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!
