Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow
淨宗傳承之第十八願
In order for us to arrive in Amitabha’s land, we must of course, rely on Amitabha Buddha. To rely on Amitabha Buddha means to follow the exclusive practice of recitation of Amitabha’s name, as stated in the 18th Vow. Thus, we naturally comply with the functional capacity of the name. As Master Shandao says – it is natural because it perfectly matches with Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. With a particular cause, there is a respective effect.
Those who practice according to the 19th Vow rely on their own power to cultivate various merits and virtues, and sincerely awaken the aspiration for rebirth. Their practices do not rely on Amitabha Buddha. Relying on oneself in these pursuits is bound to be flawed, no matter how hard we practice.
我們要到阿彌陀佛的國土,當然要依靠阿彌陀佛本身,依靠阿彌陀佛本身,就是依第十八願所講的稱念彌陀名號,這就合乎祂自然的功能。善導大師說「與佛本願得相應故」,自自然然的,有什麼因,就得什麼果。
如果是第十九願,就是靠自己「發菩提心,修諸功德」,然後「至心發願,欲生我國」。這一種根機等於不是完全靠阿彌陀佛,是靠他自己。靠自己的修行,再怎麼樣的「發菩提心,修諸功德」還是有漏的,不是無漏的。
Namo Amituofo!
