October 30, 2022

Oct 30, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

(continued)

At the same time, “immediately enter the path of assurance” means, becoming a Buddha is assured. As we see, this kind of aspiration for rebirth already includes faith, because he believes in Amitabha Buddha and his Land of Bliss.

Faith, aspiration, and practice are all included. In terms of practice, all of the merit and virtues accumulated by Amitabha Buddha are given to all those who wish to be reborn. All those who aspire for rebirth are the sentient beings that are called upon by Amitabha Buddha in his 18th Vow.

同時,「即入正定聚」,已經是必定成佛的身份了,叫「正定聚」。所以,這種願生已經是含有信在裏邊了,因為他相信有極樂世界阿彌陀佛。

有願、有信,行也就在裏邊了,因為,行是阿彌陀佛兆載永劫所累積的功德,是要送給這種願往生的眾生。願往生的眾生,在第十八願來講是經過彌陀所呼喚的眾生啊!

Namo Amituofo!

October 29, 2022

Oct 29, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Master Tanluan has said, “If a person earnestly aspires to be reborn, after simply hearing of the pureness and joy of that land, he can attain rebirth, and immediately enter the path of assurance. The meaning of this saying is: If a person hears that the Land of Bliss is a place full of pure joy and peace, and says, “Oh, that sounds like a good place, I’d like to go.” It is known as “earnestly aspiring to be reborn”. It is the mental determination to attain rebirth. A person of this kind can be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

(to be continued tomorrow)

曇鸞祖師曾經說過:若人但聞彼國土清淨安樂,剋念願生,亦得往生,即入正定聚。曇鸞大師這句話的意思是說:如果有人「但聞彼國土」,只是聽到極樂世界這個國土是一個清淨安樂的國土,「啊,有那麼好的地方啊,那我也要去」——「剋念願生」,「剋念」就是切實有願生的心;「剋念願生,亦得往生」,這種眾生也能往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

October 28, 2022

Oct 28, 2022

A verse about “joy in freedom” quoted from the ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師《般舟讚》「如此逍遙」之偈 ：

It is a land of joy in freedom,

What else will you cling to and not seek rebirth?

如此逍遙快樂地，更貪何事不求生。

Namo Amituofo!

October 27, 2022

Oct 27, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

Amitabha’s Name is “other-power”, because its functional power is “other-power”. It is just like moving a boulder on board a ship; wherever the ship goes, the boulder goes there too. Isn’t that “other-power”?

If some people deliberately act upon, perceive, plan and consider, it should be here and it should be there, mixing different ideas “artificially”, the “other-power” will not be a hundred percent, whole, or absolute.

In an overall sense, we should simply follow in accord with the Buddha. Say the Buddha asks us to recite, we recite; the Buddha asks us to aspire to be reborn, we aspire. That’s it! This is known as absolutely “other-powered” Amitabha-recitation. It is the theology of Master Shandao.

彌陀名號就是他力,彌陀名號的功能就是他力。好像只要把這顆石頭搬上船,隨著船的運載,船到哪裡,石頭自然就跟著到那裡。這豈不是他力嗎?

如果還有人為造作、思惟、計度、籌量,應該這樣,應該那樣,就還摻雜人的思惟在裡面,就不完全、不是絕對性的、不是百分之百的他力了。

總之,我們只要隨順佛,佛要我們稱念,我們就稱念;要我們往生,我們就往生,這樣就可以。這就是絕對他力的念佛,就是善導大師的思想。

Namo Amituofo!

October 26, 2022

Oct 26, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “No other teaching, if discarded, can liberate us” (The Buddha’s power to liberate us from karmic offenses)

印光大師法語「捨此無別」之文(佛力能救業力)

We ought to know there are immeasurable teachings in Buddhism. If an ordinary being bound by karmic forces wants to be liberated from the cycle of birth-and-death in this life, he cannot discard the teaching of rebirth in the Western Land through Amitabha-recitation with faith and aspiration. If he did, even the Buddha would be unable to guide him to an equivalent teaching.

須知佛法,法門無量,若欲以通身業力之凡夫,現生即得了生脫死, 離此信願念佛求生西方一法,佛也說不出第二個法門了。

Namo Amituofo!

October 25, 2022

Oct 25, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

There are many cases recorded in the Sutras that reveal the ways Shakyamuni Buddha convinced and converted practitioners of the external path. Most of them slandered the Dharma. However, if they took refuge in the Buddha, and practiced in accordance with the Dharma, they could still attain the sacred fruition. This also included those who committed the five gravest offenses, including slandering the Dharma. If they hadn’t slandered, how could they make the Buddha bleed, or destroy the harmony of the Sangha?

So, among those who commit the five gravest offenses and slander the Dharma, unless they refuse to repent, they can still be reborn if they return to the Buddha. They will not be discarded or unable to be delivered by the Buddha because of their offenses.

諸經中釋尊降伏外道的事蹟,比比皆是,外道多有謗法者,然皈依佛陀,依教奉行,亦能入聖得果。何況五逆即含謗法,若不謗法,何來「出佛身血、破和合僧」?

故五逆謗法,除非至死不悔,否則迴心皆往,不會因為一經犯逆犯謗,就永被捨棄,不蒙救度。故《莊嚴經》言:「常運慈心拔有情,度盡阿鼻苦眾生。」

善導大師《法事讚》言:「以佛願力:五逆十惡,罪滅得生;謗法闡提,回心皆往。」

Namo Amituofo!

October 24, 2022

Oct 24, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Those who commit the Five Gravest Offenses and slander the right Dharma are unable to be reborn, unless they repent and recite Namo Amitabha Buddha. This is in the true spirit of the Buddhist teachings; to first try to prevent people from committing the Five Grave Offenses and slandering the right Dharma. Secondly, because of Amitabha’s infinite kindness and compassion, they can still be reborn if they repent and recite Amitabha’s Name.

As stated in the Contemplation Sutra, if those on the lowest level of the low tier (wicked people who commit the five gravest offenses) sincerely recite Amitabha’s name, even near the end-of-life, their karmic offenses are immediately eradicated, and they can be reborn in the Pure Land of Bliss.

This indicates that, even if we commit the five gravest offenses, if we repent sincerely and recite Amitabha’s name,we can still be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. It is the same for those who slander the right Dharma.

(to be continued tomorrow)

犯「五逆誹謗正法」者,除非至死不悔,才會不能往生;因為使逆者不逆,謗者不謗,正是佛教的精神所在,也是彌陀大慈大悲的目的。

如《觀經》下品下生之五逆罪人,臨終至心念佛,當下眾罪消滅,往生極樂淨土。可見犯五逆罪,只要至心悔改而念佛,依然往生彌陀淨土。而誹謗正法者,也是如此。

Namo Amituofo!

October 23, 2022

Oct 23, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Five Defilements (continued)

Defilement of sentient beings – people have an abundance of unwholesome habitual behaviors. Their bodies and minds are impure, and because of these, they don’t gain access to truth.

Defilement of life – sentient beings accumulate karmic afflictions, which make them mentally and physically fatigued. Their lives are shortened and end suddenly.

All of us are sentient beings living in the Saha Land and are weighted down with the five defilements. The most fundamental defilements are the defilement of view and the defilement of afflictions. Because of these two defilements, we are destined to fall into the Three Wretched Realms.

五濁

眾生濁:世人每多弊惡,心身不淨,不達義理。

命濁:眾生因煩惱叢集,心身交瘁,壽命短促。

我們這個娑婆世界的五濁眾生,都有這五濁,最基本的是見濁與煩惱濁;只要有見濁與煩惱濁,就一定會墮落三惡道。

Namo Amituofo!

October 22, 2022

Oct 22, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Five Defilements

The Amitabha Sutra says, “Shakyamuni Buddha, you have accomplished an extremely difficult and unprecedented task. In this Saha world, during the evil period of the five defilements -- those of time, views, passions, sentient beings, and life-span – you have attained the highest, perfect Enlightenment.”

Defilement of time – because of being born in the Dharma-Ending Age, starvation, pandemics, and wars come one after the other. Many sentient beings die due to these sufferings. There is never any lasting peace.

Defilement of views – secular views are not correct because they deviate from the right path. All of these views vary and never reach a consensus.

Defilement of afflictions – people are excessively greedy for belongings and the satisfaction of sensual desires. Their anger leads to arguments. Their delusions lead to frequently telling lies.

(to be continued tomorrow)

五濁

《阿彌陀經》言:「能於娑婆國土五濁惡世 ── 劫濁、見濁、煩惱濁、眾生濁、命濁中

,得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。」

劫濁:生當末世,饑饉、疾疫、刀兵等相繼而起,生靈塗炭,永無寧日。

見濁:世人知見不正,不奉正道,異說紛紜,莫衷一是。

煩惱濁:世人貪於愛欲,瞋怒諍鬥,虛誑不已。

Namo Amituofo!

October 21, 2022

Oct 21, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is a manifestation of Amitabha Buddha’s compassion. The reason for the existence of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is to rescue sentient beings from suffering and disasters. However, in order to be absolutely and thoroughly rescued and delivered, one must believe in and accept Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance.

So, the existence of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is ultimately to expediently receive and guide us to recite Namo Amituofo, and allow Amitabha Buddha to deliver us. Otherwise, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva will have to continue to save us, upon hearing our calling from wherever we are, life after life. This is because her deliverance is not complete.

觀世音菩薩是阿彌陀佛慈悲的顯現,觀世音菩薩的存在是要救苦救難,而能夠絕對性地救苦救難,就是信受阿彌陀佛的救度。

所以,觀世音菩薩的存在,等於是方便地接引我們去稱念「南無阿彌陀佛」,來讓阿彌陀佛救度,不然的話,觀世音菩薩生生世世、世世生生都要為了我們而聞聲救苦,在那裏救苦救難,那不徹底呀。

Namo Amituofo!

October 20, 2022

Oct 20, 2022

A verse about ‘realization transcending all normal practices” quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師《般舟讚》「超證常倫」之偈:

The benefits of seeing and hearing among sentient beings in the Land of Bliss

Transcend all of the normal realizations of bodhisattvas in their causal grounds.

極樂眾生見聞益,超證常倫諸地上。

Namo Amituofo!

October 19, 2022

Oct 19, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

 淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

The Earth Store Sutra says, “For sentient beings in Jambudvipa, all of their thoughts are nothing but offenses, nothing but karma.” We create karma whenever we think. Every single thought is an offense. So, we commit nothing but offenses in each day of our lives. Since the day we were born, we have accumulated nothing but negative karma. How can we accumulate merit and virtues in order to escape from karmic retribution? When Amitabha Buddha created his 48 great vows for us, he thoroughly considered this point.

If he cannot help us to repay all of our debts, and enable us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, he could not have become a Buddha. That is to say, the merit and virtues in his power are enough. So, Pure Land is the teaching of deliverance, totally relying on Amitabha’s deliverance, absolutely entrusting in Amitabha’s deliverance, it is absolute other-power, entirely other-power.

《地藏經》說：「南閻浮提眾生，起心動念，無不是罪，無不是業。」我們起心動念都是在造業，念念都是在造罪，所以，過一天就增加一天的罪業；出生於世，就累積一世的惡緣，哪有功德能夠脫離呢？這件事情，阿彌陀佛在主動為我們發四十八大願的時候，已經考慮周全了。

祂如果不能幫我們還清債務、使我們往生極樂世界的話，當然也不能成佛，也就是說，祂的力量功德還不夠。所以，淨土法門是救度的法門，是全憑彌陀救度，是絕對任憑彌陀救度，所以叫做絕對他力、完全他力。

Namo Amituofo!

October 18, 2022

Oct 18, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Rebirth with Karma” (Rebirth with Karma Effectuated by the Buddha’s Power)

印光大師法語「帶業往生」之文（佛力帶業往生）

Amitabha Buddha is the Great Name with a myriad of virtues. His Name is like a great burning furnace. The karmic offenses we have accumulated in many past lives melt, just like snow flakes that get too close to his flame.

An ordinary being bound by karmic forces, will have his karma extinguished by reciting the Buddha’s Name. They are just like the snow flakes that get too close to the burning furnace.

Moreover, when the karmic forces are absent, all virtuous roots will naturally grow and splendidly flourish. So, why do we doubt our ability to attain rebirth? Why do we question whether the Buddha will come to welcome us home?

阿彌陀佛萬德洪名，如大冶洪爐。吾人多生罪業，如空中片雪。

業力凡夫，由念佛故，業便消滅。

如片雪近於洪爐，即便了不可得。

又況業力既消，所有善根，自然增長殊勝，

又何可疑其不得生，與佛不來接引乎！

Namo Amituofo!

October 17, 2022

Oct 17, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“Slandering the right Dharma” means that one doesn’t believe in the retribution of good and evil karma, cause and effect in the three periods of time, reincarnation within the Six Realms, or believe in Amitabha’s deliverance. Because he doesn’t believe in Amitabha’s deliverance he, of course, cannot be reborn in the Pure Land.

So, as long as you do not slander the right Dharma, believe in and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s name, you can be reborn. Thus, it says, “With the causal condition of believing the Buddha, all can attain rebirth.

誹謗正法就表示他不相信有善惡報應、三世因果、六道輪迴，不相信有彌陀救度，既然不相信，當然就不能往生。所以，只要不誹謗正法，信受彌陀救度、願生彌陀淨土、專稱彌陀佛名，都能夠往生，所以說「信佛因緣，皆得往生」。

Namo Amituofo!

October 16, 2022

Oct 16, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Crystallization of a Myriad of Virtues

A myriad of virtues refers to all of the practices to be cultivated by Bodhisattvas in their causal ground. Crystallization of a Myriad of Virtues refers to those accomplished by those who exclusively recite the Six-Syllable Name (Namo Amituofo.)

Dharmakara bodhisattva made vows for sentient beings while in his causal ground. He then practiced for sentient beings until his myriad of virtues was completed and perfected. Thus,he became a Buddha called Amitabha( Amituofo in Chinese) So, the Six-Syllable Name, (Namo Amituofo) is the Crystallization of a Myriad of Virtues.

Because Dharmakara bodhisattva made his vows and practiced for sentient beings with this purpose, the Crystallization of a Myriad of Virtues can now belong to those sentient beings who exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha.

萬行結晶

「萬行」，菩薩因地所修一切之行法。「萬行結晶」，指「南無阿彌陀佛」六字名號。

阿彌陀佛在因地時為眾生發願、為眾生修行，他的萬行成就了、圓滿了，才完成阿彌陀佛這尊佛，才有「南無阿彌陀佛」六字名號。所以，六字名號就是阿彌陀佛萬行的結晶。

因為阿彌陀佛是為了十方眾生才發這個願、修這個行的，所以，這個萬行的結晶，就是十方眾生的，為眾生所有。

Namo Amituofo!

October 15, 2022

Oct 15, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

(continued)

Subsequent to believing and accepting name-recitation, we merely recite Amitabha’s name “even ten times,” for those who come across the teaching near the end-of-life. Those who come across this teaching earlier in the present life, should recite for the remainder of this life. Thus, we are regarded as being on board the ship of Amitabha’s vow.

Though we haven’t cut off our greed, hatred, and delusion, nor changed our habitual behavior, heavy afflictions and boundless false thoughts; if we exclusively recite Amitabha’s name for the remainder of this life, we will continue aboard the ship of the vow until we are delivered to the Pure Land. As long as we continue to aspire for rebirth and entrust in Amitabha, we will never fall back into the Six Realms of the sea of suffering.

At the end of this life, we will naturally arrive at that shore. Through understanding and believing in these truths, Pure Land teaching provides all Pure Land practitioners with comfort and hope.

我們只要「乃至十念」（平生之機，上盡一形；臨終之機，下至十聲）地信受稱名，就已經在願船上了。

即使貪瞋癡還沒斷，習氣還沒改，煩惱重重，雜想妄念無邊，只要不離開願船，對彌陀救度信心不失，對往生極樂願心不退，一生專稱彌陀佛名，就不會再度落入六道苦海了。

今生壽命方盡，自自然然地就已在彼岸了。所以，淨土法門給了所有修行者無限的安慰，也給了我們最後的希望。

Namo Amituofo!

October 14, 2022

Oct 14, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

The credentials necessary for migrating from the Land of Saha to the Land of Bliss are actually completed for us by Amitabha Buddha. In order for us to leave the Land of Saha, Amitabha Buddha has to pay off all of the debts we have accumulated life after life. The matter of our arrival in the Land of Bliss (i.e. our final refuge) has been arranged for us in advance by Amitabha Buddha.

The credentials from here and there, from this shore to that shore, and the ship of the 18th vow, are all completed for us by Amitabha Buddha

(to be continued tomorrow)

從娑婆世界到極樂世界的資糧，其實也是阿彌陀佛為我們完成的。我們離開娑婆，是阿彌陀佛為我們還清生生世世的債務；我們要到達的極樂世界（也就是我們的歸宿），也是阿彌陀佛預先為我們安排好的。

從這裏到那裏，從此岸到彼岸，這個資糧，這條願船，也是阿彌陀佛為我們完成的。

Namo Amituofo!

October 13, 2022

Oct 13, 2022

A verse about “immediate enjoyment upon arrival” quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《般舟讚》「一到即受」之偈:

Upon arrival, we enjoy the happiness of freedom in tranquility.

Tranquility without any bondage is the cause of Nirvana.

一到即受清虛樂，清虛即是涅槃因。

Namo Amituofo!

October 12, 2022

Oct 12, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

The Pure Land teaching is the teaching of Buddha Power. Our deliverance is totally dependent on Amitabha Buddha’s Other-Power. As long as we follow the teaching and practice unconditionally, whether we believe or not, and whether our minds are pure or not, great virtuous roots and blessings are bestowed upon us.

If we want to interpret this teaching with our limited capacities and question it with our flawed minds, we will lose great virtuous roots, great blessings, and great benefits. So, when studying the teaching of Other-Power, we shouldn’t interpret and measure from the perspective of self-power. The self-power concept cannot be taken as the benchmark in measuring this teaching.

淨土法門是佛力的法門,是完全他力的法門,是彌陀救度的法門,我們只能沒有條件地依教奉行,不論信不信、淨不淨,能夠這樣的話,大善根、大福德就在我們身上。

如果想以我們凡夫有漏、有限的能力去推理、去打問號,就失去大善根、大福德、大利益了。所以,這個他力法門,我們不可以用自力的觀點去衡量、去推測，自力的觀點是沒辦法作為標準來衡量這個法門的。

Namo Amituofo!

October 11, 2022

Oct 11, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Rebirth with Karma” (Rebirth with Karma Effectuated by Buddha’s Power)

印光大師法語「帶業往生」之文(佛力帶業往生)

The teaching of Amitabha-recitation is a special teaching in Buddhism. A person can be reborn with recourse to the Buddha’s compassionate power even though he continues to carry karma.

As he is still in this Saha land and hasn’t eliminated the karma of delusion and ignorance, it is called “carrying karma”.

If he is reborn in the West, there is nothing known as karma. So, this quote is not saying he brings his karma to the West.

念佛法門,乃佛法之特別法門;仗佛慈力,可以帶業往生。

約在此界,尚未斷惑業,名帶業;

若生西方,則無業可得,非將業帶到西方去。

Namo Amituofo!

October 10, 2022

Oct 10, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Just as the Contemplation Sutra says, “Those who commit heavy karmic offenses, even the Five Gravest transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds, can be reborn in the Pure Land. It is because they do not reject Amitabha Buddha. If they did, they could not be reborn, because they have slandered the right Dharma. Conversely, if they wish to be reborn, it shows that they have not slandered the right Dharma.

Therefore, slandering the right Dharma primarily refers to Amitabha’s deliverance. This is because, if they do not accept Amitabha’s deliverance, they will have no opportunity to leave the cycle of reincarnation within the Six Realms forever.

就像《觀無量壽經》裏所講的,即使五逆十惡這麼重的罪業也能往生,因為他對阿彌陀佛並沒有排拒,如果排拒的話,必定不願往生,就表示誹謗正法,既願往生就表示並不誹謗正法。所以,「誹謗正法」所講的,主要是對阿彌陀佛的救度而言。因為如果對彌陀的救度不相信、不接受,那就永無出離六道輪迴的機會了。

Namo Amituofo!

October 9, 2022

Oct 9, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Strong Condition

A factor that facilitates a cause to become an effect is called a “condition”. “A strong condition” is also called an “augmentative condition”. It is a condition that 100% insures that a facilitating cause will lead to an effect.

Normally, a cause with condition(s) cannot lead to an effect. If the condition is weak and unfavorable, a cause is unlikely to lead to an effect. Even if it leads to an effect, it is often not a good one.

Master Shandao says, “Relying on the Buddha’s Vow as the strong condition.” This means, we accept Amitabha Buddha’s splendid unsurpassed vows, which he made for us, as our great condition for rebirth. Amitabha’s absolute vow power assures that we will reach our goal, and achieve the sacred fruition. Amitabha absolutely enables us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and become Avinivartaniva (Buddhas-to-be), dwelling in the state of non-retrogression. It is known as the “strong condition”.

強緣

助因成果叫作緣,「強緣」又稱增上緣,就是百分之百、必定能夠助因成果的緣。

有因、沒有緣,絕對不能有果。如果緣是弱緣、劣緣,恐怕不能成果,即使得到果,也是不好的果。

善導大師說「託佛願以作強緣」,就是以阿彌陀佛所超發的無上殊勝之願,作為我們往生的強緣。阿彌陀佛的願力是絕對性的, 必定能夠使我們達到目的、成就聖果, 也就是絕對能夠讓我們往生極樂, 往生之後都不退轉,都是阿鞞跋致、一生補處,都能成佛 —— 這就是強緣。

Namo Amituofo!

October 8, 2022

Oct 8, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Other Buddhist schools and teachings ultimately aim for “pure mind, then pure land”. Because of this, practitioners have to practice and realize fruition in the Saha World life after life. It is only the Pure Land School, whose practice leads to rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land in the present lifetime. After we become buddhas in Amitabha’s Pure Land, our deep compassion leads us to return to this world to deliver sentient beings. Based on this principle, we follow the teaching of “pure land, then pure mind”.

佛教其他宗派、法門,最終都以「心淨國土淨」為目的,生生世世在這娑婆世界修行證果;唯有淨土宗是以今生往生彌陀淨土、在彌陀淨土成佛之後,倒駕慈航為宗旨、目的,是「國土淨心淨」的法門。

Namo Amituofo!

October 7, 2022

Oct 7, 2022

A verse about ‘realization and enlightenment in every recitation” quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《般舟讚》「念念證悟」之偈:

Once entering Nirvana, one always dwells in Amitabha’s Land,

As one is totally free in time and space, what can one worry about?

One is always enlightened and every single thought is a realization,

All the vows and practices in the ten Bodhisattva grounds are naturally accomplished.

一入涅槃常住國,徹窮後際更何憂;

念念時中常證悟,十地行願自然成。

Namo Amituofo!

October 6, 2022

Oct 6, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

The teaching of the Fundamental Vow in Pure Land is purely the teaching of other-power. This means that we completely entrust in the inconceivable power of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. Upon rebirth in the Land of Bliss reincarnation in the cycle of birth-and-death within the Three Domains and the Six Realms naturally ceases.

The Land of Bliss is a realm of unconditioned Nirvana. Rebirth means realization of no-birth (birth is no-birth) and realization of infinite light and life in body and mind, the same as Amitabha Buddha.

淨土之本願法門是純他力之教,是全託彌陀願力;亦即乘託彌陀不可思議之本 願力往生極樂,既往生極樂,則三界六道之生死輪迴自然遠離。極樂是無為涅槃的境界,往生即悟無生(生即無生),與彌陀同證光壽無量的身心。

Namo Amituofo!

October 5, 2022

Oct 5, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about exclusive reliance on the Buddha’s power (cutting off delusion and realization of the Way are not taken into account as far as the Buddha’s power is concerned)

印光大師法語「專仗佛力」之文(佛力不論斷證)

Pure Land teaching is based upon exclusive reliance on the Buddha’s power.Eliminating delusion and realization of the Way are not considered.Only reliance on faith and aspiration are taken into account.

淨土一法,專仗佛力; 不論斷證,惟恃信願。

Namo Amituofo!

October 4, 2022

Oct 4, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land

School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

So, “excluded, however, are those who commit the five gravest offenses and abuse the right Dharma”, as said in the 18th Vow. The word “excluded” is interpreted from the point of view of inhibition. However, the ultimate purpose of the inhibition is not to inhibit; but, to embrace and deliver. Thus, whether it is to embrace and deliver, or it is to inhibit and warn, it reveals Amitabha Buddha’s great compassionate vow power to deliver all suffering sentient beings in the ten directions.

所以,第十八願所講的「唯除五逆,誹謗正法」的「唯除」,是就抑止角度來講的,抑止的最終目的不在抑止,而是為了攝取、救度。因此,不論就攝取、救度這邊來講,或者就抑止、警誡這邊來講,都在彰顯阿彌陀佛救度十方罪苦眾生的大悲願力。

Namo Amituofo!

October 3, 2022

Oct 3, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“Excluded, however, are those who commit the five gravest offenses and abuse the right Dharma” – the intention of this sentence is to tell us the five gravest offenses and abuse of the right Dharma are the two most unacceptable and extremely wicked acts. It is warning us not to commit those acts under any circumstance. This is known as the teaching of inhibition.

For those who have not committed these acts, it is warning us to avoid them. However, if they have committed these acts, like those at the lowest level in the low tier, it tells us, “you should recite Amitabha’s name, otherwise you will fall into the lowest realms.” This is known as the teaching of Amitabha’s embrace.

(to be continued tomorrow)

「唯除五逆,誹謗正法」,此句之用意在於告訴我們,五逆謗法在世間是最要不得、最極惡的行為,不要去做──這就是「抑止門」。

對於還沒有做的,告訴我們不要做;但如果已經犯了,就好像「下品下生」已經犯了,那就告訴我們:「要念佛,不然就會墮落」──這是攝取。

Namo Amituofo!

October 2, 2022

Oct 2, 2022

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

14. A Verse that Summarizes the Praise of the Circumstantial Reward

Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn

Amitabha’s Buddha-land is splendid and pure,

The Three Wretched Realms, the Six Realms, and even the names of those realms are absent forever.

Everything is adorned with inconceivable virtues, which are so hard to depict,

And every kind of wonderful and delicate phenomena is marvellously refined.

The land is broad and level with a variety of jewels arrayed. Each of them shines simultaneously with five hundred beams of light.

Each of the lights forms a jeweled altar, and each of the altars becomes part of hundreds of thousands of halls.

There are numerous gatherings with manifested Buddhas in thousands of halls.

Sentient beings entering the halls meet and greet each other.

Innumerable sounds are heard everywhere in the sky. Heavenly children disperse the fragrant flowers.

This happens without ceasing, day and night during the six periods of time, spreading immeasurably throughout the land and in the air.

All living beings can enter fragrant ponds that contain the eight-virtue water at their own discretion. The water flows in and out freely regardless of the depth.

They may come and go with the joy of the Third Dhyana. They greet each other and follow one another to enter the forests of sandalwood.

There are many different rows of jeweled seats. The sacred beings shine with lights brighter than those of the sun and moon.

The sun and moon symbolize the infinite light and infinite life that surround them, whether they are sitting, standing or traveling in all the worlds.

Everywhere they hear nothing but the unsurpassed Dharma, in order to forever terminate the sufferings of birth-and-death of ordinary beings.

These are the reasons why the Land is called Peace and Joy. The multitude should dedicate their merit and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land.

Through rebirth in that Land, they will no longer have to deal with trivial matters. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands, and always make offerings to the Buddha.

14. 總結讚依報偈

願往生 願往生

彌陀佛國真嚴淨 三惡六道永無名

事事莊嚴難可識 種種妙微甚為精

地迥寬平眾寶間 一一同耀五百光

一一光成寶臺座 一一座上百千堂

千堂化佛塵沙會 眾生入者共相量

無數音聲遊空轉 化天童子散華香

晝夜六時無間息 地上虛空難可量

八德香池隨意入 灌注由人無淺深

或出或沒三禪樂 徐徐相喚入檀林

檀林寶座行行別 聖眾猶若超日月

日月即是長時劫 或坐或立或遊方

到處唯聞無上法 永絕凡夫生死殃

是故彼國名安樂 眾等迴心願往生

往生彼國無餘事 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

October 1, 2022

Oct 1, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Five Kinds of Decay of Heavenly Beings (continued)

3. Their heavenly clothes become dirty and have a bad smell – their fresh, clean, bright heavenly clothes become dirty and their colors fade away.

4. Their bodies are dirty and have a bad smell – their natural, fragrant, clean bodies become dirty and smell bad.

5. Feeling uneasy and restlessly moving around – they feel uneasy when they are seated and move around restlessly, like a person who knows he will soon die. Heavenly beings must also die.

天人五衰

三是「天衣垢穢」,光潔常鮮的天衣已經褪色骯髒了。

四是「身體臭穢」,香潔自然的身體發了臭味。

五是「不樂本座」,感覺到位置不安穩了,坐立不安。就像人總有死的一天,即使生天也有死。

Namo Amituofo!

September 30, 2022

Sep 30, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Five Kinds of Decay of Heavenly Beings

When the rewards of blessings come to their end, a heavenly being’s life will end, and he will collapse. There are five symptoms of decay in his body:

1. The flowers in his hat wither – the hat he wears, and the decorative flowers will gradually wither.

2. Sweating at the armpit – sweating in both armpits.

(to be continued tomorrow)

天人五衰

天人的福報盡了、壽命到了,要墮落下來時,首先會出現五種身上衰敗的現象。

一是「天冠花萎」,天人所戴的帽子、所裝飾的花,逐漸凋零枯萎。

二是「腋下流汗」,也就是雙腋會流汗。

Namo Amituofo!

September 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Some people say we have to recite the Ksitigarbha Sutra to clear karmic obstructions as they appear. This is true for the Sacred Path. However, we are on the Pure Land Path in which the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name is our only prescription and single practice. A single name, that contains a myriad of virtues, can clear the deadly heavy offenses accumulated in 8 billion eons with only one thought. Its effect is much greater than whatever sutra you may recite or Dharani you may hold. So, those who really understand this effect will adhere to this single name all the way through.

有人說業障現前要先念《地藏經》消業障,通途法門才須要這樣,我們是淨土門,是一向專稱彌陀佛名的,藥方還是念佛,一句萬德洪名,一念能夠消八十億劫生死重罪,誦什麼經、持什麼咒,效果沒有這麼大,所以真正懂的人他就是一句佛號念到底。

Namo Amituofo!

September 28, 2022

Sep 28, 2022

A verse about “ultimate non-retrogression” quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《般舟讚》「畢竟不退」之偈

Upon entering the Dharma Assembly within one thought,

Our names are permanently removed from the list of the Three Domains and the Six Realms.

All of the Three Kinds of Thorough Understanding and Six Paranormal Powers are freely manipulated.

As we realize the unconditioned realm, and dwell in the state of ultimate non-retrogression.

一念之間入佛會,三界六道永除名;

三明六通皆自在,畢竟不退證無為。

Namo Amituofo!

September 27, 2022

Sep 27, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about the Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

Amitabha-recitation is the cause and Other Power is the condition. With respect to condition, we are talking about pristine Other Power, entirely Other Power , because we totally rely on Amitabha Buddha to create the condition. We purely rely on Amitabha Buddha’s Vow Power in attaining rebirth.

With respect to cause, it doesn’t matter whether we have power or not, because we simply recite only Amitabha Buddha’s Name. Everyone can recite, wherever, whenever, and regardless of the number of recitations. So, it doesn’t matter whether we have power or not!

念佛是因,而他力是緣,就緣來講,我們講純粹他力,完全他力,因為我們是完全靠阿彌陀佛的緣,純純粹粹是靠阿彌陀佛的願力而得往生。

就「因」來講無所謂力不力,因為我們只是念佛而已,誰都可以念,什麼地方都可以念,什麼時候都可以念,念多念少都可以,所以無所謂力不力。

Namo Amituofo!

September 26, 2022

Sep 26, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Entirely the Buddha’s Power” (analogy of sailing on a ship across the sea)

印光大師法語「全是佛力」之文(坐船過海之喻)

For example, a grain of sand will sink immediately when placed in water. However, if tons of gravel and boulders are placed on a big ship, they will be transported to other places without sinking. Gravel and boulders represent sentient beings’ heavy karma, while the big ship is a metaphor for Amitabha’s great compassionate power.

If we do not recite Amitabha’s Name and rely on our own power of cultivation to end our cycle of birth-and-death, we must reach a state in which our karmas are completely extinguished and our emotions are empty. We cannot liberate ourselves from the cycle of birth-and-death. Even if we have a tiny strand of affliction and delusive karma remaining , like a grain of sand we will sink to the bottom of the water, because a grain of sand cannot float on the water on its own.

譬如一顆沙子,入水即沉,縱有數千萬斤石,裝於大火輪船中,即可不沉而運於他處,以隨意使用也。石喻眾生之業力深重,大火輪喻彌陀之慈力廣大。若不念佛,仗自己修持之力,欲了生死,須到業盡情空地位方可。否則縱令煩惱惑業斷得只有一絲毫,亦不能了, 喻如極小之沙子,亦必沉於水中,決不能自己出於水外。

Namo Amituofo!

September 25, 2022

Sep 25, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

It is the same as saying, “When I become a Buddha, there will be none of the Three Wretched Realms in my land. It is my original aim to bear all of the offensive karmas of sentient beings in the Three Wretched Realms; so, you need not worry at all that your karmic offenses may prevent you from being reborn. You should deeply believe without any doubt; but, at the same time, you should try your best to discipline yourselves by refraining from doing evil and practicing good. Because of our habitual behaviors, we all find it difficult to stop doing evil. However, at least you can try to stop committing the heavy transgressions, such as the Five Gravest Offenses, or slandering the right Dharma. If you don’t care enough to try to refrain from committing these two serious categories of offenses, you still have no excuse for not being able to be reborn in my land. These are the words of caution in the last part of the 18th Vow – Excluded, however, are those who commit the five gravest offences and abuse the right Dharma.

這等於是說:「我成佛時,國無三惡道,本來就是要承擔眾生三惡道的罪業,所以,你們絲毫不必擔心自己罪業太重而不能往生,反而要深信無疑;但也要謹慎,從今以後,要盡力收束自己的罪業,儘量去惡行善,固然因為造惡成習而難以全部制止,但至少至少不能造五逆、謗法的重罪,如果不收攝、不謹慎,犯此二罪,即是罪不可宥,不能往生我國。」這就是第十八願最後的抑止──「唯除五逆,誹謗正法」。

Namo Amituofo!

September 24, 2022

Sep 24, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Dharmakara Bodhisattva made vows to accomplish a land without the Three Wretched Realms. As his aim is to deliver sentient beings who commit karmic offenses in the Three Wretched Realms (desire, form, and formless), their karmic offenses should not be obstructions hindering them from attaining rebirth. Rather, it is their doubts and deviant views that contribute to those great obstructions.

Thus, in order that none of the sentient beings with karmic offenses misses the path of assured rebirth, Amitabha Buddha must first clear their doubts and deviant views.

(to be continued tomorrow)

法藏菩薩發願成就無三惡道的國土,既然以救度造作三惡道罪業的眾生為目的,十方眾生的罪業也就不成為往生的障礙,反而是疑心及邪見會成為大障礙。

因此,法藏菩薩為了讓十方造罪眾生絕無一漏地往生,最後還必須要掃除我們的疑心和邪見。

Namo Amituofo!

September 23, 2022

Sep 23, 2022

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

13. A Verse to Praise the Non-Sentient Beings Preaching the Dharma

Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn

The adorned Land of Bliss enables ordinary beings to leave the Three Domains. All assorted heavenly and human beings will be equal by rebirth in that unconditioned realm.

This is because Dharmakara Bodhisattva’s vows are great and his practices were extensive. The revelation of “if, when I attain Buddhahood” is rare and wonderful.

Sometimes, the manifested body of a bird can speak of the Dharma. Sometimes, an unexpected friend is manifested who can accommodate sentient beings of different aptitudes

Sometimes, subtle sound waves are manifested to produce wondrous music. Sometimes, trees and woods are manifested to praise the Buddha’s compassion.

Sometimes, wind and light are manifested and move in harmony. Sometimes, nets are manifested in order to share notes and messages.

All kinds of adorned sounds surround us, and celestial musical notes, as many as the sands of the Ganges River, are automatically played in time.

In order to entice all sacred and ordinary beings in other worlds, the Buddha manifests these inconceivable scenes.

Upon hearing this, all of us are so happily surprised that our hair stands on end. With regrets for my misdeeds, I wholeheartedly thank our teacher, Amitabha.

Once I accept this teaching I will wholeheartedly dedicate my life to its practice. It can never be too late to start, because we can arrive in the Pure Land in a flash.

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.

13. 讚無情說法偈

願往生 願往生

極樂莊嚴出三界 人天雜類等無為

法藏行因廣弘願 設我得佛現稀奇

或現鳥身能說法 或現無請能應機

或使微波出妙響 或使林樹讚慈悲

或使風光相應動 或令羅網說音辭

一切莊嚴聲遍滿 恆沙天樂自依時

為引他方凡聖類 故佛現此不思議

我等聞之身毛豎 碎骨慚謝阿彌師

一受專精不惜命 須臾即到豈為遲

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!