Aug 5, 2020
An excerpt from ‘In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth’ by Master Shandao
善導大師語錄《往生禮讚》
Question: Why are we not asked to practice contemplation; but, instructed to exclusively recite the Name? What is the meaning of this?
Answer: It is because sentient beings bear heavy karmic obstructions and their minds are too coarse to see the fine scenes and phenomena in the Pure Land. Because our mental focus is wavering and unsteady, it is too difficult to achieve any results in contemplation. With great compassion the great sage (Shakyamuni Buddha) directly advises us to exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name. He does this because of the easiness of Name-recitation. Those who exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha are assured of rebirth in this lifetime.
問曰:何故不令作觀,直遣專稱名字者,有何意也?
答曰:乃由眾生障重,境細心粗,識揚神飛,觀難成就也。是以大聖悲憐,直
勸專稱名字,正由稱名易故,相續即生。
Namo Amituofo!
