Sep 5, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra
《佛說觀無量壽經》
(continued)
After speaking of meditative and non-meditative virtues, the Contemplation Sutra emphasizes the function of the Name, and the merits and virtues of Amitabha-recitation, which is the aim or objective. So, it is “flower bud formed for the sake of lotus seed” and “lotus sprouted while flower blossoms.”
“Lotus matured when flower withers” is expressed in the Chapter of Dissemination and the text of the final advice. This is so the meditative and non-meditative virtues are put aside, so as to advocate the merits and virtues of the Name. At the same time, it also explains that this Name is the main or proper cause of rebirth.
講定善、散善之後,進而指出這一句名號的功能,以及念佛的功德,這才是目的,這個就是「為蓮故花,花開蓮現」。
〈流通分〉及付囑文的地方就是「花落蓮成」,把定善跟散善擱一邊,凸顯出這一句名號的功德,同時解釋唯有這一句名號才是往生的正因。
Namo Amituofo!
