Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Namo Amituofo - the Six-Character Name (continued)
“Namo Amitabha Buddha” is the name of the Buddha who resides in the Western Land of Bliss. This Name is totally different from our names. Our names are used to differentiate one individual from another. At times a title is added;but, the name itself has no functional capacity based on its meaning.
Our names are like symbols used for addressing particular individuals. The meanings and functional capacities expressed in the words of the name are separate from the name itself. Amitabha Buddha’s name is different, it was established for the sake of benefiting sentient beings.
The merits and virtues of the Buddha can be revealed through his name. If sentient beings believe in the merits and virtues contained in the Buddha’s name, and exclusively recite it , they will attain the infinite benefits it contains. The great master said in his commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, “ Amitabha Buddha shares his infinite virtues through his name. To exclusively recite his name is equivalent to praising his merits and virtues, which can eradicate offenses and produce good fortune.”
(to be continued tomorrow)
119 南無阿彌陀佛 - 名號的價值 (續)
南無阿彌陀佛是現在於西方極樂淨土實際存在的佛的名號,但阿彌陀佛的名號與我等凡夫之名稱間,卻有著天與地一般的差別。所有人類的名稱都只是為了與他人相區別、或是為了稱呼對方而加上的一種符號,其名稱本身並不具備任何能力與作用。
這是因為我們人的名稱都只是為了稱呼實體而假設的符號,名稱與實體並不是一體的,而是個別存在的。但佛的名號並不是為了與其他佛相區別或者是為了稱呼某一尊佛,而是為了利益眾生才存在的。
佛的功德通過其名號來顯現,眾生深信名號所具之德並稱念之,必然會得到相應的利益。法位大師曾在《無量壽經義疏》卷上對此加以論述而說:「諸佛皆德施名,稱名即稱德,德能滅罪生福,名亦如是。」
Namo Amituofo!
