Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow
淨宗傳承之第十八願
Though the number of great vows is 48, only the 18th Vow is the Fundamental Vow.
The other 47 vows are known as the ‘vows of admiration.’ All the benefits and merits of admiring the 47 vows return to the fundamental vow, the vow of Amitabha-recitation.
The 18th Vow is the causal vow, the fundamental vow, and the king of vows.
The 18th Vow is the original source, the fundamental body, and the life of the Pure
Land School.
The 18th Vow is Amitabha’s original intent, Shakyamuni’s original intent, and all Buddhas’ original intents. It is the savior of sentient beings.
The 18th Vow is the vow of worldly transcendence, made by the king of all Buddhas. It is the noblest light of all, the vow of great kindness and compassion, that sets us free from suffering and gives us joy.
彌陀弘願雖有四十八,以第十八願為「根本願」,餘之四十七願叫做「欣慕願」,欣慕四十七願所誓的功德利益,而回歸到根本的念佛。
第十八願是本願、根本願,願王、本願王。
第十八願是淨土宗之根源、本體、生命。
第十八願是彌陀本懷、釋尊本懷、諸佛本懷、眾生救主。
第十八願是超世願、諸佛之王、光中極尊、大慈大悲、拔苦與樂之所在。
Namo Amituofo!
