The 31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from “ In Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao
善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語
2. A Verse to Praise the Master of Buddhism
Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn
Shakyamuni Tathagata attained perfect Enlightenment, and delivered sentient beings by preaching for forty nine years.
The Buddha preached and taught sentient beings in the five regions of Tianzhu (ancient India). All demons and those of external paths returned and took refuge in the Buddha.
No one in heaven or earth surpasses the Buddha. It is extremely difficult to encounter the compassionate Buddha who delivers those in suffering.
Sometimes, the Buddha emits the divine light permeating the Six Realms. Those who are in contact with that light will become kind-hearted.
All can be benefitted, whether the Buddha is physically present or appears in his non-physical state. They will never again fall into the Three Wretched Realms, and no longer need to seek the way to return home.
Sometimes, the Buddha shakes the land and sea, mountains and rivers, in order to awaken those who are ignorant, and those whose faith is not yet deep enough.
Sometimes, the Buddha speaks of the Dharma based on his own intent and advises sentient beings in many expedient ways to enter the forest of Dharma.
The forest of Dharma is Amitabha’s Land, which consists of undisturbed freedom and joy.
The multitude admires and unanimously aspires to be reborn there, hold fragrant flowers in their hands, and always make offerings to the Buddha.
2. 讚教主偈
願往生 願往生
釋迦如來成正覺 四十九載度眾生
五天竺國皆行化 邪魔外道盡歸宗
天上天下無過佛 慈悲救苦實難逢
或放神光遍六道 蒙光觸者起慈心
或住或來皆盡益 三塗永絕斷追尋
或震大地山河海 為覺萌冥信未深
或自說法教相勸 展轉相將入法林
法林即是彌陀國 逍遙快樂不相侵
眾等傾心皆願往 手執香華常供養
Namo Amituofo!
