Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
112. The Most Virtuous Root in the Pure Land teaching
Buddhist teachings do not depend upon the level of one’s knowledge or vocabulary, especially the Pure Land teaching. The Pure Land teaching one is given is not based on one’s wisdom, culture, or knowledge. It is solely based on the aptitude of those receiving it.
Some people can read many teachings; but, are still full of doubts. They must repeatedly think about what they have read, in order to gradually develop belief in the Fundamental Vow of Amitabha Buddha. They are regarded as possessing inferior virtuous roots compared with those who may not be as smart. Though they are illiterate, they exclusively practice Amitabha-recitation after they hear that it leads to assured rebirth in the Pure Land. They recite day and night for the remainder of their lives and are regarded as possessing the most virtuous roots in the Pure Land teaching.
112 淨土最上根
佛法並不在於文字知識的多少,尤其是淨土法門。淨土門不以學問、智慧、文化、知識來判斷根機高下。
或有讀遍經教,可是心中疑團很重,要反覆思維、反覆辯解,慢慢才能相信阿彌陀佛本願,這和質直的愚夫愚婦相比,反而是下根。雖然一字不識,但一聽說念佛必然往生就專一念佛、常行念佛,從早到晚,從晚到早,一輩子不改變,這就是淨土的最上根。
Namo Amituofo!
