Feb 10, 2020
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰
(continued)
Regarding human beings, due to a variety of differences in consideration and in planning, we speak of belief in and aspiration for rebirth, as stated in the 18th Vow.
If it were not worded in this way, we wouldn’t know to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and understand the great merits and virtues of Amitabha-recitation.
If we wish to be born as human again in our next life, or other wishes, it is because we can differentiate, and select what is good and bad. For this reason, it is necessary to guide beings to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and to tell them about assured rebirth through Amitabha-recitation. Animals cannot differentiate and select. However, if they merely recite the unique Name of Amitabha through habit, they will naturally be carried to rebirth in the Land of Bliss. As said in the Infinite Life Sutra, “It rejects no one, but naturally and unfailingly attracts beings.”
至於人,因為有種種的分別、計量、籌劃,所以第十八願才說你要相信、要願生我國。如果不這樣講,有的人不曉得要願生極樂,只想到念佛有很大的功德,下輩子要生而為人,或要如何、如何......,因為人有這些分別、選擇、好惡取捨,所以就要引導他願生極樂,告訴他稱念就必定往生。
對畜牲來講,牠們沒有那些分別、取捨,牠如果能慣性的念這一句彌陀名號,就像《無量壽經》所講的:「其國不逆違,自然之所牽」,名號功能自然牽引往生極樂世界,這就是「願力自然」。
Namo Amituofo!
