Dec 12, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰
To explain the six-character Great Name, Master Shandao says the following - “Namo” means to take refuge, as well as to dedicate merit towards rebirth in the Pure Land. Reciting “Amitabha Buddha” is the practice. Because the Name contains all of these qualities is why rebirth is assured.”
“Namo” means taking refuge. Simply speaking, we surrender our lives, bodies, and minds entirely, with no reservations. Thus,“Namo” is taking refuge, as well as to dedicate merit towards rebirth. The purpose of taking refuge is aspiring to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and relying on Amitabha’s deliverance totally, without any reservations.
“Amitabha Buddha” means “all of his merits and virtues are attained by the one who takes refuge, for rebirth in the Pure Land and for achieving Buddhahood, are within this four-character Name.” As long as we exclusively recite this Name, we possess all, so Master Shandao says, “Because of these meanings rebirth is assured.”
這一句六字洪名,善導大師解釋:「南無者即是歸命,亦是發願迴向之義」,「阿彌陀佛者,即是其行」。
「南無」這兩個字就是歸命,簡單講就是把我們的身心、生命毫無保留的投入進去,所以「南無」者就是歸命,亦是發願迴向之義,歸命的目的就是為了願生極樂世界,完全歸命於彌陀的救度毫無保留。
而「阿彌陀佛」四個字是歸命的人所有的功德,往生的功德在這四個字,往生成佛的功德也在這四個字,我們只要專稱就統統擁有了,所以善導大師說「以斯義故,必得往生」。
Namo Amituofo!
