Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
(continued)
The Three Vows of Deliverance for Rebirth
The 19th Vow refers to partial practice of Amitabha-recitation resulting from doubt in Amitabha’s wisdom. It also refers to the gradual progression towards whole (exclusive) practice of Amitabha-recitation, to subsequently be reborn by manifestation. It also refers to those who practice various virtues to be received by Amitabha Buddha near the end-of-life, and be reborn within a lotus blossom temporarily.
The 20th Vow is made for those who do not understand the Buddha’s wisdom, and view Amitabha-recitation as a small part of their practices. In the first life, they make a karmic connection with Amitabha by sowing these seeds. In the second life, the karmic seeds ripen as part of whole Amitabha-recitation. In the third life, rebirth is accomplished.
Thus, it is noted that rebirth is accomplished only by exclusive Amitabha-recitation. Amitabha-recitation mixed with other self-powered practices implies doubt in the Buddha’s wisdom. As a result, though the practitioner may be reborn, they have to stay inside the unopened lotus flower.
So, Master Shandao says, “The 48 vows simply illustrate that rebirth is attained through exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name.”
第十九願為疑惑佛智之少分念佛,或增進為全分念佛,即自然化生;或滯留諸行,亦蒙臨終來迎,然暫寄蓮胎。
第二十願為不明佛智之微分念佛,一生結緣下種,二生緣種成熟時,或少分念佛,或全分念佛,三生達成往生。
因此,三願皆由念佛一邊得往生,而念佛雜諸行自力者,為疑佛智故,住於蓮胎,故善導大師釋言 「四十八願,唯明專念彌陀名號得生」。
Namo Amituofo!
