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!
