The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao
善導大師
Master Shandao was able to synthesize the Pure Land teachings and form a school by presenting it in a way that was so systematic and well organized that people could easily see the method of attaining rebirth - the Five Primary Practices. People don’t find it difficult to
comprehend or that its meanings are ambiguous. Master Shandao’s synthesization set the precedent. Master Daochuo, Master Shandao’s teacher, and Master Tanluan, whom Master Daochuo followed, contributed a great deal and played important roles in the Pure Land
lineage; but, the synthesizer was undoubtedly Master Shandao.
善導大師之所以能夠開展一個宗門出來,就是因為他將淨土法門做有系統、條理性的組織,讓人很淺易的就能夠一眼看出往生的方法──五正行,而不會覺得艱澀,或模稜兩可。善導大師這種開展可以說是前無古人,後無來者,當然他的師父道綽禪師以及道綽禪師所依止的曇鸞大師,對於淨土法門已經有所發揮和開展了,可是集大成者卻是在善導大師。
Namo Amituofo!
