Dec 1, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra
《佛說觀無量壽經》
(continued)
Then, how does Master Shandao explain it? Master Shandao says, “Though Shakyamuni Buddha has spoken of the benefit of attaining rebirth by practicing the meditative and non-meditative virtues, it is understood that, given Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow, Shakyamuni’s intention is that sentient beings should always recite the name of Amitabha Buddha exclusively.” It is a short sentence; but, it’s meaning is very clear.
Shakyamuni Buddha has spoken of the benefit of attaining rebirth by practicing the meditative and non-meditative virtues. These include sixteen contemplations: including the first thirteen contemplations of the meditative virtues, and the Three Meritorious Deeds in nine levels, which are known as “meditative and non-meditative”. These two teachings, as said before, can benefit us if we practice them and dedicate them for our attainment of rebirth.
However, Amitabha Buddha’s original intent is more beneficial, as it reveals the Absolute benefit lying within “always exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name,” not within the two teachings of meditative and non-meditative virtues.
(to be continued)
那麼,善導大師是怎樣解釋的呢?善導大師說:「上來雖說定散兩門之益,望佛本願,意在眾生,一向專稱,彌陀佛名。」這一段文很短,意義非常顯明,而且是斬釘截鐵。
「上來雖說定散兩門之益」:「上來」就是前面,前面釋迦牟尼佛所說的十三種定觀,以及三福九品,總共十六觀,這叫做「定散」。這「定散兩門」,是前面所說的,依照這個去修,都有利益,迴向也能往生。
可是,比這更有利益的,而且是絕對利益,又是阿彌陀佛的本心、本意、本懷的,不在這定散兩門,而是在「一向專稱彌陀佛名」。
Namo Amituofo!
