Oct 29, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra
《佛說觀無量壽經》
Shakyamuni Buddha’s purpose in speaking of the meditative and non-meditative virtues is to reveal the transcendent merits and virtues of the Name of Amitabha Buddha. If he had spoken of the Name of Amitabha Buddha at the start, without speaking of the meditative and non-meditative virtues in the beginning, the audiences would not know which is better, as there is no basis for comparison. By comparing and contrasting, people know the meditative and non-meditative virtues are less splendid than Amitabha-recitation.
On the other hand, it guides those who are used to practicing meditative and non-meditative virtues, to wholeheartedly embrace the exclusive practice of Amitabha-recitation and wholeheartedly rely on Amitabha’s deliverance.
釋迦牟尼佛在《觀經》裡面講定善跟散善,目的就是為了顯示這一句彌陀名號功德的超越性。如果開始沒有講定善、散善,就直接講阿彌陀佛這個名號的功德力用的話,聽的人就不曉得它的高低,因為沒有經過比較,而一經比較才曉得定善跟散善這兩種都不比念佛殊勝。
另一方面也是為引導本來修學定善或者散善根機的人,完全歸入專稱彌陀佛名,完全依靠阿彌陀佛的救度。
Namo Amituofo!
