Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
106 Amitabha-Recitation is the Same as Reliance on the Buddha’s Vow
The moment we recite Amitabha’s Name, we immediately board the ship of
Amitbha’s vow. It is not that we board after we recite Amitabha’s Name. It is not that we board only if we are skilful in reciting Amitabha’s Name. It is also not that we only board near the end-of-life, even though we continually
recite Amitabha’s Name in the present.
It means that Amitaba-recitation itself establishes full reliance on the Buddha’s Vow. As soon as we recite Amitabha’s name, we are already on board the ship of Amitabha Buddha’s vow. If it is with our last breath, we will be reborn instantly.
Moreover, as soon as we recite Amitabha’s name, our minds are replete with the merits and virtues of rebirth. There is no need to have: any particular skills, any deep meditative state, any uninterrupted pure mind, subduing or severing our delusions, reaching the single-mindedness of phenomena and law, etc.
It is not that the present recitation of Amitabha’s name is simply a habit, that will only be affirmed near the end-of-life. Rebirth is assured in the present life; so, the great matter of rebirth is accomplished right in this moment.
106念佛即是乘佛願
念佛當下即是乘佛願船,非念而後乘願船,亦非念至功夫成片方乘願船,亦非平生念佛,至臨終方乘。
意思就是說,念佛的本身即是乘佛願,當下念佛,當下就已乘上阿彌陀佛的願船,如果當下斷氣,當下就往生。
而且,當下念佛,以當下的心境,就已經擁有往生的功德,並不需要功夫,念到所謂的「功夫成片」「夢寐一如」「淨念相繼」,或降伏見惑、斷除思惑、達到事一心、理一心......,不是這樣的。
也不是現在的念佛只在培養階段,等到臨終才確定下來,決定能不能往生,而是「平生業成」,往生大事,當下成就。
Namo Amituofo!
