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!
