The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao
善導大師
As Amitabha-reciters our purpose is to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. In order to do this we need a good advisor, whose teaching is pristine and whose practice is exclusive. Even though we aim for the Land of Bliss, and know the method of exclusive recitation of “Namo Amituofo”, we may lose our bearings in the course of learning if we have no good advisor to guide us, and help us with any worries that may hinder the great matter of our rebirth.
As far as a good advisor in our school is concerned, Master Shandao, the incarnation of Amitabha, is the most authoritative among all patriarchs. Master Shandao was an eminent monk in the Tang Dynasty. One time, when he recited Amitabha’s Name , a beam of light came out of his mouth. The Emperor and the Buddhists of his time called him “ the Great Monk of Light”. Master Shandao established the dogma of the pristine Pure Land School and is considered its de facto founder. When learning and practicing the Pure Land teaching, one must practice in accordance with the theology set forth by Master Shandao, the incarnation of Amitabha. In this way you will not waste your time.
我們是念佛的人,目的是要往生極樂世界,同樣也要有純正不偏、專修專弘的善知識來指導我們。否則,雖然目標是極樂世界,曉得方法是專念南無阿彌陀佛,但若沒有善知識指導,學習的過程恐將多繞彎路、迷失方向;或者因心中有所擔憂,而障礙了往生大事。
我們這一個法門的善知識,以祖師來講,最有權威的就是彌陀化身的善導大師。善導大師是唐朝的一位高僧,他念一聲佛號就有一道光明,當時的皇帝以及學佛者,都尊稱他為「光明和尚」。善導大師是純正淨土宗教理的開創者,亦即淨土宗的開宗祖師。要修學淨土法門,就必須根據彌陀化身的善導大師的淨土思想去修持,這樣才不會走冤枉路。
Namo Amituofo!
