Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰
Aspiration and dedication have two tiers of meaning, one is interpreted from the point of view of Amitabha Buddha, and the other is interpreted from the point of view of sentient beings who aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.
To interpret from the point of view of Amitabha Buddha means, Amitabha Buddha makes vows and dedicates [merit] to us. From our point of view means, we set forth the mind of accepting Amitabha’s deliverance and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. It also means we redirect our minds toward the Land of Bliss, exclusively focus on the Land of Bliss, and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. These comprise our aspiration and dedication.
In regard to our aspiration and dedication, we do not dedicate our merit and virtues to the Land of Bliss; but, direct our minds toward the Land of Bliss, receive and accept Amitabha’s merit and virtues.
「發願迴向」這四個字有兩層意義,一層是由阿彌陀佛這邊來解釋,另一層是從我們願生極樂世界的眾生這邊來解釋。
從阿彌陀佛這邊解釋,是阿彌陀佛發願迴向給我們;從我們這邊來講,是我們發願接受阿彌陀佛的救度,願生極樂世界,回心轉意向著極樂世界,迴向極樂,願生極樂,這就是我們的發願迴向。
而我們的發願迴向,當然不是以我們種種的功德來迴向極樂世界,而是回心向著極樂,領受彌陀的功德。
Namo Amituofo!
