Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
(continued)
The Three Tiers
Within the 16 contemplative practices in the Contemplation Sutra, the 14th, 15th and 16th are collectively called the contemplative practices of the three tiers. In the Sutra, there are contemplative practices for the rebirth of those in the high tier, those in the middle tier, and those in the low tier.
The Contemplation Sutra further divides the three tiers into nine levels; so, it reveals that there are three tiers for folding and nine tiers for unfolding. It can further be divided into eighty-one levels, or even immeasurable levels.
Thus, the three tiers and the nine levels are basically the same. The folding and unfolding are just expressions. Its purpose is to guide all people of various aptitudes to return to the One Vehicle of Amitabha-Recitation.
三輩
《觀經》十六觀之中,十四、十五、十六總稱「三輩觀」,經文有「上輩生想」「中輩生想」「下輩生想」。
《觀經》既以九品為三輩往生,顯示合即是三輩,開即是九品,再開即是八十一品,乃至無量品。
故三輩與九品全同,唯是開合之異,目的在引導輩品諸機歸入念佛一乘。
Namo Amituofo!
