Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life
淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答
Question about the meaning, the aim and the pursuit of existence after becoming a Buddha
Answer (continuation to Q11 - 3/5):
Buddhist terminologies sometimes speak of the exploitation of Buddha Nature, and sometimes speak of awakening to become a Buddha. The process of awakening to become a Buddha involves the innate awakening, the initial awakening, and the ultimate awakening.
The original Buddha Nature is the innate awakening. Being deluded, then awakened, then understanding the original Buddha Nature is the initial awakening. Having the perfect and complete awakening is called the ultimate awakening.
Rebirth in the Pure Land is the same. It also describes returning to the original home of Buddha Nature; but, it is explained with respect to the environment. Relying on the karmic power of Amitabha Buddha’s great vows is far more appropriate and accessible for ignorant ordinary beings, than attempting the awakening of our Buddha Nature through our own cultivation. That is why it is called the “Easy Path”.
Such ideas as goals, pursuits, and meaning do not exist in Buddhas and bodhisattvas. In the Buddha’s Realm all Dharmas exist in stillness. So, the Diamond Sutra says, “All sentient beings have been delivered to extinction ; but actually, not a single sentient being is to be delivered’, and there is “no notion of self, no notion of people, no notion of sentient beings and no notion of life”.
In our consciousness we have all four notions. So we say, “Oh Buddhas, are you finished delivering sentient beings? What are you doing now? Is it boring?” Thinking such things is due to the afflictions of ordinary beings. Buddhas have cut off all afflictions; so, how can they feel bored? How can they pursue a goal?
“Buddhas compassionately delivering sentient beings” is described with human language. This kind of Buddha’s deliverance involves no-action, is natural, with completely free will. Thus, the realms of Buddhas are perfect and complete.
(to be continued tomorrow)
在佛教專用術語中,或者說開發佛性,或者說覺悟成佛。覺悟成佛,就有本覺、始覺、究竟覺。
本來的佛性,這稱為“本覺”;迷惑了,開悟、瞭解本來的佛性,叫“始覺”;到最後的圓滿覺悟,稱為“究竟覺”。往生淨土也是一樣的,它是從對境來說明這件事,其實也是回歸本有佛性的家鄉。
但是,是依據諸佛,尤其是阿彌陀佛別願、大願業力的外緣作用,比我們自己覺悟佛性、修行圓滿方便太多,所以稱為“易行道”。
什麼“目標、追求、意義”,這些詞對佛菩薩來說不存在。佛的境界,一切萬法本來寂滅,有什麼目標追求?所以《金剛經》裡說“滅度一切眾生已,而無有一眾生實滅度者”“無我相,無人相,無眾生相,無壽者相”。
其實以我們的觀念,是有人相,有我相,有眾生相,有壽者相,才說“佛,你度眾生度完了吧,你還幹什麼?無聊了嗎?”這都是凡夫的煩惱,佛已經斷除一切煩惱,怎麼會覺得無聊呢?怎麼還會有一個目標要實現呢?只是就凡夫的語言來說,佛慈悲救度眾生。佛這種度眾生也是無作,任運自然,所以佛是圓滿的境界。
Namo Amituofo!
