Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
No Need to Verify with a Seal (continued)
Because people have different psychological states, which change according to external circumstances, it is difficult to keep one’s faith consistently strong. The content of faith is not substantial, but abstract. (Not to mention that afflictions can occur suddenly) We cannot seek the delighted mind that we experienced before. If we do, the following question may arise: “At one time I was elated by learning about Amitabha’s deliverance? I like that feeling of delight, but I cannot feel it now?” This is a kind of affliction when one keeps seeking verification about whether one has faith or not. Thus, one should know it is incorrect to view our emotions as the barometer for the value of our faith.
無需印證 (續)
由於人的心理狀態各有不同,而且隨著環境而變化,如果依此作為信的內容,那就難以堅固,抽象不具體。何況煩惱一旦浮現了,以前的那種歡喜的心再也找不到,他就會打一個問號:
「我在什麼時候,什麼情形之下,對彌陀的救度是那樣感動,那種感覺讓我很有法喜,可是現在好像一點都體會不到了。」這就是為了印證自己到底信了沒有而有所苦惱。由此可知,錯把自己的感情作為所信的內容、所信的對象,這就不對了。
Namo Amituofo!
