Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The written works of Master Shandao consist of Five Volumes and Nine Fascicles:
4 fascicles in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, 1 fascicle in the Dharma School of Contemplation and Recitation, 1 fascicle in the Praise of Dharma Practice, 2 fascicles in the Praise of the Rite of Rebirth, and 1 fascicle in the Praise of Pratyutpanna.
Among them, the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra is written in 1 volume with 4 fascicles. This establishes the theoretical foundation of the Pure Land School. It is known as the Fundamental Commentary and also as Part of the Explication of the Meaning, and belongs to the Teachings of the Dharma.
The other 4 volumes and 5 fascicles are affiliated with the Fundamental Commentary, which sets the codes, disciplines, and practices of the Pure Land School. Thus, it is called the Supplementary Commentary. It means the Fundamental Commentary on the settlement of the mind through the practice of the teachings.
The Supplementary Commentaries describe the rites in practice. The two are as one body and are mutually interrelated.
五部九卷 - 指善導大師留世的著作共有五部九卷,即《觀經疏》四卷、《觀念法門》一卷、《法事讚》二卷、《往生禮讚》一卷、《般舟讚》一卷。
其中《觀經疏》一部四卷,為建立淨土門根本教理之作,稱為「本疏」,也稱「解義分」,屬於教門。
其餘四部五卷,皆附屬於「本疏」,確立淨土門 的行業規範,稱為「具疏」或「行儀分」,屬於行門。亦即「本疏」述教相之安心,「具疏」述實踐之行儀,二者一體,相輔相成。
Namo Amituofo!
