An excerpt from ‘In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth’ by Master Shandao
善導大師《往生禮讚》摘句
The Sutra of the Ten Rebirths says, “When those who exclusively invoke Amitabha Buddha in the Western Pure Land aspire to be reborn, that Buddha immediately sends 25 bodhisattvas to protect and embrace them. While walking, sitting, standing, lying down, during day time, night time, at all times, and in all places, they will not be exposed to evil ghosts and demons.
As the Contemplation Sutra says, “If any person invokes Amitabha’s Name, prostrates to Amitabha Buddha, and aspires to be reborn in his Land of Bliss, that Buddha will immediately send numerous manifestation buddhas, and numerous manifestations of Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta bodhisattvas to come and protect him.
In addition to the 25 bodhisattvas mentioned previously, all of them gather around those [Amitabha-recitation] practitioners in hundreds and thousands of layers. They stay with them whenever and wherever, and under all circumstances (whether they are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down). As there are so many benefits offered by Amitabha Buddha, all people should truly aspire to be reborn in his Pure Land.
《十往生經》云:若有眾生,念阿彌陀佛,願往生者,彼佛即遣二十五菩薩,擁護行者;若行、若坐、若住、若臥,若晝、若夜,一切時,一切處,不令惡鬼惡神,得其便也。
又如《觀經》(意)云:若稱禮念阿彌陀佛,願往生彼國者,彼佛即遣無數化佛,無數化觀音、勢至菩薩,護念行者;復與前二十五菩薩等,百重千重圍繞行者,不問行住坐臥,一切時處,若晝若夜,常不離行者。今既有斯勝益可憑,願諸行者,各須至心求往。
Namo Amituofo!
