Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo
道綽大師
(continued)
Regarding “even ten times”, many people interpret it as the mental act of “contemplating / thinking”, which fails to comply with the easiness of practice indicated as the original intent of the Buddha. It violates Amitabha’s fundamental vow made after five eons of contemplation. Thus, Master Daochuo clarified and interpreted it as “recite my name ten times without interruption”. By interpreting “reciting” instead of “thinking”, he revealed the original intent of Amitabha, and completely restored the easiness of practice. In this way, the original meaning of “thinking” can be properly understood. Based on this interpretation, Master Shandao directly interpreted it as “reciting my name as few as ten times”. The explanation of the patriarchal masters is entirely aligned with the Buddhas’ intent, which enlightens us forever.
對於「乃至十念」,時人多解釋為「觀念、意念」之念,失去了易行之所以易的本懷,違背了彌陀五劫思惟的本願。道綽大師起而糾正之,解釋為「十念相續稱我名字」,以「稱」釋「念」,彰彌陀之本意,顯易行之至極,經意由之而始顯明;到了善導大師則直以「下至十聲稱我名號」取意之。師資之釋,可謂通徹佛意,朗照古今。
Namo Amituofo!
