Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Three Relationships (continued)
2. Close relationship – When sentient beings wish to see the Buddha, the Buddha will respond at once by appearing before their eyes. This relationship is applicable to both those living the present life and those at the near end-of-life.
For those living the present life, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, a countless number of other bodhisattvas, and Amitabha’s manifested body, accompany them wherever they go. For those near the end-of-life, this is known as the close relationship.
(to be continued tomorrow)
三緣
(2) 近緣
眾生願見佛,佛即應其心念,現在目前,稱為近緣。
近緣通於平生與臨終:眾生稱念佛名,阿彌陀佛化身無數,與觀世音、大勢至等諸菩薩,常來
至此行人之所:此為平生。
念佛行者,命欲終時,阿彌陀佛與諸聖眾現在其前:此為臨終。不論平生、臨終,阿彌陀佛皆常來、常守、常護、常迎念佛之人,故念佛人與佛實為最近。
親緣、近緣,似同而有別。心心相知為親,空間無隔為近。
Namo Amituofo!
