31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao
善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語
12. A Verse to Praise the Jewelled Birds Preaching the Dharma
Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn
The Land of Bliss is adorned with all kinds of jewels. It is truly rare and wonderful, because of what we hear and what we have ever heard.
The jeweled birds extol the Buddha’s assembly as they fly through the air. They sing various passages and teachings of the Dharma, all with the same message – practice Amitabha-recitation.
Unceasingly, the sounds of the Dharma are played all day and night. People are inspired and enlightened by the tender, elegant, musical sounds.
Sometimes they speak of the Five Roots of Virtue and the Seven Practices Leading to Enlightenment. At other times they speak of the Eightfold Path and the teaching of compassion.
At other times they speak of leaving the wretched realms in other worlds; or they speak of the hells that block the ways to heavenly and human realms.
Sometimes, they speak of engaging in ascetic practices for long periods of time; or they speak of the unsurpassed cause of Bodhi.
At other times, they speak of the non-meditative virtues and the Six Paramitas; or they speak of the meditative virtues that allow one to enter the deep state of meditation.
Upon hearing these Dharma teachings, all of the Bodhisattvas and Sravakas split their bodies to turn the wheels of the Dharma.
The multitude should dedicate their merit and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always offer them to the Buddha.
12. 讚寶鳥說法偈
願往生 願往生
極樂莊嚴間雜寶 實是稀奇聞未聞
寶鳥臨空讚佛會 文文句句理相同
晝夜連聲無有息 哀婉雅亮發人心
或說五根七覺分 或說八聖慈悲門
或說他方離惡道 或說地獄封人天
或說長時修苦行 或說無上菩提因
或說散善波羅蜜 或說定慧入深禪
菩薩聲聞聞此法 處處分身轉法輪
眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養
Namo Amituofo!
