Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about the Classification of Teachings – the Two Practices (Primary and Miscellaneous)
正雜二行判
Bowing to Amitabha while reciting his Name is a recommended practice. However, if the one he bows to is not Amitabha, the bowing is not considered to be a “supportive karma.” This is because the merit and virtues of bowing for rebirth are not directly related to the bowing itself ; but, only as an accompaniment to reciting Amitabha’s Name.
So, bowing to Amitabha Buddha for rebirth is only effective when reciting Amitabha’s Name. If a practitioner thinks that, without bowing, he will not accumulate adequate meritorious practices or credentials for rebirth, he attaches too much value to bowing. Then bowing will become a miscellaneous practice among the primary practices for rebirth, not the exclusive practice for rebirth.
如果一方面念佛,一方面禮拜,那還可以,但如果禮拜的對象不是阿彌陀佛,就不成為這個法門的助行。而且,禮拜的往生功德不在於禮拜的本身,而是因為有這一句名號,所以禮拜阿彌陀佛,一方面禮拜,一方面念佛,才有往生的功能;如果執著自己非禮佛拜佛不可,否則功行不夠,資糧有缺,這樣就成為正行當中的雜修,而不是專修了。
Namo Amituofo!
