Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
116 Taking Refuge (continued)
Second, “taking refuge” is interpreted as a requirement of Amitabha Buddha. Taking refuge is also a requirement in Amitabha’s calling in the Fundamental Vow.“ Taking refuge” means to listen to and abide by the requirements Amitabha set forth.
Taking refuge displays our faith by listening to and accepting the call of Amitabha Buddha. However, it should be noted that the faith exemplified by taking refuge arises from Amitabha Buddha’s calling, rather than arising from our minds. So, taking refuge originates from the Buddha, and taking refuge is interpreted as accepting Amitabha’s offer to save us in his Fundamental Vow.
Third, taking refuge is interpreted as prostrating, as said in the Shastra of Dasabhumika-vibhasa. The Rites of Rebirth says, “Namo means sincere prostration when taking refuge”. So, prostrating is a bodily karma that demonstrates our acceptance of Amitabha’s rescue. Originally, taking refuge was a form of mental karma; but, it must be physically demonstrated by prostration. So, taking refuge can also be interpreted as prostrating.
In the Commentary on the Shastra of Rebirth, the broad and narrow, heavy and light meanings of prostrating and taking refuge were discussed. Prostrating is an expression of reverence that is not necessary in daily practice. However, when a person takes refuge, he must prostrate. This demonstrates the depth of one’s commitment.
Prostration is a kind of bodily karma; but, by itself it is not equivalent to taking refuge. However, if taking refuge is demonstrated by prostrating, reverence is included in the process of returning to the Buddha. So, “Namo” alone should not be translated as “reverence”.
116 歸命 (續)
第二種是將歸命解釋為阿彌陀佛的命令,所謂「歸命者,本願招喚之敕命也。」這裡是將「歸」從屬於「命」,將歸命解釋為歸順、歸依之命令。
通過歸命來顯示歸順阿彌陀佛之招喚的我等的信心,這一點是不需多言的,但此歸命之信心是因阿彌陀佛的呼喚徹入我等之心中而生起,並非我等自心所生之物,故將此歸命二字都從屬於本源之佛,將歸命解釋為本願招喚之敕命。不過這並不是完全依照規則的解釋,而是做了一些改變,是宗義上的一種施設。
第三種是將歸命解釋為敬禮。如《十住毗婆沙論》言「歸命禮」,《往生禮》言「南無至心歸命禮」。亦即以歸命為身業上的敬禮。歸命原本屬心,但如果心中歸命,外在也必然會身業敬禮,所以才將歸命解釋為敬禮。
《往生論註》卷上論述禮拜與歸命之廣狹、輕重言「歸命即是禮拜,然禮拜但是恭敬,不必歸命;歸命必是禮拜。若以此推,歸命為重。」
禮拜只是身業上的敬禮,而其內心或有具足歸命,或有不具足歸命,也就是說禮拜並不完全等於歸命。將歸命解釋為禮拜時,歸是歸敬之義,如《翻譯名義集》四將南無譯為恭敬。
Namo Amituofo!
