Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Elimination of the Settlement of Mind
(continued)
The Three States of Mind are very important in terms of the 18th Vow, why are they eliminated? About 800 years ago, Master Honen established the Pure Land School in Japan, entirely based on Master Shandao’s teachings. In response to this question he replied, “By simply believing that a sentient being is assured of rebirth by reciting (Amitabha’s Name), he will already have the Three States of Mind. “Thus, this part (“sincerely and joyfully entrusting in Amitabha, and wishing to be reborn in that land”) is eliminated with no further explanation necessary.
Master Honen’s answer was so simple and clear! It beautifully explains Master Shandao’s teaching in full, not partially, and makes it easier to understand.
略安心
這「三心」對第十八願來講是非常重要的,為什麼會省略掉呢?八百多年前,完全依善導大師的淨土教理創立淨土宗的法然上人回答說:「只要相信眾生稱念必定往生極樂世界,這樣自然就具足三心、具足『至心信樂,欲生我國』了,為了顯示這個道理,所以就省略這部分沒有另外解釋。」
法然上人解答得很簡要明瞭,讓我們清楚善導大師這樣的解釋並非斷章取義,而是更容易理解三心,當下能夠一目瞭然。
Namo Amituofo!
