Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The gains and losses of exclusive practice versus miscellaneous practices
Among those who exclusively practice Amitabha recitation, ten out of ten, a hundred out of a hundred will attain the benefit of assured rebirth. That is why it is called a “gain”.
Among those whose form of practice is not exclusive Amitabha recitation, there are only a few who can attain the Three States of Mind. Thus, the chance of being reborn is less than one out of a hundred. So, it is called a “loss”.
In the Rite of Rebirth, Master Shandao lists the four ‘gains” through exclusive practice, and the thirteen “losses” through miscellaneous practices.
專雜得失
專修正行,十即十生,百即百生;以此決定往生之利益,故說為「得」。
雜修行體與彌陀不相應,發得三心之人甚為稀少;如此則千中無一往生,故說為「失」。
善導大師《往生禮讚》雖舉專修四得、雜修十三失,但專雜番對,準之專修亦有十三得。
Namo Amituofo!
