Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
117 Buddha (continued)
According to the above, Master Shandao defines Buddha as follows: The word Buddha originated in India. In this land [China], it means the one who is self-enlightened, and can enlighten others. If one is perfect and complete in both wisdom and moral conduct, he is called a Buddha. Master Honen explained it in a similar way.
Master Xuanzang, a great translator, criticized the translation of Buddha as “enlightenment”. He said “enlightenment” should be “Bodhi” in Sanskrit; so, “Buddha” should be translated as “the enlightened being”.
Master Xuanzang said, “ a Buddha is one whose wisdom is replete. All of his seeds of wisdom have blossomed, like those of a lotus flower. It is as if he has awakened from a dream and is capable of enlightening sentient beings. His enlightenment and practices are complete, he is now called a Buddha.”
Self-enlightenment means becoming enlightened to the truth - our life in this realm is and has always been a deluded dream. So, this is not an objective recognition of truth, but is subjectively consistent with the truth. In short, it reveals the truth in its original state.
(to be continued tomorrow)
117 佛
據此,善導於《觀經玄義分》言「言佛者,乃是西國正音,此土名覺,自覺、覺他、覺行窮滿,名之為佛」,源空於《大經釋》言「佛者,乃是梵音,此翻為覺,三覺圓滿,故以名佛。」可是開新譯之風的玄奘大師卻批判這種僅僅將佛陀譯為「覺」的譯法,認為梵語「菩提」應譯為覺,而佛陀不應譯為覺,應譯為覺者。
所以玄奘大師之高足慈恩便在《異部宗輪論述記》卷上言:「佛陀梵音,此云覺者。隨舊略語,但稱曰佛。具一切智,一切種智,如蓮花開,如睡夢覺,能自開覺,亦覺有情,覺行既圓,曰之為佛。」
自覺指領悟真理,覺悟自身無始以來之迷夢。這裡的覺悟並不是指客觀上對真理的認知,而是在主觀上與真理相一致,即在真理與自身之間達到連可容下一絲毫髮的空間都不存在的狀態。要而言之,就是將真理原原本本地展現出來。
Namo Amituofo!
