Apr 22, 2020
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〉:
Question: Among Amitabha’s 48 vows there are exclusions for those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions and slander the Right Dharma. They cannot attain rebirth. However, here in the passage on rebirth for those in the lowest level in the low tier, those slandering the Right Dharma are excluded; but, it embraces those who have committed the Five Gravest Transgressions. What does this mean?
As said in the 48 vows for rebirth, there are exclusions for those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions and slander the Right Dharma. The karmic obstructions carried by those in this group are extremely heavy. If sentient beings commit them, they will directly fall into Avici Hell, to suffer there for many eons. Thus, the Tathagata is afraid for those who commit these two wrongdoings and advises them against it. However, this doesn’t mean that he does not embrace them.
問曰:如四十八願中,唯除五逆、誹謗正法,不得往生。今此《觀經》下品下生中,簡謗法,攝五逆者,有何意也?
答曰:此義仰就抑止門中解。如四十八願中,除謗法、五逆者,然此之二業,其障極重,眾生若造,直入阿鼻,歷劫周慞,無由可出。但如來恐其造斯二過,方便止言:「不得往生」, 亦不是不攝也。
Namo Amituofo!
