Vancouver Pure Land Buddhism: May 2023

Sunday, May 28, 2023

May 27, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

To Enable All Beings to become Like the Buddha

The Sutra of Equal Enlightenment says, “To free people from the cycle of birth and death, which is the primary source of continuous suffering, and enable them to become like the Buddha.”

“To free people from the cycle of birth and death” means to relieve them from suffering. To “enable them to become like the Buddha” means to grant them happiness. The ultimate relief from suffering is to enable them to exit the endless cycle of reincarnation within the Six Realms after this lifetime. Then the deepest happiness is achieved by helping them to realize the fruition of Buddhahood quickly.

Among the 84,000 teachings in the Dharma-Ending Age, the only teaching that enables people to fully relieve their suffering and enjoy complete happiness is Amitabha Buddha’s teaching of deliverance.

悉令如佛

《平等覺經》言: 拔人勤苦,生死根本,悉令如佛。

「拔人勤苦」就是「拔苦」;「悉令如佛」就是「與樂」。真正的拔苦必須是讓他今生今世脫離六道輪迴;真正的與樂,是能夠讓他速證佛果。在佛教八萬四千法門當中,末法時代,真正能「拔苦與樂」的,唯阿彌陀佛救度的法門。

Namo Amituofo!

May 26, 2023

A Verse sharing Compassionate Advice and Cautions quoted from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》慈悲勸誡

The adornments of the Land of Bliss are beyond those of the Three Realms. A multitude of human, celestial, and other sentient beings are equally born in this unconditioned realm.

Dharmakara Bodhisattva made an infinitely great vow to cultivate the Bodhisattva practices in his causal ground. With his accomplishment of, “When I attain Buddhahood”, the manifested scenes in the Land of Bliss are rare and splendid.

Sometimes, birds that can speak the Dharma manifest; and, at other times Dharmas that are uninvited exactly match what the audience would like to hear.

Sometimes wondrous sounds are produced by different subtle waves; and, at other times, the trees in the woods praise the virtues of compassion.

On certain occasions light and breeze move in response to each other; and, on others, Indra’s net in the sky recites poems and verses.

All of the adornments are full of a variety of different sounds that spontaneously create celestial music.

The purpose of these wonders is to attract all ordinary and sacred beings to come. That is why the Buddha manifests all of these inconceivable things.

Upon hearing the descriptions of the Pure Land, we feel so excited that our hair stands on end; and we thank our true Teacher Amitabha with full acceptance.

Once we accept the exclusive practice of Amitabha’s Name, we must not hesitate; but,continuously recite it until we are transported to Amitabha’s Pure Land.

極樂莊嚴出三界,人天雜類等無為;

法藏行因廣弘願,設我得佛現稀奇。

或現鳥身能說法,或現無請能應機;

或使微波出妙響,或使林樹讚慈悲;

或使風光相應動,或令羅網說音辭。

一切莊嚴聲遍滿,恒沙天樂自依時;

為引他方凡聖類,故佛現此不思議。

我等聞之身毛豎,碎骨慚謝阿彌師;

一受專精不惜命,須臾即到豈為遲。

Namo Amituofo!

May 25, 2023

General sources of Confusion and Misunderstandings by Amitabha-Reciters seeking Rebirth in the Pure Land by Master Jingzong

淨宗法師談念佛人的糊塗認識

#1 – “By reciting Amitabha vocally with a distracted mind, it is fruitless even if you damage your throat by intensive recitation.” Isn’t it?

Comment: (continued)

You should know that deluded thinking is the original state of ordinary beings. Their minds contain nothing but false thoughts. Even near the end-of-life, one is still just an ordinary being full of false thoughts. (No matter how much you clean a statue made of mud , the statue is still muddy inside. No matter how you scratch charcoal, it is still black inside.) We are simply ordinary beings. No matter how clean or scratched, we are still full of false thoughts, from inside to outside. We are neither clean nor pure.

Knowing and accepting these truths, we joyfully recite Amitabha’s name, and know we will be received by him. We are transported on a lotus platform to the Pure Land, where our false thoughts are transformed into an enlightened mind. Amitabha-recitation that is done by foolish beings like us, is still like a lotus flower that grows in the mud without being contaminated. So, our rebirth is assured, and should not be doubted. Don’t despise your abundant false thoughts, only regret your shallowness of faith.

淨宗法師 - 念佛人的糊塗認識

其一 – “口念彌陀心散亂,喊破喉嚨也枉然”, 是嗎?!

答 (續上):

須知妄念原是凡夫本體,妄念之外,別無心也。直至臨終,猶是一向妄念凡夫(泥人不管怎麼去洗它,裏面都是泥的;黑炭不管怎麼去刮它,裏邊都是黑的。我們這個凡夫,你怎麼洗、怎麼刮,你都是妄念,徹徹底底、內內外外全是妄念,洗不乾淨的)。

知此念佛。即蒙來迎。乘蓮台時,能翻妄念,成為覺心。從妄念中,所出念佛,猶如蓮花,不染污泥,決定往生,不可有疑。莫厭妄念多,應歎信心淺,故以深信心,常稱彌陀名。

Namo Amituofo!

May 24, 2023

Frequent sources of Confusion and Misunderstandings by Amitabha-Reciters seeking Rebirth by Master Jingzong

淨宗法師談念佛人的糊塗認識

#1 – “Vocally reciting Amitabha’s Name with a distracted mind is fruitless, even if you damage your throat by intensive recitation.” Isn’t that true?

Comment:

This is an interpretation from the Chan School, not the Pure Land School. They think of Amitabha recitation as a means of clearing false thoughts, focusing a scattered mind, and thus attaining enlightenment. They view mindfulness of the Buddha as a skillful means to pacify their minds, which they see as the source of enlightenment.

This does not coincide with the views of our Pure Land School in terms of our aptitudes and capacities. So, there are shortcomings in their interpretation with respect to the aptitudes of practitioners.

It is similar to the saying by Master Yinguang – they use this teaching of horizontal transcendence as their longitudinal means of exiting the Six Realms. Their approach is through “self-power”, not the “other-power” teaching of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance. If you believe this interpretation, you will lose your aspiration and confidence in rebirth.

“ Single-mindedly without confusion”, as said in the Amitabha Sutra, means the exclusive practice of Amitabha-recitation with no confusion or dilution by mixing in other practices”. It doesn’t matter if your mind is concentrated or distracted. All that matters is the genuineness of your faith, aspiration and practice. This mind is like the water in the Yangtze River, and the various miscellaneous thoughts are like the waves on the water’s surface. Rebirth is like the river running to the sea. How can the waves disappear or block the river, while the river is running to the sea?

(to be continued tomorrow)

淨宗法師 - 念佛人的糊塗認識

其一, “口念彌陀心散亂,喊破喉嚨也枉然”, 是嗎?!

答:這是禪宗的解釋而不是淨土宗的解釋。他念阿彌陀佛,是為了掃除妄想雜念,是為了開悟,以念佛作為一個方便手段,讓他的心能夠悟得本源心地。

他沒有完全站在我們淨土宗的立場上,沒有站在凡夫根機的立場上來說話,所以,在契理和契機這方面略有欠缺。這就是印光大師所講的“拿橫超法門,作豎出之用。”還是自力的法門,帶有自力的因素,不是阿彌陀佛佛力救度的法門。這樣你聽信了,你覺得往生沒有把握,就打退堂鼓了。

《阿彌陀經》裏的“一心不亂”是“專修念佛不雜亂”的意思。念佛無論一心、散心,就怕信願三者發心不真。此心如長江水,種種雜念如水上波。往生如同江流入海。豈有江流入海之時,波不消散,而反能阻礙長流乎?

(再續)

Namo Amituofo!

May 23, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

The Pure Land School originates from Amitabha Buddha’s 48 vows, especially the 18th Vow. The one whose explanation is most authoritative, most easily understood, and inspires people to joyfully entrust Amitabha, is Master Shandao.

Master Shandao was an incarnation of Amitabha. Because of this, his explanation of the 18th Vow is equivalent to Amitabha Buddha himself explaining his Fundamental Vow. This makes it the most authoritative and reliable. In response, we should time and again return to Master Shandao’s teachings.

我們這一個法門的根源,是來自阿彌陀佛的四十八願,尤其是根本願第十八願。解釋第十八願最有權威的,而且最能夠讓一般人一看就懂,當下就肯定,當下就增長信心,增長法喜的,就是善導大師的解釋。

善導大師是彌陀的示現,以彌陀示現的善導大師來解釋第十八願,等同彌陀自己來解釋祂所發的根本願,所以是最權威可靠,因此我們要回歸善導大師。

Namo Amituofo!

May 22, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Two Paths (of Importance and the Great Vow)

要弘二門判

From the passage separating the teachings into the Path of Importance and the Path of the Great Vow, we learn that the aim of the Contemplation Sutra is to explain the deliverance of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. It clearly indicates that, all those who wish to be reborn in the Pure Land of Bliss, must entrust themselves to the deliverance of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow.

All those who entrust in the deliverance of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, regardless whether they are good or evil, will enter the supreme and wonderful reward land, a realm of unconditioned Nirvana. There they will realize the ultimate fruits of infinite light and life, the same as Amitabha.

This is actually the objective of the 18th Vow, the King of the Vow among Amitabha’s 48 Vows. It is like water flowing through various streams and returning to the ocean, the moon’s light descending without detaching from the sky. If they depart from Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, sentient beings in the ten directions would have no way to enter the Pure Land and become Buddhas. In this teaching Master Shandao completely reveals the meaning of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow and Shakyamuni’s original intent.

由「要弘二門判」之文便可窺知《觀經》目的在於闡揚彌陀本願之救度,明示凡欲往生極樂淨土者,都必須乘託彌陀本願之救度,無一例外。

凡乘託彌陀本願之救度者,不論善人惡人,皆入彌陀無為涅槃之高妙報土,皆與彌陀同證光壽無量之最上極果。

此即是《大經》阿彌陀佛四十八願之中本願王──第十八願的宗旨。猶如水流原歸海,月落不離天;遠離彌陀本願大海,十方眾生即無歸處。彌陀本願,釋尊本懷,善導大師在此予以顯露無遺。

Namo Amituofo!

May 21, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

“Nirvana is beyond comparison”

(continued)

“ Its people will be wonderful and unexcelled. The seat of Enlightenment shall be supreme. My land, being like Nirvana itself, Shall be beyond comparison.” - In the Pure Land, there are the Buddha and Bodhisattvas (Buddha is the master and bodhisattvas are companions) enjoying the same Pure Land. It is the foremost because Amitabha Buddha is the foremost among all Buddhas, and the sacred beings from the ten directions, who are reborn in the Land of Bliss, are also the foremost.

What is the wonder, the excellence and the uniqueness of the Land of Bliss? It enables ordinary beings, bearing greed, hatred, and delusion, to be reborn in the Pure Land without subduing these qualities. Moreover, they can quickly ascend to the Buddha assembly and attain the ultimate fruit of Buddhahood. Just as Amitabha vowed - “My land, being like Nirvana itself, shall be beyond comparison”.

泥洹無雙 (續)

「其眾奇妙,道場超絕;國如泥洹,而無等雙」,淨土裏面有佛、有菩薩(佛是主人,菩薩是伴),同時有淨土的境界。既然極樂世界國土是第一,表示主人 —— 阿彌陀佛是十方諸佛之第一;往生到極樂世界的聖眾,也是十方聖眾之第一。

極樂世界之奇妙、之超絕、之無等雙在哪裡?在使我們貪瞋癡的凡夫,於貪瞋癡沒有降伏的情況下,能夠往生淨土,同時能夠快速、超越地坐道場、成佛果,這才是「國如泥洹,而無等雙」。

Namo Amituofo!

May 20, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

“Nirvana is beyond comparison”

A quote from the Infinite Life Sutra:

“When I have become a Buddha,

My land shall be most exquisite,

And its people will be wonderful and unexcelled.

The seat of Enlightenment shall be supreme.

My land, being like Nirvana itself,

Shall be beyond comparison.”

This is Amitabha Buddha’s call to all sentient beings in the ten directions, to come and enjoy his Land of Bliss.

“When I have become a Buddha, my land shall be the most exquisite.” Amitabha Buddha set forth his vows to accomplish Buddhahood and create the most unique and exquisite Pure Land of all. As we see, Amitabha’s Land of Bliss is the foremost among all Buddha-lands in the ten directions and the three periods of time. What are the characteristics of his Land?

(to be continued tomorrow)

泥洹無雙

《無量壽經》言:

令我作佛,國土第一:其眾奇妙,道場超絕;國如泥洹,而無等雙。

這是阿彌陀佛呼喚十方眾生到極樂世界所得到的受用。

「令我作佛,國土第一」,阿彌陀佛發願要成就的佛,所居住的國土是十方三世淨土之中第一無二的淨土,所以極樂世界是十方三世諸佛土之中的第一,無與倫比。國土的特色內涵在哪裡?

Namo Amituofo!

May 19, 2023

A Verse Sharing Compassionate Advice and Cautions - quoted from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》慈悲勸誡

All sentient beings in the Three Domains lack wisdom. Their bodies keep on reincarnating endlessly within the silly Six Realms.

Kindheartedly, all Buddhas teach the Dharma.

Unfortunately, sentient beings cannot fully understand them. It is as if they are deaf, blind, handicapped, or disabled.

When death suddenly comes, people are controlled by their suffering. Their minds are in chaos and they are paralyzed by fear.

Departing from all worldly matters, family and properties, one should concentrate his mind and aspire to be reborn in the West.

While continuously reciting Amitabha’s Name, the manifested buddhas and bodhisattvas slowly walk in front of us.

They offer us the lotus platform and receive us with welcoming hands. When our lives come to their end Amitabha Buddha will be there to receive us.

三界眾生無智慧,惛惛六道內安身;

諸佛慈心為說法,聾盲觝突伴不聞。

忽爾無常苦來逼,精神錯亂始驚忙;

萬事家生皆捨離,專心發願向西方。

彌陀名號相續念,化佛菩薩眼前行;

或與華臺或授手,須臾命盡佛迎將。

Namo Amituofo!

May 18, 2023

General Confusions and Misunderstandings by Amitabha-Reciters in order to attain Rebirth - By Master Jingzong

淨宗法師談念佛人的糊塗認識

Preface

To expound the Pure Land teaching was Shakyamuni Buddha’s original intent in appearing in this world. The principal meaning of the Pure Land teaching can only be completely understood by Buddhas.

In order to more fully learn the teaching, we have to follow the three Pure Land Sutras (the Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra, and the Amitabha Sutra), the one Shastra (“Shastra on Rebirth” by Bodhisattva Vasubandhu), and the commentaries of the other Pure Land patriarchs.

We should not mix the principles of other schools and sects, (such as Chan, Tantric, and Vinaya) in our interpretation of the Pure Land teaching. Otherwise, it is extremely easy to develop inaccurate understandings of the Pure Land teachings, and obstruct our rebirth through Amitabha-recitation. For reference purposes, the following examples are misunderstandings and confusions commonly encountered by Amitabha-reciters in the Pure Land teaching.

前言

淨土法門是釋迦牟尼佛的出世本懷,其宗義是“唯佛與佛乃能究竟”。我們要依據淨土宗的三經一論和淨土宗祖師的論著來學習,不能雜以禪密律教諸宗派的宗義來解釋淨土法門,否則極易產生錯誤知見,障礙念佛往生。下面列舉一些常見的錯誤認識,以供念佛人參考。

Namo Amituofo!

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Ever since that time, most Buddhists eventually accept this teaching, recite Amitabha’s Name, and return to the Pure Land. Thus, as we see, the Pure Land teaching is thriving in China. However, no one there can establish a Pure Land school. Though Master Shandao initially constructed the dogmas of the Pure Land teaching, there are no successors to further expound it.

Master Honen deeply respected Master Shandao, and he diligently studied all of the Five Books and the Nine Fascicles written by Master Shandao. Based upon his deep study and practice, he was able to distill the essence of those teachings and wrote a book called “the Collection on Choosing Amitabha-Recitation in Accord with the Fundamental Vow”. In that work, he further systematized the theology of Master Shandao’s literary works.

So, if we are not wise enough, yet wish to read Master Shandao’s Five Books and Nine Fascicles, we may not fully understand the principles, core teaching, and aim of the theology of Master Shandao. However, if we start with “the Collection on Choosing Amitabha-Recitation in Accord with the Fundamental Vow”, we may more clearly understand the core teachings and the aim of Master Shandao, as easily as seeing the palm prints of our hands.

中國自古以來,大多數學佛人最後還是念佛歸向淨土的,所以淨土法門在中國佛教是一枝獨秀,可是並沒有人能夠創立一個淨土的宗派出來,雖然善導大師已經將淨土教理初步建構完成了,但是後繼無人,沒有人把它進一步開展。

法然上人獨尊善導大師,他將善導大師的所有著作「五部九卷」完全消化後,提煉出最精純的部分,寫成這一本《選擇本願念佛集》,可以說《選擇本願念佛集》是把善導大師的著作思想,進一步系統化的組織。

所以,我們如果直接去看善導大師的五部九卷,若是智慧不足,反而會看不出善導大師思想的宗旨、核心和目的。若是由法然上人的《選擇本願念佛集》下手,那麼善導大師的思想核心,善導大師的目的,善導大師的法是什麼,就像看我們手掌中的掌紋一樣,瞭如指掌。

Namo Amituofo!

May 16, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Two Paths (of Importance and the Great Vow)

要弘二門判

“The manifested master in the Saha World” refers to Shakyamuni Buddha, who expounded the Path of Importance in the Pure Land teachings, at the request of Queen Vaidehi.

“The infinitely accomplished being in the Land of Peace and Joy” refers to Amitabha Buddha, who reveals the alternate Way, the Path of the Great Vow.

“Alternate ” means it is different from the general dogmas in Buddhism, such as the Eightfold Path, the Four Noble Truths, etc. The Great Vow is the 18th Vow of Amitabha, in which he promises to deliver sentient beings in the ten directions. This vow is extraordinary and all-embracing, which is why it is called the Great Vow.

「娑婆化主」是指釋迦牟尼佛,因韋提希夫人的請求,才開展出淨土法門裏面的所謂「要門」出來。

「安樂能人」是指阿彌陀佛,阿彌陀佛顯彰出「別義之弘願」。

「別義」是指它別於一般教理、一般因果、一般法門,故稱作別義;「弘願」即第十八願,為救度十方眾生,此願非常弘廣,所以叫做弘願。

Namo Amituofo!

May 15, 2023

The 31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

When the World Honored One neared the end of his teaching career, he earnestly advised his students to recite Amitabha’s Name.

When the Five Kinds of Turbidity in the world become more severe, people will be more doubtful and slander the Dharma more often. Monastics and householders will dislike each other and refuse to listen.

When they see others practicing Buddhist teachings, they look at them with hatred. They are destructive in many ways and compete in blaming each other.

Those who are blind to the value of the Buddha’s teachings and without any virtuous roots, will sink in the sea of suffering, as they destroy the Sudden Teaching.

Over countless eons they will fail to escape from the Three Wretched Realms. Let us all repent together with the same guilty hearts, for destroying many of the Dharmas in a variety of karmic circumstances.

The multitude feels the deepest admiration and unanimously aspires to be reborn.Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always offer them to the Buddha.

31. 讚付囑流通偈

願往生願往生

世尊說法時將了殷勤付囑彌陀名

五濁增時多疑謗道俗相嫌不用聞

見有修行起瞋毒方便破壞競生怨

如此生盲闡提輩毀滅頓教永沉淪

超過大地微塵劫未可得離三塗身

大眾同心皆懺悔所有破法罪因緣

眾等迴心生淨土手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

May 14, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Happiness and Stability

The Infinite Life Sutra says,

“I take pity on living beings

And resolve to save them all.

Those who come from the ten quarters

Shall find joy and serenity of heart.

When they reach my land

They shall dwell in peace and happiness.”

The aim of Dharmakara Bodhisattva in making his vows originated from his compassionate mind. This caused him to vow to save all sentient beings in the ten directions in the three periods of time; so that, all those who wish to be reborn in his Land of Bliss will be blessed with joy and serenity of heart. When they are reborn in the Land of Bliss, they will attain absolute happiness and stability, the state of Nirvana.

快樂安穩

《無量壽經》言:

我當愍哀,度脫一切; 十方來生,心悅清淨; 已到我國,快樂安穩。

法藏菩薩發願的目的,本就是來自悲憫之心,他說「我要度脫十方三世所有一切眾生,使十方世界欲生我極樂世界的眾生,讓他心悅清淨;到了我的極樂世界之後,讓他得到絕對性的快樂安穩,也就是涅槃的境界」。

Namo Amituofo!

May 13, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

A genuine practitioner, who believes and accepts the Pure Land teaching, naturally develops a temperament of humility and regret. He recites Amitabha’s Name and never forsakes it.

真正信受淨土法門的人,他自然會流露出:慚愧謙卑、念念不捨。

Namo Amituofo!

May 12, 2023

A Verse Sharing Compassionate Advice and Cautions quoted from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》慈悲勸誡

A multitude of heavenly and human beings encircle the Buddha, join their palms in admiration, and wish to hear the Buddha teaching this Sutra.

The Buddha knew that it was the perfect time to enlighten both ordinary and sacred beings; so, he asked Sariputra to listen with his full attention.

All Buddha-lands are pure and adorned. Ordinary beings who are distracted and confused, with a variety of false thoughts, are not likely to be reborn in them.

Thus, the Tathagata specially directs us to the Pure Land in the West, which is located beyond a hundred thousand billion Buddha-lands.

The Western Pure Land is most splendid and adorned with seven jewels. The lifespans of sacred and celestial beings there are extremely long.

Amitabha Buddha always shares the Dharma. All karmic obstructions to the Buddhist Way, encountered by living beings in the Land of Bliss, naturally perish.

人天大眾皆圍繞,傾心合掌願聞經;

佛知凡聖機時悟,即告舍利用心聽。

一切佛土皆嚴淨,凡夫亂想恐難生;

如來別指西方國,從是超過十萬億。

七寶莊嚴最為勝,聖眾人天壽命長;

佛號彌陀常說法,極樂眾生障自亡。

Namo Amituofo!

May 11, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

(continued)

Based on these criteria, Master Shandao possessed all the necessary qualifications. He was exclusive in practicing the Pure Land teaching, and, at the same time, his teachings were influential, deep, and vast. Because he promoted Amitabha-recitation for rebirth throughout most of his life, the capital (Zhang-an) was filled with the sounds of Amitabha-recitation, and almost all of the butchers there lost their jobs. From that, we know Master Shandao was proficient in his practice and in teaching others to believe.

Master Shandao wrote five books in nine fascicles, purely based on the three Pure Land scriptures. He especially emphasized Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow - the 18th Vow. What he taught was unprecedented. Systematically and logically, he compiled and organized the dogmas of Pure Land teaching, so that people would be able to establish new Sanghas with reference to them.

就此而論,善導大師具備這個條件標準。因為善導大師他本身專修淨土,同時他的教化非常的廣遠,在當時由於善導大師提倡念佛往生,使得長安城充滿念佛聲,甚至賣肉的生意蕭條,可見善導大師自修化他,自信教人信的深廣。

善導大師對這個法門有「五部九卷」的著作,這五部九卷都是純粹依據淨土的經典,尤其是依據彌陀根本的願心──第十八願開展出來的;且所開展的,是發前人所未發,將淨土的教理,有系統的組織起來,使淨土宗教理能夠系統化、邏輯化,也使得後來的人可以依據他的教理去創建一個宗派。

Namo Amituofo!

May 10, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

There are 13 recognized patriarchs in the Pure Land School of China. Master Shandao is the second patriarch. These 13 patriarchs taught and practiced the Pure Land teaching. They were virtuous and highly respected, so that many sentient beings followed them and learned the teaching. With respect to the Pure Land School, they benefited many sentient beings and contributed greatly. This is why they were chosen to be patriarchs. However, accepting the above conditions as benchmarks is not strict enough.

There should be four basic benchmarks:

1. He must have practiced the Pure Land teachings exclusively.

2. He must have contributed literary works.

3. His teaching must cover the ultimate truths, not expedient means.

4. His teachings must expand upon the core teachings of the School.

That is to say, his literary works must strictly abide by only the teachings of the School. His contributions cannot have been authored or published by anyone else. One who meets these criteria is qualified to be chosen as a patriarch.

(to be continued tomorrow)

中國淨土宗自古到現在為止,共推崇十三位祖師,善導大師被尊為第二位祖師。這十三位祖師本身是專修這個法門,有德行,同時也使很多眾生依循著他來學這個法門,也就是以這個法門來利益廣大的眾生,對於淨土法門有很大的貢獻,所以被推舉為祖師。

但其實僅僅以上述的條件為標準,是不夠嚴謹的,因為被推為一宗的祖師,是有標準的,這標準基本有四:(一)他本身專修淨土,(二)要有著作,(三)所說是了義非不了義,(四)於宗義有所發揮。

亦即他本身也有著作,而且這個著作完全是依據這個法門,不偏不倚,純純粹粹,同時是發前人所未發。這樣才有資格被推為祖師。

Namo Amituofo!

May 9, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about the Classification of Teachings – the Two Paths (of Importance and the Great Vow)

要弘二門判

(continued)

The passage above is known as the division of the teachings into the two paths - the Path of Importance and that of the Great Vow. It is not confined to the division of the teachings in the Contemplation Sutra; but, also includes the teachings of the Pure Land School.

The Path of Importance refers to the meditative virtues of the first 13 contemplations and the non-meditative virtues of the Three Meritorious deeds, and Nine Levels in the Contemplation Sutra. These are called “the two gates of meditative and non-meditative virtues.” Practitioners of these two gates cultivate merit and virtues, and dedicate them toward rebirth in the Pure Land. All the scriptures in the Tripitaka and the Twelve Divisions, except the three Pure Land

Sutras are included in the Path of Importance.

The Path of the Great Vow refers to Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow, i.e. the 18th Vow, in the Larger Sutra. Master Shandao clearly indicates that rebirth does not rely upon self-powered practices( “the two gates of meditative and non-meditative virtues”), that are dedicated in aspiration for rebirth. Rather, they totally rely upon deliverance through the power of Amitabha’s 18th vow, in order to attain rebirth in his Pure Land.

此文名為「要弘二門判」。此不只是對《觀經》的教判,同時也是整個淨土宗的教判。

「要門」指《觀經》之中十三觀之定善及三福九品之散善,所謂「定散二門」,修此功德迴向,以求往生。三藏十二部,八萬四千行,盡在此要門之內。

「弘願門」是指《大經》之中阿彌陀佛的本願,亦即第十八願。善導大師在此顯明往生不是依靠自力之定散二門,迴向求生;乃是全依彌陀本願之救度,自然往生。

Namo Amituofo!

May 8, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Two Paths of Importance and the Great Vow

要弘二門判

Master Shandao says in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, “The manifested master in the Saha World ( Shakyamuni Buddha), after being asked [by Queen Vaidehi], deeply opened the Path of Importance within the Pure Land teachings; while the capable being in the Land of Peace and Joy(Amitabha Buddha) revealed the alternative Path of the Great Vow.

The Path of Importance consists of two teachings - of meditative virtues and non-meditative virtues, as expounded in the Contemplation Sutra. Meditative virtues are meant to calm our anxiety through quieting our thoughts. Non-meditative virtues are meant to eliminate evil and nurture goodness. On this path one dedicates these two virtues, and aspires to be reborn [in the Pure Land].

On the Path of the Great Vow, it is, as said in the Larger Sutra (The Infinite Life Sutra), “For all good and evil ordinary beings to attain rebirth in the Pure Land, they must fully rely upon the karmic power of Amitabha’s Great Vow as the augmentative cause.”

(to be continued tomorrow)

善導大師《觀經四帖疏》云:

娑婆化主,因其請故,即廣開淨土之「要門」;安樂能人,顯彰別意之「弘願」。

其「要門」者:即此《觀經》定散二門是也。定即息慮以凝心,散即廢惡以修善;迴斯二行,求願往生。

言「弘願」者:如《大經》說:「一切善惡凡夫得生者,莫不皆乘阿彌陀佛大願業力為增上緣。

」

Namo Amituofo!

May 7, 2023

The 31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

30. A Verse to Reveal the Original Intent of Shakyamuni Buddha

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

The Tathagata appears in the world of Five Kinds of Turbidity, and uses various expedient means to teach all ordinary beings according to their circumstances.

He sometimes offers extensive teachings in order to deliver them. At other times he gives them a precise interpretation of those teachings; so, they may realize the three kinds of paranormal powers.

He sometimes teaches about wisdom and compassion, in order to eradicate our obstructions. At other times he teaches sitting meditation, for us to perceive and contemplate.

All of the teachings can lead us to emancipation; however, none of them is better than the teaching of rebirth in the West through Amitabha-recitation.

For one’s whole life at maximum, or just three to ten times at minimum, so that Amitabha Buddha appears, and welcomes us as we near death.

This occurs simply because Amitabha’s vows are so powerful and all encompassing, that they enable ordinary beings to attain rebirth immediately through Amitabha-recitation.

The multitude unanimously admires Amitabha and aspires to be reborn. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always offer them to the Buddha.

顯釋尊本懷偈

願往生願往生

如來出現於五濁隨宜方便化群萌

或說多聞而得度或說少解證三明

或教福慧雙除障或教禪念坐思量

種種法門皆解脫無過念佛往西方

上盡一形至十念三念五念佛來迎

直為彌陀弘誓重致使凡夫念即生

眾等迴心皆願往手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

May 6, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Giving them Great Peace

The infinite Life Sutra says, “I vow that, when I have become a Buddha, I shall carry out this promise everywhere; and to all fear-ridden beings, I shall give great peace. “

“I” refers to Amitabha Buddha in his causal ground, who was then named Dharmakara Bodhisattva. He vowed to become a Buddha who would be capable of clearing all kinds of fears from all sentient beings, and giving them deep peace. To give all frightened sentient beings the deepest peace is Amitabha Buddha’s aim in becoming a Buddha.

為作大安

《無量壽經》言:吾誓得佛,普行此願; 一切恐懼,為作大安。

「吾」是指阿彌陀佛於因地、身為法藏菩薩時的自我稱呼。他發誓要成為能使一切眾生去除恐懼、得大安穩的佛。使恐懼的眾生得到大安穩,就是阿彌陀佛發願成佛的目的。

Namo Amituofo!

May 5, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in the Pure Land School

淨土信仰

As Buddhists, we must work to clear our karmic offenses in accordance with the conditions we encounter, refrain from committing new offenses, and willingly accept any adverse circumstances. Secondly, we must exclusively recite Namo Amituofo; and thirdly, we must aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

一個念佛人,第一要隨緣消舊業,更莫造新殃,逆來順受,隨遇而安;第二要專念南無阿彌陀佛;第三要願生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

May 4, 2023

A Verse about Compassionate Advice and Cautions - quoted from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》慈悲勸誡偈

Living in the realm of birth-and-death for many eons, we constantly and directlysuffer from sinking into the Three Wretched Realms.

Now, we have been born in a human body and have heard the Right Dharma. We are like thirsty people finding a spring of clean water.

Upon hearing about it , we think of the Pure Land teaching in every single thought, and vow to practice according to every word and sentence.

Remembering the sorrow of wandering in those days, I listen to the Dharma attentively, in order to enter the real gate.

There is no birth and no differentiation in the Pure Land, as we have a diamond body of ultimate emancipation.

曠劫以來居生死,三塗常沒苦皆逕;

始服人身聞正法,由如渴者得清泉。

念念思聞淨土教,文文句句誓當勤;

憶想當時流浪苦,專心聽法入真門。

淨土無生亦無別,究竟解脫金剛身。

Namo Amituofo!

Thursday, May 4, 2023

May 3, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

Theory of Rebirth in the Reward Land by Ordinary Beings - With the aid of his understanding of trustworthy words, Master Daochuo revealed the doctrine of Rebirth in the Reward Land by Ordinary Beings in the Pure Land School.

First, he defined Amitabha Buddha and his Pure Land as the Reward Buddha and the Reward Land respectively. In Chapter 7 of the First Great Gate in his book (“the Collection on Peace and Joy”) refers to the Sutra on Common Nature in Mahayana, and says, “ All those who become Buddhas in the pure lands exist in their Reward Bodies, and all those who become Buddhas in the defiled lands exist in their Transformed Bodies.

This is because “a pure land is formed as the reward of a Buddha who makes vows and practices in the causal ground; so, it is commonly called a reward land.” Thus, those who attain perfect Enlightenment and become Buddhas also receive a Reward Body.

Moreover, in determining that ordinary beings can be reborn in Amitabha’s land of rewards through reliance on the power of Amitabha’s vow, he says in Chapter 8, “In Amitabha’s Pure Land, the superior, inferior, ordinary, and sacred live together because of the Buddha’s vow. It is applicable to all of these types of beings because it enables them to attain rebirth.

凡夫入報論:道綽大師引用聖言量顯明凡夫入報土之宗義。

首先判定阿彌陀佛及其淨土是報身、報土,本書(《安樂集》)第一大門第七章引用《大乘同性經》言:「淨土中成佛者悉是報身,穢土中成佛者悉是化身。」

因為「淨土乃酬佛之因位願行而現成者,故說皆是報土。」而於淨土中得道成佛者,亦當然為報身。

其次判定凡夫依靠彌陀願力能夠往生彌陀報土,其第八章說:「彌陀淨國,位該上下,凡聖同往,......由佛願故,乃該通上下,致令凡夫之善,並得往生。」

Namo Amituofo!

May 2, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Classification of Teachings – the Sacred and the Pure Land teachings

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

Enlightenment in the Sacred Path refers to the thorough realization of our Fundamental Nature through the perfection of wisdom, in order to become a Buddha. Enlightenment in the Pure Land Path refers to the realization of our ignorance, simple acceptance of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, and being reborn in his Pure Land where we become Buddhas.

The word “enlightenment” is the same ; but, its meanings are different. Those who thoroughly accept the Fundamental Vow are truly rare among human beings. Though they are ignorant and inferior, without any of the enlightenment of the sacred teachings, they deserve to be called “enlightened beings”. I hope everyone can thoroughly accept the Fundamental Vow and be protected by Amitabha.

聖道門的悟,是極智慧徹悟本性,見性成佛。淨土門的悟,是還愚癡徹悟本願,往生成佛。

悟字相同,意則不同。何況徹悟本願之人,是人中上上人,稀有人。雖愚癡卑賤,毫無聖道之悟,亦無所求,無所欠,且當之無愧。期望大家皆能徹悟本願,安住彌陀。

Namo Amituofo!

May 1, 2023

The 31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

29. A verse Praising the Virtues Each Other

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

The World Honored One earnestly teaches his chief disciple, Sariputra, that the great compassion of all Buddhas is the same.

They praise each other without any differences in their minds. Each of them expediently plays different roles, in response to the aptitudes of their students and the timing of their deliverance.

All Tathagatas of the six directions praise Shakyamuni, whose appearance was an extremely rare occurrence.

It was an extremely fortunate period when Shakyamuni taught sentient beings in the world of Five Kinds of Turbidity, because their ignorance was extremely severe and very hard to eliminate.

Because turbidity increases with the passage of time, people’s bodies become smaller. The wickedness of the turbidity in sentient beings is like snakes and dragons.

The turbidity of afflictions is everywhere, exceeding the number of grains of dust in the world. Love and hatred, adversity and fortune, are piled as high as Mount Yue.

The turbidity of views is like a tree with spines and thorns. The turbidity of life results in sudden premature death.

The direct and circumstantial rewards are extinguished simultaneously. People turn their backs on the orthodox, follow heretics, and blame each other with no good reason.

All ninety-five kinds of heterodox teachings spoil the world. The Buddhist teaching is the only one that is pure and relaxed.

The aspiration of Buddhas to share Perfect Enlightenment extends boundlessly. They return to the burning house to deliver human and celestial beings.

The multitude unanimously admires them and aspires to be reborn. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands, and always offer them to the Buddhas.

29. 互相讚德偈

願往生願往生

世尊殷勤告身子表知諸佛大悲同

互相讚德心無異巧應時機各有功

六方如來皆讚歎釋迦出現甚難逢

正治五濁時興盛無明頑硬似高峰

劫濁時移身漸小眾生濁惡等蛇龍

惱濁遍滿過塵數愛憎違順若岳山

見濁叢林如棘刺命濁中夭剎那間

依正二報同時滅背正歸邪橫起怨

九十五種皆污世唯佛一道獨清閑

出到菩提心無盡還來火宅度人天

眾等迴心皆願往手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

April 30, 2023

Apr 30, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Quickly Be Reborn in my Buddhaland

The Adornment Sutra says, “All beings in the various realms of reincarnation come to be reborn in my land and receive the fullness of joy!”

“Various realms” refer to the Six Realms. “All beings in the various realms of reincarnation” are sentient beings who reincarnate within the Six Realms.

This means that Amitabha hopes that reincarnated sentient beings will wish to go to the Land of Bliss after their present lives, so he can relieve them from the suffering of reincarnation within the Six Realms, and enjoy the Buddha’s rewards of freedom, peace and joy.

“My Buddha-land (‘Buddha-kshetra”) refers to the Land of Bliss, which is Amitabha Buddha’s world. Amitabha enables us to be reborn in his world of perfection. “Quickly reborn” means to be reborn as soon as our present lives are finished.

速生我剎

《莊嚴經》言:

輪迴諸趣眾生類,速生我剎受快樂。

「諸趣」就是六道,「輪迴諸趣眾生類」就是輪迴六道的眾生。

「速生我剎受快樂」,希望輪迴的眾生今生今世就到極樂世界去,不受六道輪迴之苦,能

夠享受自在、安樂的佛果。

「我剎」就是極樂世界,極樂世界是佛的世界,阿彌陀佛要我們往生到這樣一個世界, 而且「速生」── 今生今世就到這個世界。

Namo Amituofo!

April 29, 2023

Apr 29, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in the Pure Land School

淨土信仰

If a person is sincere, the Buddha will respond to him, and support him without the person realizing it. However, at other times, we have to deal with a matter only with our best capacity. This is regarded as being “in accord with the conditions”. We try our best, with an unbiased and unattached mind, not to care about our own gain or loss.

People should develop a mind of responsibility and a sense of honor, repay our debts and act according to conditions. In terms of paying debts, when a person comes across adverse conditions, he should understand that there must be a reason for them. We must owe someone something. As the conditions ripen, other people may ask us to pay our debts.

In order to act according to conditions, we should always think of it as gratefully repaying a debt in all circumstances. We should not feel it is unfair or unsatisfying, harbor resentments, or even attempt to take revenge.

人有誠心,佛有感應,冥冥之中,都會有佛的加持。當然有事情的時候,要看事辦事,當盡心盡力之後,就是隨緣,平常心看待,不患得患失。

人要有責任心、榮譽感,同時要有所謂的「報冤行」和「隨緣行」。「報冤行」──當遇到逆境,要想到這不是沒有原因的,一定是生生世世以來,我們虧欠人家,現在因緣到了,所以自然別人會來討債。

「隨緣行」──要有一種償報冤債的觀念,隨今生今世的緣去償還人家。不應該有不平、不滿,甚至積忿在懷,想要報復的心。

Namo Amituofo!

April 28, 2023

Apr 28, 2023

A Verse about Compassionate Advice and Cautions quoted from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》慈悲勸誡偈

I feel insignificant compared to the great compassionate Shakyamuni, and all Buddhas in the ten directions, as many as the sands of the Ganges.

They never forsake me; but, compassionately guide me through many skillful means, towards the gate of Amitabha’s Great Vow.

All of the many gates within the forty-eight vows support the great vow of name-recitation, which is the most intimate.

When we recite Amitabha’s name, he embraces us with his mind; if we think of Amitabha, he knows it.

Those who exclusively remember the Buddha are also remembered and known by the Buddha.

If they sincerely dedicate all of their merits towards rebirth in the Land of Peace and Joy, they can see Amitabha’s fully adorned golden body, which is also adorned with merits and virtues.

All sacred beings are equally adorned in the Pure Land. They always appear before practitioners in a mist.

Any practitioner who has seen these sacred beings becomes incredibly joyful. They follow the Buddha and sit upon a golden lotus when their life ends.

Riding upon the lotus, they arrive at a Buddhist Assembly in a flash, realize the state of non-retrogression, and immediately become benevolent bodhisattvas.

慚愧釋迦大悲主,十方恒沙諸世尊;

不捨慈悲巧方便,共讚彌陀弘誓門。

弘誓多門四十八,偏標念佛最為親;

人能念佛佛還念,專心想佛佛知人。

一切迴心向安樂,即見真金功德身;

淨土莊嚴諸聖眾,籠籠常在行人前。

行者見已心歡喜,終時從佛坐金蓮;

一念乘華到佛會,即證不退入三賢。

Namo Amituofo!

April 27, 2023

Apr 27, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

Name-recitation in accord with the Fundamental Vow contains the main principle and objective of the Pure Land School. It originates from the 18th Vow in the Great Sutra. Master Daochuo considered the Vow as the body of the entire teaching. It means that he explained the concept of “the Fundamental Vow” and “Name-Recitation" in his book - the Collection on Peace and Joy.

In Chapter 3 - the Third Great Gate, he says in the passage on the divisions of the teachings of the Sacred Gate and the Pure Land Gate, as follows:

The Great Sutra says, “ if a sentient being who has committed offenses for his entire life, recites my name and is not born in my land, I will not attain perfect Enlightenment.” This idea is inherited from Nagarjuna Bodhisattva, who established the fundamental dogma of “Name-recitation in accord with the Fundamental Vow”.

本願稱名說:淨土門以「本願稱名為宗」,其根源來自《大經》之第十八願,道綽大師以此願為淨土門的教體,即所謂「本願」,並以「稱名」解釋之,本書(《安樂集》)第三大門第三章之「聖淨二門判」說:大經》云:若有眾生,縱令一生造惡,臨命終時,十念相續,稱我名字,若不生者,不取正覺。」此是承續著龍樹菩薩以來「本願稱名」之根本教義。

Namo Amituofo!

April 26, 2023

Apr 26, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Sacred and the Pure Land teachings

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

In regard to the oneness of sentient beings and the Buddha, the Sacred Path says there is no difference between mind, Buddha and ordinary beings; because ordinary beings’ “original nature” possess the same qualities as a Buddha. This belief causes ordinary beings to believe they can realize their Buddha Nature through their own power. However, accomplishing this is as difficult as flying to the moon. So, it is said, “Out of millions and billions of people, it is rare for even one to attain the Way.”

The Pure Land teaching is totally different. Pure Land practitioners know that, though sentient beings have the Buddha-Nature, they cannot realize it without totally relying on Amitbaha’s deliverance. As easily as we turn over our hands, ten thousand out of ten thousand can be reborn.

聖道門所講的是「生佛一如」,凡夫跟佛,所謂「心佛眾生三無差別」,凡夫本性都具有佛的內涵,所以他們是想以自己的力量,去證悟自己的佛性而成佛,但這事難如登天,所謂「億億人修行,罕一得道」。

淨土法門完全不一樣,淨土法門曉得眾生雖有佛性,但以我們自己的力量證悟不到,所以完全依靠彌陀救度,則易如反掌,所謂萬修萬人去。

Namo Amituofo!

April 25, 2023

Apr 25, 2023

The 31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

28. A verse explaining how all Buddhas embrace and remember

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

Shakyamuni Tathagata possessed Great compassion. It caused him to transform and appear in the Saha World to deliver sentient beings.

Sentient beings reside in all of the three thousand realms. He teaches them in accordance with their aptitudes and capacities, how to eliminate greed and hatred and attain enlightenment.

He advises them to let go of impermanent celestial and human joys, because the Eight Sufferings of birth-and-death are like a burning fire that seriously injures people.

People can think of Buddhas and recite the Sutras to eradicate their karmic obstructions. All Buddhas will embrace and protect them remotely.

They should make a strong wish during the six periods of time. Controlling their minds while practicing without distractions, they accomplish the karma that assures rebirth.

Once they accomplish the karma of assurance, they can see the Buddha, the Master of the Lotus Altar. Upon arrival in that land the altar transforms to a purple golden color.

They follow the Buddha and travel freely to enter the jeweled country, where they never again hear any sounds of sorrow or worry.

The multitude is filled with admiration and unanimously aspires to be reborn. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always offer them to the Buddha.

28.釋諸佛護念偈

願往生願往生

釋迦如來大慈悲應現娑婆度有緣

有緣遍滿三千界隨機示悟斷貪癡

總勸厭此人天樂無常八苦火燒人

念佛誦經除罪障諸佛遙加護念身

晝夜六時強發願持心不散業還成

業成見佛華臺主須臾變作紫金臺

從佛逍遙入寶國畢竟永絕愁憂聲

眾等迴心皆願往手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!