Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Especially Preserving this Sutra
Also known as “Especially Preserving the Practice of Amitabha-recitation”.
The Infinite Life Sutra says, “In the future, the Buddhist scriptures and teachings will perish ; but, out of pity and compassion, I will especially preserve this Sutra and maintain it in the world for a hundred years more. Those beings who encounter it will attain deliverance in accord with their aspirations. “
In the age of Dharma-Extinction, which follows the Dharma-Ending Age for a thousand years, all sutras will perish. The Three Stores and the Twelve Divisions will vanish in order (starting from the Surangama Sutra), even the names of the Three Jewels will also disappear. At that time sentient beings will not know about karmic retribution for good and evil deeds, following the Law of Cause and Effect, the three periods of time, or reincarnation within the Six Realms. Out of pity and compassion for sentient beings in the ten directions, Shakyamuni Buddha will especially preserve this Sutra through the power of this vow.
(to be continued tomorrow)
特留此經
又作「特留念佛」。
《無量壽經》言:「當來之世,經道滅盡,我以慈悲哀愍,特留此經止住百歲。其有眾生,值斯經者,隨意所願,皆可得度。」
末法萬年之後的滅法時代,所有經典都沒有了(三藏十二部依次消滅,先從《楞嚴經》開始),也沒有三寶的名字,那時的眾生不曉得有善惡報應、三世因果、六道輪迴。釋迦牟尼佛慈悲哀愍十方眾生,以慈悲願力把《無量壽經》保留下來。
Namo Amituofo!
