Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Classification of Teachings – the Two Paths (of Importance and the Great Vow)
要弘二門判
The Path of Importance refers to practicing meditative and non-meditative virtues through one’s own power, and dedicating those merits toward rebirth. This was labeled the “Difficult Path” by Nagarjuna Bodhisattva, and “Self-Power” by Master Tanluan.
The Path of the Great Vow totally relies upon the power of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. It contains Amitabha’s inconceivable power of deliverance, which is also known as the karmic power of the Great Vow. Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow has already been accomplished for all sentient beings in the ten directions. It embraces ALL sentient beings in the ten directions without anyone being excluded! This is why this vow is known as the Great Vow. Nagarjuna Bodhisattva called it the Easy Path and Master Tanluan labeled it “Other Power”.
「要門」是自己修行定善或散善,迴向求生;此龍樹菩薩謂之「難行道」,曇鸞大師謂之「自力」。
「弘願」是全憑彌陀本願力,彌陀本願已預先為十方眾生完成了不可思議的救度力,亦即大願業力,十方眾生萬機不漏,善惡皆攝,弘廣大願,故名弘願;此龍樹菩薩謂之「易行道」,曇鸞大師謂之「他力」。
Namo Amituofo!
