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!
