An excerpt from the Chapter on the Meaning of the Non-meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra
《觀經疏》〈散善義〉:
The Samadhi of Amitabha-Recollection / Amitabha-Recitation is not an ordinary practice as compared with the other assorted virtues. Its functional capacity is splendid and transcendent. If a person recites Amitabha’s Name without ceasing, he is as rare as the “Pundarika” (a white lotus-flower).
“Pundarika” means a rare and wonderful flower among humankind. It is also known as the legendary Flower of “Cai”. An Amitabha-reciter is considered a wonderfully good person, in the upper level of the upper tier among all, and a rare and splendid flower among all humankind.
Those who exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name are always accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, as if they are their shadows. They are like close relatives, good friends, and advisors. We receive these great benefits in this life and, at the end of this life, we immediately enter Amitabha’s home - the Pure Land.
Once there, we can hear the Dharma for as long as we like and make offerings to the Buddhas in person. When the cause is perfect and the rewards are complete, why would we foolishly delay taking our seat in that Dharma hall?
念佛三昧,功能超絕,實非雜善,得為比類。 若能相續念佛者,此人甚為稀有,更無物可以方之,故引芬陀利為喻。
言「芬陀利」者,名人中好華,亦名稀有華,亦名人中上上華,亦 名人中妙好華;此華相傳名蔡華是。 若念佛者:即是人中好人,人中妙好人,人中上上人,人中稀有人,人中最勝人也。
專念彌陀名者,即觀音、勢至,常隨影護,亦如親友知識也。
今生既蒙此益,捨命即入諸佛之家,即淨土是也。到彼長時聞法, 歷事供養,因圓果滿,道場之座豈賒!
Namo Amituofo!
