Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life
淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答
(continuation of the answer to Q15 - 2/3)
In the Pure Land School we have another way of “letting go.” We entrust ourselves to Amitabha Buddha, especially in respect to the great matter of birth-and-death. The suffering of reincarnation due to karmic offenses committed during countless eons will be released and placed upon the shoulders of Amitabha Buddha.
How can we unload our karmic offenses? By loading them on the ship of Amitabha’s great compassionate vow. In this way, we get a taste of the relaxation letting go can bring to our lives. Our hands are freed to help others.
The Infinite Life Sutra says, “He carries their heavy karmic burdens upon his back.” Amitabha Buddha says, “Please let me take up your burden?” You must agree to let him do it.
So, letting go is not giving up; but, letting Amitabha deliver us by simply reciting his name. In this way our minds can rest and relax. Amitabha does the work and allows me to dedicate myself to love and help the people around me.” It is a virtuous cycle.
(to be continued tomorrow)
以淨土宗來說,我們的放下,是有一個拜託的對象,把一切拜託給阿彌陀佛;尤其生死這件大事,無窮劫來輪迴,業力的痛苦,這一切都放到阿彌陀佛的肩上。阿彌陀佛是艘大願船,那我們這些拉拉雜雜的東西、業力,放哪裡啊?放下得有地方放啊,我們只能放到彌陀慈悲的大願船上,我們所有身心的業力,就乘托佛的願船。
在這樣的大背景下,多少能夠體會人生放下的一種滋味,輕鬆自在。我們無始劫來的罪業,
有地方放下了,就騰出了雙手,多少也可以幫助周圍有緣的人。所以《無量壽經》說“荷負群生,為之重擔”,阿彌陀佛說“我幫你扛起來、背起來,把你的擔子挑起來”,那我們當然就要給他了,給阿彌陀佛。
所以,放下不是自己放棄,是任憑彌陀的救度,多念阿彌陀佛名號,由此我們的心得到歇息,得到疏解,得到舒緩。那麼,“彌陀如何為我,我也多少奉獻愛心給周圍有緣的人”,這人生就是一個良性循環。
Namo Amituofo!
