Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo
道綽大師
The first of the two reasons [why we cannot practice Buddhist teachings] is “the Great Sacred(Buddha) is distant from us”. Many scholars think the eras of Proper Dharma, Semblance Dharma and Ending Dharma are applicable to all people. However, if a person has superior roots of wisdom, he can still accomplish the Proper Dharma even if he lives in the Dharma Ending era. Conversely, if a person has inferior roots of wisdom, he will be unable to accomplish the Proper Dharma, even if he lives in the Age of Proper Dharma. Therefore, people in the three different eras cannot be considered superior or inferior. Most practitioners on the Sacred Path hold this view. However, practically speaking, this view is just empty talk.
After the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha, the power of his personal influence gradually weakened and the morality of society gradually declined. Most people today are unable to progress on their paths to enlightenment no matter how hard they try. This is a phenomenon seen everywhere in Buddhism today.
(to be continued tomorrow)
於「二由」中之一「去大聖遙遠」的問題:有學者認為時代性的「正法、像法、末法」是就橫的方面約人而論的,若上根利智之人,雖處末法之今時,亦有正法之成就;若下根陋劣之人,雖處正法佛世,亦如末法之無成;故正像末之三時在人,不在時代性之上下。聖道門者大多持這種看法,然而以實際而言,這些都只不過是空論罷了。
隨著佛陀入滅年代的久遠,感化的力量次第微弱,社會的風氣愈益澆薄;修行有心無力,證果遙遙無期,這是教界當今的現象,可說觸目皆是。
Namo Amituofo!
