March 29 2021

Mar 29, 2021

A verse about “Realization of the Dharma Body” from ‘In Praise of Dharma Practice’

《法事讚》「證得法身」之偈:

We are excited to see the lotus platform,

To follow the Buddha freely and return to naturalness.

Naturalness is Amitabha’s land.

Returning to reality instantly, in the state of no-outflow and no-birth.

We follow the Buddha wherever he goes and pauses.

We realize the body of unconditioned Dharma Nature.

既見華台心踴躍, 從佛逍遙歸自然;

自然即是彌陀國, 無漏無生還即真;

行來進止常隨佛, 證得無為法性身。

Namo Amituofo!

March 28 2021

Mar 28, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Path

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

No matter how we fold and unfold the Pure Land teaching, we cannot abandon the Fundamental Vow of Amitabha Buddha. What are the connotations of the Fundamental Vow? We can’t really understand the Fundamental Vow as stated in the scripture, so we need the explanations of the patriarchs.

Among all the great masters who explained Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow in different ways, our lineage only accepts the pristine explanations of Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Tanluan, Daochuo, and Shandao.

淨土法門千開萬合,都離不開阿彌陀佛的根本願,根本願的內涵是什麼呢?我們自己看根本願的經文不能真實理解,所以必需要透過祖師的解釋。

然而,究實而言,歷代高僧大德雖對阿彌陀佛根本願有各種內容的詮釋,但只有龍樹、天親、曇鸞、道綽、善導幾位祖師的解釋,可以說都是很純粹的,是一棒接一棒,是上傳下承,內容都一致的。

Namo Amituofo!

March 27 2021

Mar 27, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Care of Life and a Vegetarian Diet

護生與素食

The piece of meat on the table is a part of one of the sentient beings of the ten directions to be delivered by Amitabha Buddha, isn’t it? It is! However, if we must kill it and eat it, we should feel ashamed.

If it is inevitable for us to eat it, we should recite Amitabha’s Name – to sincerely and joyfully entrust ourselves to Amitabha’s deliverance, and aspire to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. We should then continue reciting Amitabha’s Name for the rest of our lives.

因為阿彌陀佛是要救度十方眾生,那麼,現在桌上擺的這塊肉,是不是阿彌陀佛救度的十方眾生之一?是啊!而我們卻把它加以殺、吃,所以,我們就會有慚愧心。我們不是故意要去殺它、吃它,是我們的環境不許可,有一種慚愧的心。

如果還是非吃不可,那只有念佛——「至心信樂,欲生我國」,之後就是延續的「乃至十念」的念佛,不然怎麼辦?

Namo Amituofo!

March 26 2021

Mar 26, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Care of Life and a Vegetarian Diet

護生與素食

Eating meat or not eating meat are not conditions for rebirth. Sentient beings of the ten directions are different in their circumstances and aptitudes. If you are able to abstain from eating meat, you should do it; but, if you must eat meat, go ahead.

However, when you eat meat, you shouldn’t say, “Oh, it doesn’t matter, Amitabha will still deliver me.” It is better if we feel regretful.

吃肉和不吃肉都不是往生的條件,往生沒有規定你要吃肉或者要吃素,這個都沒有規定。十方眾生各各機緣不一樣,你能夠不吃肉的話,那就不吃,但是非吃肉不可的話,那就吃。

但是你的吃肉並不是說:「哎呀,好啊!我有阿彌陀佛救度啦,所以可以盡情地吃啊」,不是這樣的,心中自然會有慚愧。

Namo Amituofo!

March 25 2021

Mar 25, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Following the Sutra of the Fundamental Karma of the Bodhisattva’s Ornamental Wreath, Master Daochuo said that it takes ten thousand kalpas to realize the state of non-retrogression. As ordinary beings in the Land of Saha, our afflictions are heavy and deep, and our roots of faith are as light as a feather, which drifts here and there.

For these reasons it will take us much longer than ten thousand kalpas to realize non-retrogression. During this period of time, we will be born in hell, or in the realm of hungry ghosts, or humans. Thus, we go up and down in the sea of the Six Realms. Isn’t it painful?

If we believe that we can enter the state of non-retrogression through rebirth and transcend all merits and practices accumulated in ten thousand kalpas within this lifetime (regardless of the length of one’s life), through exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name, as said in the Three Pure Land Sutras, why don’t we give up the difficult, and take the easy way and practice the Pure Land teaching?

道綽大師說,依照《菩薩瓔珞本業經》所說,要經過一萬劫才能證到不退的果位,我們凡夫在娑婆世界都是煩惱深重,而且信念無根,如同輕毛,隨風東飄西飄的,豈只是一萬劫的時間呢?而且在這一萬劫當中忽爾地獄,忽爾餓鬼,忽爾畜牲,忽爾人間,在六道裡面浮沉,豈不痛苦嗎?

如果能明信淨土三經所講,只要專稱彌陀佛名,在這一輩子不管壽命長、壽命短,往生之後就進入不退了,當下跨越了一萬劫的時間與功行。知道了這個道理,為什麼不捨難行取易行修淨土法門呢?

Namo Amituofo!

March 24 2021

Mar 24, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

The meaning of rebirth – letting go of our present life and going to the Pure Land, to be reborn as a manifestation upon a lotus flower. By closing our eyes during death, we sit cross-legged upon the lotus platform. Rebirth is a special term in the Pure Land School of Buddhism. It is a kind of feeling of splendor, light, nobility and uniqueness, which is worthy of praise with words of admiration and respect.

A person who attains rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is to be reborn naturally, by manifestation on a jeweled pond in the Land of Bliss. It does not require any deliberate action. In this way rebirth is truly noble and magnificent, it implies emancipation and becoming a Buddha.

往生之義──捨此往彼,蓮花化生;行者瞑目之刻,即是蓮台結趺之時。「往生」這兩個字,在我們佛教、尤其是我們淨土宗來講,有特別的含義,給人一種殊勝、光明、尊貴、難得的感覺,是值得讚歎、欽敬的語言。

念佛往生淨土之人,就在極樂國土的七寶花中,自然、不假造作地化生了。所以,「往生」兩個字非常的尊貴、殊勝,往生意味解脫與成佛。

Namo Amituofo!

March 23 2021

Mar 23, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

(continued)

So, an Amitabha-reciter who has learned how to become a Buddha should serve as a role model. In so doing, Amitabha Buddha and all Buddhas in the ten directions rejoice; and all devas, guardians and dragons praise him. If he does not, even though he can be reborn through Amitabha-recitation, Amitabha Buddha may feel disappointed in him because he doesn’t try his best to fulfill these duties.

In order to truly repay the Buddha’s grace, we should universally spread the teaching of Buddha’s great compassion. To accomplish that, we must be disciplined in our behavior within the three karmas.

所以學佛念佛的人,要起模範的作用,這樣阿彌陀佛、十方諸佛都歡喜,護法龍天也會擁護讚歎。不然的話, 雖然念佛可以往生,但是責任義務都沒有去盡到,阿彌陀佛的心中也會為我們遺憾啊!

「大悲傳普化」才能夠「真成報佛恩」,要能夠大悲傳普化,也要從端正我們的三業行為開始。

Namo Amituofo!

March 22 2021

Mar 22, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

Encountering the Pure Land teaching, we should on one side, exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name with singleness of mind and rely on Amitabha’s deliverance all the way to rebirth; and, on the other side, we should try our best to do good and refrain from doing evil in our daily lives. We should strive to be sincere and scrupulous in our relationships, avoid evil and cherish good.

If an Amitabha-reciter is unable to perform his duties well, he may be looked down upon by others, particularly those who do not understand our teaching. They may lose faith in Amitabha Buddha. However, if he can do these things well, his acts become the grace of Amitabha Buddha.

(to be continued tomorrow)

遇到淨土法門,一方面就要專一念佛,在往生的道路上,依靠阿彌陀佛的救度;在世俗的生活上,要盡自己的責任,做好人的本分,諸惡莫作,眾善奉行,敦倫盡分,閑邪存誠。

一個念佛人,如果連做人的本分都做不好的話,念佛反而讓人家輕視,讓不了解的人對阿彌陀佛沒有信心;如果做得好的話,等於給阿彌陀佛增光。

Namo Amituofo!

March 21 2021

Mar 21, 2021

A verse about the “real and pure reward land” from “In Praise of Dharma Practice”

《法事讚》「真淨報土」之偈:

Amitabha’s Buddha-land is pure and splendid,

The Three Wretched Realms, the Six Realms, and even the names of those realms are absent forever.

Everything is adorned by inconceivable virtues, which are so hard to depict,

And every kind of wonderful and delicate phenomena is a refined marvel.

彌陀佛國真嚴淨,三惡六道永無名;

事事莊嚴難可識,種種妙微甚為精。

Namo Amituofo!

March 20 2021

Mar 20, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Path

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

It is said in our school that we recite Amitabha’s Name to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss. In order to understand this we have to grasp the 18th Vow. If we do not grasp this when trying to explain it in accordance with the Shandao tradition, it will not be the pristine Pure Land teaching. It may be confused with other methods of attaining rebirth such as: Real Mark Amitabha-Invocation, Contemplating Amitabha-Invocation, Image-Observing Amitabha-Invocation and Oral Amitabha-Recitation. Moreover, there are different definitions of Oral Amitabha-Recitation.

Among all, the Shandao tradition, (which follows the patriarchal lineage from Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Tanluan, Daochuo, and Shandao) totally matches the 18th Vow. That is why, in order to understand the Pure Land teaching, it is fundamental to grasp the 18th Vow. To grasp the 18th Vow, we should base it upon the lineage of the Shandao tradition.

我們這個法門說要念佛往生極樂世界,就要掌握第十八願,淨土法門如果不掌握第十八願同時不依循善導流來解釋,恐怕就不是純正的淨土法門,因為往生的方法有講實相念佛、觀想念佛、觀像念佛,以及稱名念佛,而且稱名念佛的內涵也各有不同的說法。

其中,只有善導流的說法,也就是龍樹、天親、曇鸞、道綽、善導這個法脈的教理思想才能跟第十八願完全地相符應。所以淨土法門掌握根本就要掌握第十八願,掌握第十八願就要掌握善導流這個法脈。

Namo Amituofo!

March 19 2021

Mar 19, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Care of Life and a Vegetarian Diet

護生與素食

A Buddhist, especially an Amitabha-reciter, should recite Amitabha’s Name as a vegetarian; while thinking of Amitabha Buddha who set forth great vows to deliver sentient beings of the ten directions, particularly those who suffer most and are urgently in need. So, if we think of Amitabha’s compassion, we should understand that the meat that we eat today is probably a sentient being who Amitabha Buddha wishes to deliver.

Simply speaking, learning to become a Buddha is learning the Buddha’s compassion. We should also realize Amitabha’s great compassion when we recite his Name. We should also realize that the animals we eat today may have been our parents in past lives. Knowing that, why would we choose to eat them?

學佛,尤其是念佛的人,應該長齋念佛,因為想到阿彌陀佛發願要救度的是十方眾生,而且是以最苦的眾生為最迫切要救度的對象,所以如果能體會阿彌陀佛的悲心,就應該會想到我們今天所吃的肉,也是阿彌陀佛所急迫要救度的眾生。

簡要的說,學佛就是要學佛的慈悲心,念佛也要體會阿彌陀佛的大悲心,既然面對的是生生世世的父母,為什麼還要吃他呢?

Namo Amituofo!

March 18 2021

Mar 18, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Recitation of Amitabah’s Name is the Karma of Assurance for rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Apart from it, all other cultivation practices are considered miscellaneous. For an aspirant, Amitabha and sacred beings will come, without needing to be invited, when he is near his end-of-life. They will comfort him with compassion, and pacify his mind.

An ordinary being’s mind is restless, like a monkey jumping from tree to tree. However, if a person believes in the principle above, his mind will be still. It is just like the unmoving reflection of the moon on the rapids of a river. The Buddha always dwells in our minds though our minds are confused.

Apart from practicing for our own benefit, if we wish to benefit others, we should study the related scriptures according to our capacities. However, how can we read all of the books which are published endlessly? Once reborn, we will naturally realize hundreds and thousands of teachings through our paranormal powers. At present, even if we can memorize every word of the scriptures, the only sentence that we can rely on near the end-of-life is Namo Amitabha Buddha!

往生彌陀淨土始終以「稱念彌陀名號」為正定業,除此之外皆是雜修雜行。願生之人,臨命終時,佛與聖眾,不請自來,「慈悲加祐,令心不亂」。

凡夫之心,猶如猿猴,無靜定時;然此理之信,如如不動,所謂「流急月不去,心亂佛常住」。

若自行之外,尚欲化他,則可量力研讀有關經論。否則,層出不窮之書,於己何涉?往生之後,三明六通,百千法門,不求自證。現在縱能背誦千言萬語,臨終一句難憑,唯佛是賴。

Namo Amituofo!

March 17 2021

Mar 17, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

What does it mean to be reborn in the Land of Bliss? First, no reincarnation within the Three Domains and the Six Realms, i.e. no realms of suffering. Second, no suffering due to karma, and no physical or mental pain. Third, acquiring an eternal life of peace and joy, i.e. becoming a Buddha to deliver sentient beings.

為什麼要往生極樂世界?第一,無三界六道輪迴之事,亦即無痛苦境界。第二,無起惑造業受苦之事,亦即無痛苦身心。第三,得永恆自在安樂之命,亦即成佛度眾生。

Namo Amituofo!

March 16 2021

Mar 16, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

Whether you are a monastic or a householder, a Buddhist must learn to be compassionate, and view compassion as a precious gem, on both the worldly and other worldly levels. The object of compassion is sentient beings, both those we can and cannot see. So, a true practitioner considers sentient beings to be gems, and hopes to bring them joy and benefits from the bottom of his heart, never to bring them trouble and loss. 

If we have rewards and accomplishments, we should pro-actively and quietly dedicate them to other people. If other people have done wrong, and incur losses and troubles, we should pro-actively and quietly accept and bear them. This means that, if another person has made mistakes, we should accept them as our mistakes. If they are successful, it is only due to their effort. All good matters go towards the other, and bad matters go towards me. One who can maintain this attitude is a true practitioner.

學佛人,不論在家、出家,都要學慈悲,要以慈悲為寶,不以世間的財物或稀有之物為寶。那慈悲的對象就是眾生──眼睛看得到的人類、動物,還有看不到的眾生。所以修行人就是以眾生為寶,出自內心的想為對方帶來利樂──利益、安樂,而不給對方帶來苦惱、虧損。

如果自己有好處、有成就,都主動的、默默的奉獻給對方;對方如果有過失、有虧損、有苦惱,也主動的、默默的去接受、承當。也就是「失敗歸自己,成功給他人;好事向他,壞事向己」。能這樣行持者就是修行人。

Namo Amituofo!

March 15 2021

Mar 15, 2021

A verse about “the naturalness of manifesting the ten Bodhisattva stages” from “In

Praise of the Rite of Rebirth”

《往生禮讚》「十地自然」之偈:

Tathagatas of the Six Directions extend their tongues to attest:

By reciting Amitabha’s Name exclusively,

Sentient beings will arrive at the Western Land of Bliss.

Once born there in a blooming lotus,

They can listen to the wondrous Dharma teachings.

The aspiration and practices of the ten Bodhisattva stages manifest naturally.

六方如來舒舌證,

專稱名號至西方;

到彼華開聞妙法,

十地願行自然彰。

Namo Amituofo!

March 14 2021

Mar 14, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure

Land Path

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

(continued)

If the practice of reciting Namo Amituofo is not exclusive, rebirth is uncertain. It is because exclusive Amitabha-recitation is proof of total reliance on Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance, Buddha-power, vow-power, and the power of Amitabha’s merit and virtues. If our practice isn’t exclusive, it means we are not fully entrusting in Amitabha’s deliverance.

如果不是專念南無阿彌陀佛就不一定,或許能夠往生,或許不能夠往生。因為一個專念南無阿彌陀佛的人,他的心無形中就專依靠阿彌陀佛的救度,專依靠阿彌陀佛的佛力、願力、功德力。

一個人如果專依靠,而所依靠的對方是可以依靠的,那豈不是當生就能成就。你如果不專,那就不一定。不是說不可能, 是不一定。

Namo Amituofo!

March 13 2021

Mar 13, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Path

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Tanluan, Daochuo and Shandao explained the Pure Land teaching exclusively based on the Three Pure Land Sutras. They did not mix any other doctrinal teachings into their explanations. So, this prescription is most seriously selected. Thus, it is pure in doctrine as well as aptitude.

Our Pure Land teaching is exclusive and pristine. Its method is simple and easy. We exclusively recite Namo Amituofo and assured rebirth is attained.

(to be continued tomorrow)

龍樹、天親、曇鸞、道綽、善導他們純粹都是依據淨土三部經來闡釋淨土法門,不夾雜其他的教理在裏面。所以這一味藥是經過嚴選的,因此既純粹無雜,又契理契機。

我們這個既專又純的淨土法門,它在方法上簡單容易,我們只要專念南無阿彌陀佛,就是往生的正因,必定能夠往生。

Namo Amituofo!

March 12 2021

Mar 12, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Care of Life and a Vegetarian Diet

護生與素食

The most precious thing in our life is life. If the safety of our body is threatened, we will feel panic, pain and agony. It is the same for the people on the other side. So, being a vegetarian is a direct and indirect way of not taking other lives, and even protecting those lives. It also allows us to accumulate great merit and virtues.

So, being a vegetarian is a way of living virtuously. Opening a veggie restaurant is also a way of practicing compassion and generosity. We need not worry whether it makes a profit or loses money. The important thing is that it facilitates more people to eat a vegetarian diet.

人生最貴重的是生命,如果有人危害到我們的人身安全,我們都會恐懼、痛苦、產生怨恨,反之,對方也是這樣。所以,如果我們吃素, 就是直接、間接的不殺害牠的命,甚至是在積極地保護牠的命,這樣的話,功德是很大的。

所以,行善從吃素開始。至於開素食館,不管賺多賺少,都是功德一樁,因為他讓很多人方便吃素。

Namo Amituofo!

March 11 2021

Mar 11, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

(continued)

We have to understand further – As you have your own karma, your sons and grandsons have their own karma. If we are not reborn in the Land of Bliss, or fall into one of the hells, or ascend to one of the heavens, or are not born in another realm we enter the “Bardo” state, which can last for 49 days at most.

Within the 49 days, the “Bardo” (commonly known as soul) will follow the good and bad karma of the present life or of the many past lives, to reincarnate and start another life. So, the “Bardo” cannot stay with the family forever.

For that reason, no matter how reluctant we are to let go and detach from these circumstances, or to our wealth, we will be unable to follow our wishes because everyone receives his karmic retribution.

我們要再進一步了解,因為你有你自己的業,你的子孫有子孫的業,我們死後如果還沒有往生極樂世界,也還沒有墮入地獄,也沒有上升天庭或立即投胎轉世,這樣就是在中陰身,中陰身頂多是四十九天。

在這個四十九天當中,隨著過去生生世世,與今生今世所造的善業、惡業去投胎轉世,所以中陰身(俗稱靈魂)不可能永遠停留在這個家庭。

因此即使我們再怎麼執著世間,依戀眷屬,留戀這個環境,或者是貪戀財產(動產、不動產),也根本無法讓我們如意,因為每個人都是要隨業受報的。

Namo Amituofo!

March 10 2021

Mar 10, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

We must clearly understand that, when we approach death, we have to choose between two mental states at the critical moment. When we become aware that we are in our last moments, we need to let go of all worldly attachments. No matter how reluctant we are to let go, or how much we want to stay in this world, we must accept the inevitable.

Therefore, when we approach death, and our physical bodies can no longer serve us, if we can totally let go, we are assured of rebirth. If we hold on tightly, it implies that our mind of aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss is not true, and we may face further births in the Saha world.

我們一定要清楚了解,到了臨終之時,在二選一的緊要關頭,你就不可以再對世間的一切存有絲毫貪著的心,因為你既已知道這是人生最後的時刻,這世間已經和你無關了,你再怎麼留戀,再怎麼執著,再怎麼想停留在這個世間,都必然是徒勞無功,已經是不可能了。

所以,當肉體已不能由我們作主,已經到了臨終之時,這個時候我們的執著之心就一定要全部放下,這樣就可以決定往生。如果這時還是執著不放,那就表示平時說要往生極樂世界的心是假的,不是真的,這樣就退轉了。

Namo Amituofo!

March 9 2021

Mar 9, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

We recite Amitabha’s Name and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. At the same time, we advise other people to recite Amitabha’s Name and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. We practice the Pure Land teaching, and we can also propagate the Pure Land teaching. So, it is not just self-benefiting; but, benefiting others at the same time. In that way, both of us can be liberated from the sea of suffering of birth-and-death.

我們自己念佛、願生極樂世界,同時也勸別人念佛、願生極樂世界;自己修持淨土法門,也能夠弘揚淨土法門,這不僅是自利,同時能夠利他,彼此都能出離生死苦海。

Namo Amituofo!

March 8 2021

Mar 8, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

It is difficult to attain a human body, and it is also difficult to hear the Buddha Dharma. The Dharma of the Fundamental Vow is the most difficult one among all to hear. It is most fortunate for us to encounter it in the present life. It indicates that our roots of virtues and our karmic relationship with Amitabha Buddha are very deep. For those reasons, I hope all of you can grasp this teaching nicely.

If we encounter those who hold different views, we should show respect, rejoice with joined palms, and avoid any arguments.

人身難得,佛法難聞,本願之法更是難中之難,今生有幸遇到,表示我們過去世宿善特別深厚,跟阿彌陀佛的緣特別深厚,所以希望大家都能好好掌握這個法門。

對於他人有不同的看法,我們應該抱持尊重的心情──「合掌令歡喜」,不要互相評論,因為一落入評論就一定會起諍論與是非。

Namo Amituofo!

March 7 2021

Mar 7, 2021

A verse stating ‘’The Pure Land is always superb” from ‘In praise of Dharma Practice’

《法事讚》「淨土湛然」之偈:

It has ever been heard and ever seen throughout the past eons,

The jeweled adornment of the Pure Land in the West.

This is the power of Amitabha’s compassionate vows,

Which is superb, without any change or decay.

歷劫以來未聞見,西方淨土寶莊嚴;

此是彌陀悲願力,無衰無變湛然常。

Namo Amituofo!

March 6 2021

Mar 6, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

Why is Master Shandao’s Pure Land teaching pristine? It is because Master Shandao inherited it from Master Daochuo, Master Tanluan, Vasubandhu Bodhisattva and Nagarjuna Bodhisattva. The writings of all these patriarchs are pristine because they exclusively follow the three Pure Land Sutras – the Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra.

Nagarjuna Bodhisattva is the patriarch of all eight Buddhist schools. Legendarily, he was regarded as incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha. Vasubandhu Bodhisattva was honored as the Master of a Thousand Commentaries. His wisdom and capacity were remarkable. Master Tanluan and Master Daochuo also possessed outstanding knowledge, aptitudes, and high levels of cultivation. Master Shandao was regarded as an incarnation of Amitabha Buddha.

為什麼說善導大師的教理思想才是純正淨土思想呢?因為善導大師傳承自道綽大師、曇鸞大師、天親菩薩、龍樹菩薩,這幾位祖師所著作的淨土教理都很純粹,是完全依據淨土三部經——《無量壽經》《觀無量壽經》與《阿彌陀經》來開演。

龍樹菩薩是八大宗派共同的祖師,相傳是釋迦牟尼佛再來;天親菩薩被尊為千部論主,智慧修持都很高;曇鸞大師、道綽大師,他們的道行、根機、學問在當時都是出類拔萃的,尤其善導大師,自古以來就公認是阿彌陀佛所化身。

Namo Amituofo!

March 5 2021

Mar 5, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Caring for Life and a Vegetarian Diet

護生與素食

There is a saying, “ when we fast for a day, we abstain from killing.” When we serve our guests a vegetarian meal, none of us will eat fish or meat. In so doing, none of us accumulates negative karma due to direct or indirect killing. By making this choice we accumulate merit and virtues.

有句話說:「一日持齋,天下殺生無我份。」今天我們以素食宴客,使得大家不吃魚、不吃肉,不直接間接殺生造業,豈不是一件功德!*09

Namo Amituofo!

March 4 2021

Mar 4, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

(continued)

If a person fails to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, he will continue to reincarnate within the Six Realms. As he is still within the Six Realms, who can guarantee he will be reborn in human form life after life?

Though he can be born a celestial being, he will sink into a lesser realm when his wholesome reward ends. His rebirth is secure only if he is reborn in the Land of Bliss.

Once reborn in the Land of Bliss, he will cease reincarnating within the Six Realms, and be free of all karmic obstructions and offenses forever. Thus, the only wise choice is to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

不往生極樂世界,那肯定還在娑婆六道輪迴,既然還在娑婆六道之中,誰能保證生生世世都能生而為人?

即使轉生為天人,福報盡了,還是要墮落啊!只有往生極樂世界才妥當,一旦往生極樂世界,則永斷六道輪迴,生生世世的業障、業報,就和我們毫無關係了,所以必須要求生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

March 3 2021

Mar 3, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Master Yinguang said, “All other teachings are like ants climbing up a mountain, while the teaching of rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is like sailing on a yacht with the current.” This means that it is not easy for people to practice any of the other teachings. Ants that climb up a mountain cannot swim across a river. They may be hurt or swallowed by wild beasts, or they may be in danger from strong winds, flooding, or other jeopardy. However, rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is like sailing on a yacht with a gentle current. It requires almost no effort for us to reach our destination.

(to be continued tomorrow)

印光大師說:「餘門學道,蟻子登山,念佛往生,風帆順水。」意思就是,學其他的法門就好像螞蟻爬山,人登山都不容易了,何況螞蟻爬山,遇到水就過不去,遇到野獸恐怕會被踏死或被吃掉,何況有風、雨及種種山難,是很危險的。

而「念佛往生,風帆順水」,風帆又遇到順水,幾乎都不用力量,順著風自自然然的就會到達目的地了。

Namo Amituofo!

March 2 2021

Mar 2, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

To properly practice Pure Land teachings, we must set forth the mind of determination, to attain assured rebirth in the Land of Bliss near the end-of-life. There is no compromising, no casualness, no changing, and no wavering. Resolve to be reborn in the West.

淨土法門,一定要發起決定不變的、臨終一定要往生極樂世界的心,毫不妥協、毫不苟且、毫不更改、毫不動搖,決定要往生西方。

Namo Amituofo!

March 1 2021

Mar 1, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A Buddhist practitioner should be able to feel good when he’s alone, and be comfortable with simplicity, and a lack of excitement. When other people feel lonely and bored, we should feel quite comfortable with an uncomplicated life, and feel joyful, safe, and stable. In circumstances like these it is easier for us to focus on practicing the Buddhist teachings.

學佛修行必需要能夠忍於孤獨,甘於寂寞,安於平淡,越是在人家覺得孤獨、寂寞、平淡當中,我們反而能夠喜歡這樣的生活境界,而在這樣的當中有法喜、有喜樂、有安穩,這樣就容易有成就。

Namo Amituofo!

February 28 2021

Feb 28, 2021

A verse about “Surpassing all of the various Buddha-lands” from In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth

《往生禮讚》「超諸佛剎」之偈:

Contemplating Amitabha’s Land of Bliss,

Vast and great, wide and level, formed by countless jewels.

From the 48 Vows sublime adornments arise,

Transcending all Buddha-lands.

觀彼彌陀極樂界,廣大寬平眾寶成;

四十八願莊嚴起,超諸佛剎最為精。

Namo Amituofo!

February 27 2021

Feb 27, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

(continued)

What we practice in our School strictly follows this patriarchal lineage. It is not only based on Master Shandao’s personal opinion, but, is also founded on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, realized and derived from his Samadhi of Wisdom.

There is a saying, “though a person is wise, he cannot understand the Buddhist teaching without being told.” The scriptures, though written in black and white, cannot be understood by ordinary beings; so, they must be interpreted by recognized and certified patriarchs. In this way we can correctly abide by the original intent of Shakyamuni Buddha.

我們所修的法門,就是依照宗祖的傳承來修持,這不只是善導大師個人的意見,而是源自他的智慧三昧證悟佛所說的傳承。因為「佛法無人說,雖智不能解」,經典雖是白紙黑字,但凡夫理解不來,必須透過有修有證的祖師解釋,我們才能正確掌握釋迦牟尼佛的本懷。

Namo Amituofo!

February 26 2021

Feb 26, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

Our teaching is inherited from Master Shandao. Master Shandao is our de facto founder, the patriarch who established this School. The lineage began with Nagarjuna Bodhisattva, followed by Vasubandhu Bodhisattva, continued by Master Tanluan, then Master Daochuo, and followed by Master Shandao. The lineage was synthesized by Master Shandao. Thus making Master Shandao the de facto founder of our School.

(to be continued tomorrow)

我們這個法門傳承自善導大師,善導大師是我們的宗祖──本宗的開宗祖師。善導大師傳承於道綽大師,道綽大師傳承於曇鸞大師,曇鸞大師傳承於天親、龍樹菩薩,這是我們的法脈。而這個法脈直到善導大師才集其大成,因此善導大師是本宗的宗祖。

Namo Amituofo!

February 25 2021

Feb 25, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Care for Life and a Vegetarian Diet

護生與素食

We should work towards being a vegetarian if we really want to care for and protect sentient beings. Those who are learning Buddhism in this era and choose not to eat vegetarian, even when it is readily available, must be lacking compassion, or do not believe in cause and effect in the three periods of time. All the meat we eat is actually made from our parents from the past. Are you sure you want to eat that way? If you do, you are not a true Buddhist. The law of cause and effect is fundamental in learning Buddhism. It is the backbone connecting all Buddhist teachings. All Buddhists should deeply believe in cause and effect first, and avoid committing any evil karma. If we eat meat every day, we accumulate evil karma without even realizing it.

真正愛護眾生,要從吃素開始。在這時代學佛,如果吃素方便而不想吃素,若不是缺乏愛心,就是不信三世因果,不然的話,就是沒有學佛的慈悲心。

我們所吃的肉,其實都是過去世的父母,這點大家肯定不肯定?如果不肯定的話,就不是真正的學佛者。因果是佛法的根本、貫通一代佛教的骨幹,所以學佛的人首先要深信因果,避免造惡因,如果天天都在吃肉的話,其實不知不覺都在造惡因。

Namo Amituofo!

February 24 2021

Feb 24, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

The teaching of Amitabha-recitation should not be presented as overly profound, mysterious, or difficult. It should not be exaggerated or described in ways that confuse people. It should be shared in a simple and easy way, naturally and intimately, so that even those who are illiterate or uncivilized can understand and do it. Otherwise, it is better not to speak, so as to avoid violating the Buddha’s intention above and misleading sentient beings below.

念佛法門不可講得很雜、很深、很玄、很難,或別立新義,欲顯異惑眾;要講得平易樸實,親切自然,使得連不識字、沒有文化的老太公、老太婆也能聽得懂、做得到。否則不如不講,以免上違佛意,下誤眾生。

Namo Amituofo!