Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Birth by manifestation
There are two modes of rebirth in the reward Land of Bliss, birth by womb, and birth by manifestation.
Though it is said that there are two modes of rebirth, it is actually just birth by manifestation, which is different from birth via a womb that manifests with a variety of karma in this world. They are born only by manifestation and emerge from a pure lotus flower. In order to differentiate the splendors of the two kinds of rebirth, two modes of rebirth are specified.
For those who exclusively practice Amitabha-recitation with full confidence in Amitabha’s wisdom, their flowers will blossom and they will immediately see the Buddha upon rebirth. They don’t need to stay inside the lotus. That is why it is known as birth through manifestation.
The Infinite Life Sutra says, “They will naturally be reborn in seven-jeweled flowers. Their bodily form instantly becomes purple golden in color and their bodhisattva wisdom, merit, and virtues are completely accomplished.
化生
往生極樂報土的二種方式(胎生、化生)之一。
往生極樂世界雖說胎化二生,實則皆是化生,非如此界有胎、卵、濕、化之雜業所生,而皆從清淨蓮花之所化生。但為區別二種往生之勝劣不同,分為胎生與化生。
專修念佛者,明信佛智,往生後立即花開見佛,不必住於蓮花之內,稱為化生。《無量壽經》言:「於七寶花中自然化生,須臾之頃身相光明、智慧功德如諸菩薩具足成就。」
Namo Amituofo!
