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!
