure Land.
So, literally, it seems to talk about the differentiation in aptitude and capacity of their practice. However, with respect to the connotation of the text, it leads all people of different tiers to recite Amitabha’s name exclusively. This concept can only be understood and realized through the explanation by Master Shandao.
(to be continued)
「三輩文」的涵義是什麼呢？有人認為上輩的根機勝過中輩，中輩的根機勝過下輩，沒有錯，三輩就文面而言，在講根機的不同。
上輩是可以出家精進修行的，中輩是不能出家但是他有能力做一些佈施或者修行，而下輩是沒有機緣出家，也沒有能力佈施，同時平生也不是精進修行，是臨終才遇到這個法門的。
所以，從文字上來看好像是分判根機的勝劣與修行的高低，可是從內涵來講其實不是，而是為了引導這三輩的人都來專一念佛的，這個理趣必須要看善導大師的解釋才能了解。
Namo Amituofo!
