Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The Two Benefits - in the Present Life and in the Next Life
“Present” means the present life and “next” means the next life. The “two benefits” refers to the two kinds of benefits. One refers to the safety and stability of our physical body and spiritual mind in the present life, and the other refers to rebirth in the Pure Land near the end-of-life.
The two benefits, in the present life and in the next life, are the product of Amitabha-recitation. These two kinds of benefits are included in this unique Name, and in the single practice of Amitabha-recitation. To practice reciting the names of other Buddhas and other sources of virtues such as: reciting the Chapter on Universal Doors, the Diamond Sutra, the Sutra on the Medicine Master, or reciting the name of the Medicine Master, one can only gain the single benefit in the present life. It is only through the recitation of Amitabha’s Name that one can possess benefits in the present life and in the next life.
Generally, there are fifteen kinds of benefits in the present life and in the next life:
1. Amitabha positions himself above our heads
2. Protected by the Buddha’s light
3. Supported by all the Buddhas
4. Accompanied by Bodhisattvas
5. Safeguarded by spirits
6. Elimination of bad karma
7. Accumulation of good fortune and wisdom
8. Avoidance of disasters
9. Longevity and health
10. A good death
11. Attainment of the karma of assurance
12. End of the reincarnation cycle
13. Rebirth in the Pure Land
14. Attainment of Buddhahood
15. Comprehensive deliverance of sentient beings
The first eleven kinds of benefits are in the present life, while the last four benefits are gained by rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land.
現當二益
「現」是現世,「當」是當來,「二益」是兩種利益。「現當二益」即指現世身心安穩,臨終往生淨土這兩種利益。
現當二益即是念佛,此兩種利益都攝在一句名號當中,攝在念佛一行當中。修持餘佛餘行,如修持《普門品》《金剛經》《藥師經》、稱念藥師佛等, 也都能獲得「現世一益」;但獨有「現當二益」,是唯有彌陀才擁有的。
「現當二益」略說有十五種:第一、彌陀住頂;第二、佛光護身;第三、諸佛護念;第四、菩薩相隨;第五、冥眾護持;第六、消除罪障;第七、增長福慧;第八、離諸厄難;第九、能得壽康;第十、將獲善終;第十一、入正定聚;第十二、斷除輪迴;第十三、往生淨土;第十四、成就佛果;第 十五、廣度眾生。其中前十一種屬於「現世利益」,後四種屬於「往生利益」。
Namo Amituofo!
