Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The Six-Character Name is Like a Mani Pearl
What is a Mani Pearl? The Treatise on the Great Wisdom Paramita says:
The Mani Pearl originated within the brain of the Dragon King. If a person can possess the pearl, he will not be hurt by poisons or burned by fire, as its merit and virtues are inconceivable.
People said, “When Lord Shaka used diamond weapons to fight with Asuras, the debris falling to Jambudvipa became the Mani pearls. Other people said, “They are the Sarira of the ancient buddhas. Though they have become extinct, their Sarira became pearls to benefit sentient beings.” Some people also say, “It is the natural reward for the virtues attained due to certain causal conditions. They are just like the instruments of torture used to inflict our natural retributions in hell.”
The Mani Pearl is also known as the Wish fulfilling Pearl. It has no fixed color; but, it is clear, lightweight. and wonderful. It can reflect all of the four continents and Mount Sumeru. All kinds of jewels, clothes, food, and beverages can emerge from it. It can make all of our wishes come true and clear our afflictions of aging and illness as well.
(to be continued tomorrow 1/5)
六字名號如摩尼寶珠
摩尼寶珠是什麼？《大智度論》說：摩尼寶珠來源於龍王的腦。如果能得到寶珠，則毒不能侵害，火不能焚燒，功德不可思議。
有人說：「是帝釋使用金剛與阿修羅戰鬥時，碎片落入閻浮提而成為這種寶珠。」另有人說：「是過去久遠的佛舍利，儘管法已經滅盡，但是舍利變成寶珠，以便賜予眾生利益。」還有人說：「因為眾生的福德因緣，自然有寶珠。譬如業感報應，在地獄中，自然有治罪的刑具。」
摩尼寶珠又稱為「如意珠」，因為沒有固定的顏色，清澈、輕妙，能夠照見在須彌山週邊的四天下之物；常能湧出一切寶物，不論衣服、飲食，都能隨心所欲，給予眾生。另外也能破除衰老、煩惱、病苦等。
Namo Amituofo!
