Dec 17, 2019
An excerpt from the Chapter on the Meaning of the Non-meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra
善導大師語錄
《觀經疏》〈散善義〉:
Further, it is to believe deeply and decidedly that Shakyamuni Buddha leads people to aspire for the Pure Land, by teaching in the Contemplation Sutra, the Three Meritorious Deeds (three types of meritorious conduct), the nine levels of beings, and the two kinds of virtues - meditative and non-meditative. He also accomplishes this by verifying and praising Amitabha's two kinds of fulfillment - direct reward and circumstantial reward, which arouse our admiration and aspiration.
Further, it is to believe deeply and decidedly that various buddhas of the ten directions, as many as the sands of the Ganges, verify and urge all sentient beings to resolve the issue of rebirth.
Further, I would sincerely hope that all [Pure Land] practitioners can believe in a single-minded manner, the Buddha’s words alone, and firmly resolve to rely on this practice, even at the cost of their bodily lives: to act upon it immediately, to cast aside what the Buddha directs us to cast aside, and practice what the Buddha teaches us to practice. These are known as the Buddha’s teachings, following the Buddha’s intention, and following the Buddha’s vow. It is also known as being a true disciple of the Buddha.
又決定深信釋迦佛說此《觀經》三福九品、定散二善,證讚彼佛依正二報,使人欣慕。
又決定深信《彌陀經》中,十方恒沙諸佛,證勸一切凡夫,決定得生。
又深信者,仰願一切行者等,一心唯信佛語,不顧身命,決定依行。 佛遣捨者即捨,佛遣行者即行,佛遣去處即去。 是名隨順佛教,隨順佛意,是名隨順佛願,是名真佛弟子。
Namo Amituofo!
