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!
