March 30 2022

Mar 30, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about Accomplishing Buddhahood by delivering living beings

印光大師法語「成佛度生」之文

If we can bring forth genuine faith, earnest aspiration, and recite the Name of Amitabha with singleness of mind, we will be assured of being received by Amitabha Buddha near the end-of-life, and being reborn in the Land of Bliss.

Once we have attained rebirth, we will say goodbye to the mundane life forever, and ascend to Amitabha’s Pure Land. We will see the Buddha and listen to his Dharma teachings. We will realize the Perseverance of No-Birth. We will be replete with inconceivable spiritual powers and wisdom.

(to be continued tomorrow)

果能信願真切,一心念佛。至臨命終時,決定蒙佛接引,往生彼國。

既得往生,則俯謝凡質,高預聖流。見佛聞法,證無生忍。神通智慧, 不可思議。

Namo Amituofo!

March 29 2022

Mar 29, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

Amitabha’s vow power is great, vast, and deep; so that no sentient beings are excluded. It readily provides salvation to all in this world of turbidity in the Dharma-Ending Age.

彌陀願力弘廣偉大,不漏群機,不捨罪人;使末法濁惡眾生,始終都有得救之時,毫無絕望之地。

Namo Amituofo!

March 28 2022

Mar 28, 2022

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

(continued)

Nevertheless, not all aspirants need to know all of the complicated teachings of this School; but, only that “sentient beings who recite [Amitabha’s Name] are assured of rebirth.” Just that principle is sufficient. So, Vasubandhu Bodhisattva declares, “I take refuge with singleness of mind”.

Such birds as robins and parrots can imitate people’s vocal sounds and thereby be splendidly and solemnly reborn. It is not the birds’ own skills, merit, and virtues that enable them to attain rebirth, but the natural functional power of Amitabha’s vow.

This vow-power is what Master Shandao means when he says, “Sentient beings who recite [Amitabha’s Name] are assured of rebirth.” The inconceivable power of the Buddha lies within this principle.

“Sincerely”, as mentioned in the 19th Vow, refers to the genuine mind of self-power. This “sincerely” does not rely on Amitabha Buddha; but on the practitioner’s own cultivation of various merits and virtues, that are then dedicated to rebirth in the Pure Land. This “sincerely” is totally different than that in the 18th Vow.

然而一切願生者非必知此繁瑣的宗學不可,但知「眾生稱念,必得往生」,自然具足這些道理。是故天親菩薩自督而言「我一心歸命」。

鴝鵒、鸚鵡等飛禽,但隨人音聲,依樣畫葫蘆地稱念,亦得殊勝莊嚴的往生。此者皆非此等飛禽的功德、工夫,乃彌陀誓願之力的自然運作。所謂「誓願之力」,即善導大師所言「眾生稱念,必得往生」,佛之不可思議,正在於此。

至於第十九願之「至心」,是自力的真實心,其所至心的對象,不是直接向於佛,乃向於自己之修諸功德,將此迴向於佛。此與第十八願之至心相比,不啻天淵之別。

Namo Amituofo!

March 27 2022

Mar 27, 2022

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

The words “sincerely”, “joyfully entrust” and “wish to be reborn” can be explained from the point of view of sentient beings or that of the Buddha.

From the point of view of sentient beings, “sincerely” means from the bottom of one’s heart. This reflects genuine faith. “Joyfully entrust” means a mind without any doubt in Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance. “Wish to be reborn” means a mind that aspires to be reborn in that Land.

So, with respect to “sincerely”, “joyfully entrust” and “wish to be reborn”, “joyfully entrust” is the key phrase. “Sincerely” shows the genuineness of “joyfully entrusting” and “wish to be reborn” shows the special meaning of “joyfully entrusting”.

From the point of view of the Buddhist teaching, “sincerely” means the genuine mind of Amitabha’s deliverance of sentient beings; and “joyfully entrusting” is the confidence that Amitabha is capable of easily delivering sentient beings. “Wishing to be reborn” is the mind that aspires to be reborn in response to Amitabha’s calling and teachings.

(to be continued tomorrow)

「至心、信樂、欲生」六字,可從就機、就法兩方面來解釋。

就機──至心:至者極,極於心底,顯示信樂之真實相。信樂者:於佛之救度無疑心。欲生者:願生彼國之決定心。故至心信樂欲生,以信樂為主。至心顯示信樂之真實,而欲生是信樂之別義。

就法──至心是彌陀救度眾生之真實心,信樂是彌陀能夠容易救度眾生之信心,「欲生我國」是彌陀之迴向心,對眾生呼喚欲生我國之敕命,而迴向大功德於眾生之心。

Namo Amituofo!

March 26 2022

Mar 26, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Nine Grades or Nine Levels

According to the Contemplation Sutra, sentient beings are generally divided into nine different grades or levels. Among the nine grades are: the highest grade in the high tier, the medium grade in the high tier, and the lowest grade in the high tier are for Bodhisattva practitioners of the Mahayana teachings; the highest grade in the middle tier, the medium grade in the middle tier, and the lowest grade in the middle tier are for practitioners who have taken the precepts of the Theravada teaching. The people in these two groups are regarded as virtuous.

The highest grade in the low tier is a wicked person who committed the Ten Evil Deeds. The medium grade in the low tier is a wicked person who has broken the precepts. The lowest grade in the low tier is a wicked person who has committed the Five Gravest Transgressions. All of these three kinds of people have only evil karma.

Master Shandao says, “The Buddha says all sentient beings have different virtuous roots, aptitudes, and capacities - high, medium, and low. He advises all of them to exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name.” So, all sentient beings of the nine grades or levels are the targets of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance.

九品

依《觀無量壽經》,眾生大分為九種品類。九品之中,上品上生、上品中生、上品下生為大乘行善,中品上生、中品中生為小乘戒善,中品下生為世間善,此六品機為善人。

下品上生為十惡罪人,下品中生為破戒罪人,下品下生為五逆罪人,此三品機,皆唯惡無善。

善導大師言:「佛說一切眾生,根性不同,有上中下。隨其根性,佛皆勸專念無量壽佛名。」故九品眾生,皆是阿彌陀佛救度的對象。

Namo Amituofo!

March 25 2022

Mar 25, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in the Pure Land

淨土信仰

In Buddhist teachings, there are five kinds of inconceivable powers. Among them, Amitabha Buddha’s powers are most inconceivable. This actually refers to Amitabha’s compassionate power of deliverance, as stated in his Fundamental Vow.

To achieve rebirth in the Land of Bliss, we have to:

(1) receive and accept Amitabha Buddha’s merit and virtues, which are shared with us by Amitabha Buddha;

(2) aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss by redirecting all previous merit-dedication and blessings only toward that goal.

佛法有五種不可思議,其中佛力最不可思議,而佛力之不可思議,正是指彌陀的大悲本願救度之力。

我們要往生極樂世界,

(一)必須領受阿彌陀佛的功德,這是阿彌陀佛迴向給我們的;

(二)我們要發願願生極樂,回轉以前向天、向人或向其他地方的願心,而轉過來向著極樂。

Namo Amituofo!

March 24 2022

Mar 24, 2022

A verse about “tranquility in the Western Land”, quoted from “the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra” by Master Shandao

善導大師《觀經疏》「西方寂靜」之偈:

The bliss of unconditioned tranquility in the West

Is the ultimate freedom of joy beyond “existence” and “emptiness”.

With Great Compassion it nourishes our minds while travelling in the Dharma Realms,

These manifested bodies can be split into various forms, in order to benefit sentient beings individually and equally, without any differences.

These manifested bodies can appear to preach the Dharma through their paranormal powers,

Or they can appear with splendid marks and goodness, in order to enable sentient beings to enter Nirvana.

The splendor can be manifested at their own discretion,

Upon seeing these manifested bodies, sentient beings’ karmic offenses can immediately be cleared.

西方寂靜無為樂,畢竟逍遙離有無;

大悲薰心遊法界,分身利物等無殊。

或現神通而說法,或現相好入無餘;

變現莊嚴隨意出,群生見者罪皆除。

Namo Amituofo!

March 23 2022

Mar 23, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Classification of Teachings – the Difficult and the Easy Paths

淨宗判教 – 難易二道判

(continued)

There are only six syllables in the Name of Namo Amituofo. Because it is simple and easy, people of the three different kinds of virtuous roots are all protected and benefitted. Whether they possess superior, medium, or inferior virtuous roots, all can learn it. Whether they are monastics or householders, they can practice it. Thus, all of those who possess any level of the three virtuous roots are protected, and both the talented and slow-witted are embraced. Ten thousand out of ten thousand can go.”

On the other hand, Amitabha-reciters are assured of rebirth in the Land of Bliss in this lifetime, and, once reborn, can speedily become Buddhas. It means, apart from easiness, the realm is transcendentally high. If the teaching were not simple, and we are uncertain of achieving the result in this lifetime; or, if it is simple to attain rebirth,

but it takes a very long time to become a Buddha, the teaching would not be splendid.

一句南無阿彌陀佛只有六個字,因為簡單容易,所以才能夠普被三根,無論是上根、中根、下根都能夠學得來,不管是出家眾、在家眾都能夠修得來,所謂「三根普被,利鈍全收,萬人修萬人去」。

另一方面,念佛人在今生今世就可以確定往生極樂世界,往生就能夠快速成佛,所以簡單的背後有它境界的高超。如果簡單,可是這一輩子不一定能夠成就,或者是簡單也能夠往生,可是往生後還要很久才能成佛證果,這樣就不殊勝了。

Namo Amituofo!

March 22 2022

Mar 22, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Classification of Teachings – the Difficult and the Easy Paths

淨宗判教 – 難易二道判

The Pristine Pure Land Path is both an easy and splendid teaching. In the Chapter onthe Easy Path, Nagarjuna Bodhisattva says, “This teaching is an Easy Path. It is easy because everybody can do it, be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and quickly become a Buddha.

The reason it is easy is that: In the pristine Pure Land teaching, by merely reciting one single Name – Namo Amituofo, one has all of the necessary credentials to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. It is so simple that reading other Sutras, reciting mantras, and practicing other teachings are not necessary. If it were required to include other scriptures, mantras, or practices in order to attain rebirth, it would be very complicated and not easy at all.

(to be continued tomorrow)

純粹的淨土是容易的法門,也是殊勝的法門。龍樹菩薩在他的《易行品》裏就說,這個法門叫做「易行道」。易,就是容易,每個人都做得來,都能夠往生極樂世界,都能夠快速成佛,這個就是容易。

容易的原因是,純粹的淨土法門只要一句南無阿彌陀佛就足資往生極樂淨土,非常簡單,不需要誦其他的經典,持其他的咒語,修其他的法門;如果還要夾雜其他的經典咒語,或者其他的功行才能夠往生,它就非常的繁雜,就不簡單了。

Namo Amituofo!

March 21 2022

Mar 21, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about Accomplishing Buddhahood by delivering living beings

印光大師法語「成佛度生」之文

In the [Pure Land] teaching, we must have sincere faith and aspiration, and practice exclusively and diligently. Subsequently, it is not difficult to suddenly sever the endless afflictions. It is natural to realize and enter the immeasurable Dharma gates.

One is confident in completing the perfect and unsurpassed Buddha Path an delivering limitless living beings. It is as easy as taking something out of your pocket.

此法門,極生信願,專精修行,則無盡煩惱,不難頓斷;無量法門,自然證

入。其圓成無上佛道,度脫無邊眾生,若操左券而取故物矣。

Namo Amituofo!

March 20 2022

Mar 20, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

Because of Amitabha, my mind is at ease.

He gives me hope and converts me into being a kind person.

因有彌陀,使人安心,使人希望,使人善良。

Namo Amituofo!

March 19 2022

Mar 19, 2022

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

(continued)

It is most fundamental to have a sincere mind that is consistent with the mind of aspiration all the way through. If a sincere mind is genuine, the aspiration to be reborn is also true. It is natural and uncomplicated; so, the three states of mind are complete.

That is to say, “sincerely, joyfully entrust and wish to be reborn” means a heart that aspires to be reborn in the Land of Bliss until the end of one’s life. Thus, the sincere mind and joyful entrusting are within the mind of aspiration.

「至心」,是貫徹信心跟願生心最根本的。信心不偽、願心不虛假,真的嚮往,自自然然,不假造作,就會三心具足。

這樣講起來,「至心、信樂、欲生」是只要我們存著一顆願生極樂之心,誓畢此生,永不退轉,這樣的話,至心就在裏面了,信樂的功能也在裏面了。

Namo Amituofo!

March 18 2022

Mar 18, 2022

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

“Sincerely and joyfully entrust and wish to be reborn in my Land” as said in the 18th Vow are also called the Three States of Mind. These are: the mind of “sincerity”, the mind of “joyfulness” and the mind of “wishing to be reborn in my Land”. Although there are three states of mind, they are really only one. What is it? It is the mind of aspiration to rebirth. Why is this?

(to be continued tomorrow)

第十八願說「至心信樂,欲生我國」,這也叫「三心」:「至心」的心、「信樂」的心、「欲生我國」的心。雖然有「三心」,總而言之只有一個心,什麼心?「願生心」,就這樣而已。為什麼?

Namo Amituofo!

March 17 2022

Mar 17, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

(continued)

The Three Meritorious Deeds

3. Blessing of Cultivation

“Awakening aspiration for Enlightenment, believing deeply in the law of causality, reading the Mahayana sutras and encouraging people to follow these teachings.”

There are two kinds of aspiration for Enlightenment, one is the Sacred Path and the other is the Pure Land Path. In the former, the practitioner has to aspire and practice in his own land, while in the latter, the practitioner can aspire in his own land and practice in the Land of Bliss. In order to believe deeply in the law of causality, the practitioner has to believe in all causalities in the Six Ordinary Realms and the Four Sacred Realms. To read all of the Mahayana Sutras, one must read all scriptures of the Sacred Path, as well as the Pure Land Path. When encouraging people to follow one’s teachings, a practitioner should set an example by doing the practice and teach others to do the same. This will inspire them to aspire for perfect Enlightenment.

The difference between the Three Meritorious Deeds and the Nine Levels of Rebirth is simply folding and unfolding. To practice each of the virtues of the Three Meritorious Deeds, and dedicate that merit and virtues to rebirth is regarded as a Miscellaneous Practice.

三福

3. 行福

「發菩提心,深信因果,讀誦大乘,勸進行者」,菩提心有聖道、淨土不同。聖道菩提心,願行皆在此土。淨土菩提心,此土發願,淨土修行。深信因果,即總信一切六凡四聖因果。讀誦大乘,也通含聖道、淨土一切大乘經典。勸進行者,為自行教他,共向佛道。

三福與九品是開合之異,三福諸善,一一迴向求生極樂,總為雜行。

Namo Amituofo!

March 16 2022

Mar 16, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

(continued)

The Three Meritorious Deeds

2. Blessing of taking precepts

Taking the three refuges, keeping the various precepts, and refraining from breaking the rules of conduct. Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are known as the Three Refuges. From not believing to believing in Buddha means renouncing the heterodox and returning to the orthodox; so, it is called turning around the heterodox and accepting the three refuges. Thereafter, one may receive the Three Pure Bodhisattva Precepts, the Ten Heavy and Forty-Eight Light Bodhisattva Precepts in Mahayana Buddhism; or, the Five Precepts, the Eight Precepts, the Ten Precepts and the Replete Precepts in Hinayana Buddhism.

Fully abiding by both the Mahayana and Hinayana precepts is called “being replete in all of the precepts.” In addition to these, one must carefully follow all kinds of lesser practices without breaking even one. These include - the 84,000 Mahayana and the 3,000 Hinayana rules of conduct.

三福

2.戒福

「受持三歸,具足眾戒,不犯威儀」,歸依佛法僧三寶,稱為三歸。始從不信佛轉入信佛,捨邪歸正,稱為翻邪三歸。此後受大乘三聚淨戒、十重四十八輕戒,或小乘五戒、八戒、十戒、具足戒,為受戒而更歸三寶,稱為受戒三歸。

總受持大小乘戒律,為具足眾戒。於持戒之上,慎護種種微細之行,如大乘八萬四千威儀,小乘三千威儀,而不毀犯,即是不犯威儀。

Namo Amituofo!

March 15 2022

Mar 15, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Three Meritorious Deeds

The three kinds of karmic blessings mentioned in the Contemplation Sutra are: worldly blessings, the blessings of taking precepts, and the blessings of cultivation.

Blessing is an alternative name for a virtuous root. The virtues are: kindness, benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. These are known as the worldly blessings. The precepts in Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism are called the blessings of taking precepts. The splendid cultivation of various practices in Mahayana Buddhism is called the blessing of cultivation.

1. The worldly blessings

Caring for one's parents, attending to one's teachers and elders, compassionately refraining from killing, and performing the ten good deeds. The first two are respecting those who are older and the last two are being kind to those who are your age and younger. Refraining from killing is the first of the ten good deeds, so it is highlighted here.

(to be continued tomorrow)

三福

為《觀經》所說三種福業,即世福、戒福、行福。所謂福,即善根之異名。世間之善,如仁義禮智信等,稱為世福。佛教大小乘戒律之善,稱為戒福。 特別以大乘殊勝之行善,稱為行福。

1.世福

「孝養父母,奉事師長,慈心不殺,修十善業」,前兩句為敬上行,後兩句為慈下行。慈心不殺為十善之首,故特別提出。

Namo Amituofo!

March 14 2022

Mar 14, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Pure Land teaching is based upon “believing in Amitabha-recitation”, rather than “cultivating various practices”. It abides in the belief in and acceptance of Amitabha’s deliverance in accordance with his Fundamental Vow. It does not rely on the cultivation of self-powered practices such as the Six Paramitas.

淨土門是「信念佛」而非「修諸行」之教,是依靠信受彌陀本願「救度」之教,而非依靠自己修行「六度」萬行之教。

Namo Amituofo!

March 13 2022

Mar 13, 2022

A verse about ‘attaining Nirvana as reward’ quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師《般舟讚》「果得涅槃」之偈

Acquiring the fruition of eternal Nirvana,

His life will be prolonged to an immeasurable extent,

Up to thousands, millions, billions, trillions of eons, as many as the sands in the Ganges,

Remaining motionless while seated, his body can emit light, permeating everywhere without any limit.

His spirit form is real, of golden color, and contains all kinds of merit and virtues.

Sitting alone and magnificent, he delivers sentient beings.

All sacred and ordinary beings in the ten directions focus their minds upon him.

He can divide and manifest his body to welcome sentient beings.

In the span of one thought, he can travel through space to attend a Buddhist assembly.

His body and life are the same as Amitabha Buddha.

果得涅槃常住世,壽命延長難可量;

千劫萬劫恒沙劫,兆載永劫亦無央。

一坐無移亦不動,徹窮後際放身光;

靈儀相好真金色,巍巍獨坐度眾生。

十方凡聖專心向,分身遣化往相迎;

一念乘空入佛會,身色壽命盡皆平。

Namo Amituofo!

March 12 2022

Mar 12, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Classification of Teachings – the Difficult and the Easy Paths

淨宗判教 – 難易二道判

(continued)

What does it mean to be a dutiful person? As said before, all karmic offenses are cleared according to circumstances; we must try not to commit new offenses. Without adding new karmic burdens we are more free to aspire to rebirth and recite Namo Amituofo with singleness of mind. This is what it means to be a dutiful Amitabha-reciter.

So, just as Nagarjuna Bodhisattva says in the Chapter on the Easy Path, this teaching is called the Easy Path. To describe this he uses the analogy of boarding a ferry, to explain that “there is only joy and no suffering”.

什麼叫安分守己呢?就像剛才所說的:「隨緣消舊業,更莫造新殃」,然後決定願生極樂世界,專一念這句「南無阿彌陀佛」,這樣就是安分守己的念佛人。

所以龍樹菩薩在《易行品》裡面說這個法門叫做「易行道」,用譬喻來講就是「坐船」,形容「只有樂沒有苦」。

Namo Amituofo!

March 11 2022

Mar 11, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about the Classification of Teachings – the Difficult and the Easy Paths

淨宗判教 – 難易二道判

Our teaching is called the Easy Path. How easy is it and to what extent? It is as easy as boarding a ferry with nothing to do, but ride and be a dutiful passenger. You don’t need to buy a ferry, pay the ferry fare, pay the fuel charge, or steer like a sailor...,nothing at all. It is because all of these are Amitabha’s responsibility. It’s perfectly alright to just enjoy the ride.

(to be continued tomorrow)

我們這個法門叫易行道,容易到什麼程度呢?容易到我們坐在船上什麼事都不用做,只要安分守己留在船上就好了,搭這艘船既不用你花錢買船,也不用你買船票,也不用你出錢加油,也不用你掌舵駕駛......全都不用,因為這些都是阿彌陀佛的事情,我們只要安分守己就好。

Namo Amituofo!

March 10 2022

Mar 10, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching saying “Same as the Buddha once we are reborn”

印光大師法語「往生同佛」之文

Upon rebirth we enter Amitabha’s Pure Land and have the same enjoyment as the Buddha. Neither our mundane emotions nor sacred views will be produced.

Once attaining rebirth [in the Pure Land], all afflictions and evil karma will be totally eradicated. Merits, virtues, and wisdom will bloom.

既得往生,則入佛境界,同佛受用; 凡情聖見,二皆不生。

一得往生,則煩惱惡業,徹底消滅; 功德智慧,究竟現前。

Namo Amituofo!

March 9 2022

Mar 9, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

(continued)

Amitabha’s light embraces me forever. With each recitation Amitabha’s merit and virtues enter my heart. Amitabha’s light protects my body. I am now within Amitabha’s light. Amitabha is in my faithful mind. My mind enters the Buddha’s mind, and the Buddha’s mind enters my mind. It is just like fire burning a piece of wood, inseparable.

彌陀的光明永遠攝取不捨,彌陀的功德納入我心,彌陀的光明攝護我身;我在彌陀光明中,彌陀在我信念中,我入佛心,佛入我心,如火燒木,一體不離。

Namo Amituofo!

March 8 2022

Mar 8, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

The joy of the Land of Bliss cannot be illustrated through any analogy. The pain in the various hells cannot be described by mere words. By exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name, a person is assured of rebirth in the Pure Land. Without it he will fall into one of the hells.

If a person believes that rebirth is assured through believing in and accepting Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow and exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name, he has already been delivered, even though he is still a sentient being in the Land of Saha.

He is already a bodhisattva in the Land of Bliss though he has not yet been reborn there.

(to be continued tomorrow)

極樂之樂,樂不可喻;地獄之苦,苦不堪言。專稱佛名,必生淨土;若不念佛,將墮地獄。

若有聞知信受彌陀本願,稱念彌陀名號,則決定往生。雖未出娑婆,已非娑婆的眾生;未生極樂,即是極樂的菩薩。

Namo Amituofo!

March 7 2022

Mar 7, 2022

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

(continued)

Thus, he will naturally become softer and feel inferior, because he knows what he should do; but, realizes he cannot. For this reason, he is thankful that every single name-recitation carries the thought of repentance. This is known as “always repenting with every single name-recitation”

On the other hand, he feels a kind of delight and comfort while repenting. He knows, even though he carries heavy karmic obstructions, he will not fail because of Amitabha’s deliverance.

所以就會更加柔軟,覺得自己很卑賤,因為明知應該要如何做,但偏偏卻做不到,所以就會在念佛稱名當中,都有懺悔的念頭在裡面,這就是「念念稱名常懺悔」。

另方面,在這懺悔當中,又有喜樂、安慰的心情,他知道雖然自己現在是這樣的業障深重,卻不會墮落下去,因為有阿彌陀佛的救度。

Namo Amituofo!

March 6 2022

Mar 6, 2022

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

(continued)

On one hand, he knows he is a mortal being who commits countless karmic offenses, and he is greatly indebted to many people. He has no way to liberate himself from reincarnation with his own power. Only Amitabha Buddha accepts us just as we are.

He unconditionally gives us all of the merit and virtues necessary for us to be born in his Land of Bliss and, once there, become Buddhas. If we understand this principle, our minds will change. If our minds change, we will naturally be repentant.

(to be continued tomorrow)

一方面,他知道自己是生死凡夫,造業造罪,生生世世以來,欠別人很多,沒有辦法以自己的力量,脫離生死輪迴,只有阿彌陀佛包容我們,沒有嫌棄我們,不跟我們計較,甚至把極樂世界,成佛的功德,平白地沒有條件,全都送給我們。我們若了解這個道理,心境就會轉;若心境轉,就會有一種懺悔的心。

Namo Amituofo!

March 5 2022

Mar 5, 2022

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

Those who “sincerely and joyfully entrust” in the power of Amitabha’s vow have the understanding that every single name - recitation is an act of repentance.“ Why is this? It is because we know we are ordinary beings with very heavy karmic obstructions and very severe afflictions. We are not capable of eliminating them.

Without Amitabha’s deliverance we are not capable of being liberated from the sea of suffering.

So, when he recites the Buddha’s Name, in every single recitation he naturally has a thought of repentance from the bottom of his heart. If he doesn’t, he is not considered a true Amitabha-reciter.

(to be continued tomorrow)

有「至心信樂」的人,他會有一種心境,就是善導大師說的「念念稱名常懺悔」。為什麼呢?因為知道我們是凡夫,業障非常的深重,煩惱非常的強盛,但是偏偏沒有辦法降伏,若沒有阿彌陀佛的救度,就沒有辦法脫離苦海。

所以他在念佛時,自然在念念之中,於內心之底會有一種懺悔的念頭存在;若內心沒有懺悔的念頭,那他就不是一個念佛人,因為不合乎這種原則,不合乎這種邏輯性。

Namo Amituofo!

March 4 2022

Mar 4, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

(continued)

Rebirth in the Reward Land for Ordinary Beings

In the Chapter on the Profound Meaning in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, it says,”

Question: This Buddha’s Land is said to be a Realm of Reward. The Reward Land is so profound and wonderful that Theravada practitioners will have difficulty reaching it.

If this is so, how can ordinary people, with all of their obstructions and defilements, enter [Buddha’s land]?

Answer: Taking into account their obstructions and defilements, it is really difficult for ordinary beings to enter [the Reward Land]. It is because of the strong causal condition of the power of the Buddha’s vow that all beings in the Five Vehicles can enter [the Reward Land] together.”

This means, with recourse to Amitabha’s vow-power as the determining condition, ordinary beings, including those at the lowest level with the heaviest obstructions, and the bodhisattvas of the highest rank, with all ignorance eliminated, are equally reborn in the Land of Bliss.

(to be continued tomorrow)

凡夫入報

《觀經疏.玄義分》說:

問曰:「彼佛及土,既言報者,報法高妙,小聖難階;垢障凡夫,云何得入?」

答曰:「若論眾生垢障,實難欣趣。正由託佛願以作強緣,致使五乘齊入。」即託佛願力以作強緣,惑障深重之最下凡夫,與豁破無明之上位菩薩,平等往生彌陀報土。

Namo Amituofo!

March 3 2022

Mar 3, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Rebirth in the Reward Land for Ordinary Beings

According to the general concept of severing delusion and realizing truth through self-powered practices, only those “above-ground” bodhisattvas can be reborn in the buddha’s reward land. Those of the Two Vehicles and “below-ground” bodhisattvas cannot. How can ordinary beings be reborn in the reward land? All masters on the sacred paths affirm, because it is a reward land, ordinary beings cannot be reborn there. Ordinary beings can only be reborn in a manifestation land. To conclude, ordinary beings are not allowed to be reborn in the reward land.

Only Master Shandao, from the standpoint of Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow of “other-power”, affirms that Amitabha is a Reward Buddha and the pure Land of Bliss is a reward land. He also affirms that the nine levels of people are ordinary beings. He shows that ordinary beings can be reborn in the reward land. Ordinary beings can recite Amitaba’s name for rebirth in his Reward Land of Bliss.

(to be continued tomorrow)

凡夫入報

若依通途自力斷證,唯地上菩薩方能往生諸佛報土,二乘聖人、地前菩薩尚且不能往生,何況凡夫?故聖道門諸師判極樂世界,或是報土,而凡夫不能往生;或凡夫能往生,但只能到化土。總之,不許凡夫得生報土。

唯有善導大師站在阿彌陀佛他力本願的立場上,定判阿彌陀佛為報佛,極樂淨土為報土,又判《觀經》九品皆是凡夫,顯明「凡夫入報」—— 凡夫念佛往生阿彌陀佛極樂報土。

Namo Amituofo!

March 2 2022

Mar 2, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

In Mahayana Buddhism bodhisattvas set forth the Bodhi Mind, practice the bodhisattva virtues, and benefit sentient beings comprehensively. They suffer for sentient beings, and cultivate for them, so only Mahayana Buddhism adopts the ideology of “receiving reward from other’s works”. In order to be a Mahayana teaching, it must include the idea of “receiving rewards from the works of others”, and agree to accept its function.

The teaching that reveals the Mahayana concept of “receiving reward from other’s works” to the greatest extent is Amitabha’s deliverance. The teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance through Amitabha-recitation is unsurpassed, the highest of all Mahayana teachings. It is also the most pristine, mature, most perfect, and complete in Mahayana Buddhism.” It is Mahayana born in the fruition ground, and Buddhayana with recourse to the Buddha’s vow power”.

大乘菩薩發菩提心、行菩薩道,廣利眾生,代眾生受苦、為眾生修行。所以,只有大乘佛法才有「他作自受」的思想。而且只要是大乘佛法,必定多少含有「他作自受」的思想,也必定承認有「他作自受」的功能存在。

最能彰顯大乘佛法「他作自受」之極的,就是阿彌陀佛救度的法門。彌陀救度的念佛法門是一切大乘佛教中最高無上的法門,是最純粹、最成熟、最圓滿的大乘,是果地大乘,也就是佛乘,所謂「乘佛願力」。

Namo Amituofo!

March 1 2022

Mar 1, 2022

A verse about ‘entering Nirvana through Amitabha-recitation’ quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師《般舟讚》「念佛涅槃」之偈

Amitabha-recitation is the gateway to Nirvana.

念佛即是涅槃門

Namo Amituofo!

February 28 2022

Feb 28, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Classification of Teachings – the Difficult and the Easy Path

淨宗判教 – 難易二道判

What is the Easy Path? The Easy Path is “having belief/ faith as an expedient means. The practice is easy yet the accomplishment comes rapidly. This refers to “belief in and acceptance of Amitabha’s deliverance and exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name”. It is easy to practice, and allows us to quickly reach the Buddha’s realm. This is the meaning of the Easy Path.

什麼叫易行道?易行道之「以信方便,易行疾至」--即是「信受彌陀救度、專稱彌陀佛名」,而容易實踐、快速到達佛的境界,這就是易行道的內涵。

Namo Amituofo!

February 27 2022

Feb 27, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about Surpassing the Ten Grounds instantly

印光大師法語「頓超十地」之文

Do not be surprised that we will surpass the Ten Grounds by reciting one single Name – Namo Amituofo,

We should know that the Six Syllables include all of the Three Vehicles.

莫訝一稱超十地, 須知六字括三乘。

Namo Amituofo!

February 26 2022

Feb 26, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

If one believes in Amitabha’s deliverance, one gains virtues naturally. If there is no Buddha in our lives, how can we attain virtues through our practices? One is more prone to committing evil and offenses, when he or she has no Buddha in their lives or minds.

信佛救度,自有德行。生命中沒有佛,如何行出善來?為非作歹,都因為沒有佛的生命在裏面(心中無佛)。

Namo Amituofo!

February 25 2022

Feb 25, 2022

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

(continued)

So, the sincere mind is related to faith all the way through, faith aroused from the bottom of our hearts. Sincere mind is also related to aspiration all the way through, our genuine desire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. Sincere mind is also expressed through genuine Amitabha-recitation all the way through.

Do not view Amitabha-recitation as a perfunctory, routine, or involuntary act. Thus, the sincere mind consists of the three credentials - faith, aspiration and practice.

所以至心是貫徹於信的,信要出自內心真正的信;至心也是貫徹於願的,願生極樂世界,要真正的願生極樂世界;至心也是貫徹於念佛的,念佛也要真正的念佛,不是敷衍的、應付的,或者是隨人家念的。所以至心貫徹於信、願、行三資糧。

Namo Amituofo!

February 24 2022

Feb 24, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

Some people interpret the sincere mind in a complicated, or even mysterious way. This makes it very difficult for ordinary people to understand, and is completely wrong. This is because the Pure Land teaching is the Easy Path; so, its theory and meaning should be easy to understand, and the practice should also be easy.

Thus, the sincere mind is a true and genuine mind. I sincerely and earnestly wish to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and sincerely and earnestly rely on Amitabha’s deliverance.

(to be continued tomorrow)

有人把至心解釋得很複雜,甚至很玄妙,一般人理解不來,那就錯了。因為淨土法門既然是易行道,就表示它在教理上既是容易理解的,在方法上也是容易實踐的。

所以至心就是真心,真正的心。如果再進一步講,就是至誠懇切的心。我至誠懇切要往生極樂世界,至誠懇切依靠阿彌陀佛的救度。

Namo Amituofo!