Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Three Relationships
According to the Chapter on Meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, there are three relationships between Amitabha-reciters and Amitabha Buddha – the intimate relationship, the close relationship, and the augmentative relationship. They are all dependent upon being embraced by Amitabha Buddha’s light.
(1) Intimate relationship – Amitabha-recitation is generally applicable to the three karmas of body, mouth, and mind. When sentient beings commence the practice of reciting the Buddha’s Name (oral karma), the Buddha hears it at once; when prostrating reverently to the Buddha (bodily karma), the Buddha sees it at once; and when thinking of the Buddha (mental karma), the Buddha knows it at once. So, when sentient beings are mindful of the Buddha, the Buddha is mindful of them. The three karmas are bound together with no separation, their relationship is most intimate.
This is known as the intimate relationship.
(to be continued tomorrow)
三緣
依善導大師《觀經疏.定善義》,念佛之人與阿彌陀佛有親緣、近緣、增上緣,故佛光明攝取。
(1) 親緣
念佛通於身口意三業。行者口業稱佛名,佛即聞之;身業禮敬佛,佛即見之; 意業憶念佛,佛即知之。眾生憶念佛,佛也憶念眾生。彼此三業不相捨離,佛與眾生最相親厚,稱為親緣。
Namo Amituofo!
