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!
