Nov 4, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra
《佛說觀無量壽經》
All 84,000 teachings can be consolidated into two categories, meditative and non-meditative virtues, which are known as “all teachings on practice” in the Sacred Path.” So, the Contemplation Sutra talks about the Three Meritorious Deeds, the Nine Levels, meditative, and non-meditative virtues first. This is done in order to guide those practitioners on the Sacred Path to return to the practice of Amitabha-recitation on the Pure Land Path, and to attain rebirth in the Pure Land.
Why is Amitabha-recitation expounded for those in the low tier among the nine levels? Its true meaning is - the karmic offenses of those sentient beings with the Five Gravest Transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds are extremely heavy; therefore, only the merits and virtues attained through Amitabha-recitation can deliver them. The merits and virtues attained through the practices for those in the upper level in the high tier cannot deliver them. Only the Buddha’s Name can. That is why the splendor of the merits and virtues of Amitabha-recitation are revealed here.
八萬四千法門歸納起來不是「定」就是「散」,「定善、散善」就是聖道門所有的行門。所以,《觀經》講三福九品、定善散善,是為了引導修聖道門的人歸入淨土念佛、往生極樂世界而說三福九品、定善散善。
為什麼九品中「念佛列在下品」呢?真意是:五惡十逆的眾生罪惡太重了,唯有念佛的功德才能救五惡十逆的眾生,上品上生的功德是沒辦法救度的,只有佛號才能救度,所以以念佛來顯明功德的殊勝。
Namo Amituofo!
