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!
