The 31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from “ In Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao
善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語
20. A Verse to Explain the Main Cause of Rebirth
Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.
The Land of Bliss is a realm of unconditioned Nirvana.
It’s hard to be reborn there by practicing assorted virtues according to circumstances.
The Tathagata selected the key method –
He teaches sentient beings to recite Amitabha’s Name with two-fold exclusivity.
They should exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name for one day to 7 days without interruption. Once commencing the practice, they should double or triple the time of recitation throughout their entire lives.
Near the end-of-life sacred beings holding flowers will appear before them. Their bodies and minds will be filled with joy, as they are seated within a golden lotus flower.
Once seated, they attain the Perseverance of No-Birth, and will be welcomed by the Buddha within one thought.
Their Dharma companions dress them in new clothes. They realize the state of non-retrogression, and enter the assembly of benevolent sagely bodhisattvas.
The multitude should dedicate their merit, aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land, hold fragrant flowers in their hands, and always make offerings to the Buddha.
20. 釋往生正因偈
願往生 願往生
極樂無為涅槃界 隨緣雜善恐難生
故使如來選要法 教念彌陀專復專
七日七夜心無間 長時起行倍皆然
臨終聖眾持華現 身心踴躍坐金蓮
坐時即得無生忍 一念迎將至佛前
法侶將衣競來著 證得不退入三賢
眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養
Namo Amituofo!
