Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰
Those who walk the Pure Land Path have lotus flowers at their feet with every step. Because they are always embraced and protected by Amitabha’s light, they do not have any obstructions. Why? Master Shandao put forward four reasons:
It is because one has right mindfulness without interference or disturbance by assorted external factors.
It is because it corresponds to Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow.
It is because it does not violate Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching.
It is because it accords with the teachings of numerous Buddhas.
These are known as the “Four Gains” through Exclusive Practice.
In other words, as long as we exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name, we can attain these four benefits.
First, without interference or disturbance by assorted external factors, we can reinforce our right mindfulness and attention. In this respect, we can naturally attain the following three benefits - corresponding to Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, not violating but matching Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching, and not violating the validation and praise of Buddhas of the ten directions.
走在淨土之道的人,步步踏著蓮花,時時受著彌陀光明的護持,所以沒有任何障礙。何以故?善導大師提出「四故」:「無外雜緣得正念故;與佛本願得相應故;不違教故;隨順佛語故。」這個叫做「專修四得」。
換言之,只要專修就能夠得到這四種利益,第一種就是外沒有雜緣,能夠鞏固我們的正念。外沒有雜緣,我們的正念堅固,就能夠得到三種相應,自自然然跟阿彌陀佛的本願相應,也跟釋迦牟尼佛的教導相應不違背,同時又跟十方諸佛所證明讚歎的也不違背。
Namo Amituofo!
