Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the General Principles in the Classification of Teachings
淨宗判教 - 總顯其義
Ever since the Pure Land Teachings arrived in China there were many different understandings of what constituted the correct path. This can be seen in the demarcations of the teachings and the discussions about the sutras. There are many comments and arguments. As a result, there is a general opinion / conception / idea that, though ordinary beings can be reborn, they have to undergo various levels and grades of rebirth. Through this process of cultivation for a certain period of time, they reach a higher stage of fruition.
This approach to the Pure Land teachings does not comply with the principles of Pure Land Buddhism. It is made from the standpoint of other schools. Clearly, it is important to have a proper Pure Land School. If there is no Pure Land School, the understanding of the teachings will be unclear and confusing. Conversely, if a school is established, it must be very clear in the demarcation of the teachings, their explanations, and the lineage.
中國自古以來沒有特別建立「淨土宗」,所以在判教、經論上眾說紛紜,導致一般都認為凡夫固然可以往生,可是往生後還要經過種種的品位階級,經過多少時間、修多少行門才能夠達到較高的果位。
這種說法,都不是依淨土的教理來解釋淨土法門,完全是依各自宗派的立場來闡釋,由此可知建立「淨土宗」是多麼的重要!如果沒有建立淨土宗派,在判教上就會模糊、混淆;反之,如果有建立宗派,判教、傳承以及依傳承的解釋就會非常的清楚。
Namo Amituofo!
