Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Two Paths (of Importance and the Great Vow)
要弘二門判
In the beginning of his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, Master Shandao explicitly delineates the methods for attaining rebirth in the Land of Bliss, the Path of Importance and the Path of the Great Vow.
The Path of Importance teaches techniques for calming one’s emotions through focusing one’s mind, and thereby eliminating evil and nurturing goodness. To calm one’s emotions through focusing one’s mind is a meditative approach. Eliminating evil actions and encouraging goodness are non-meditative virtues. To dedicate the merit attained through these practices and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss is the Path of Importance.
On the Path of the Great Vow we rely upon the karmic power of Amitabha Buddha’s 18th Vow as our augmentative cause, as said in the Infinite Life Sutra.
善導大師的《觀經四帖疏》開宗明義就說《觀經》對於往生極樂世界的方法,有分「要門」和「弘願」。
「要門」是息慮凝心以及廢惡修善,「息慮凝心」就是「定善」,「廢惡修善」就是「散善」,把這兩門的功德用來迴向往生極樂,這稱為「要門」。
另一種是「弘願」,「弘願」是《無量壽經》第十八願所講的,意即靠阿彌陀佛的大願業力為念佛的增上緣。
Namo Amituofo!
