Q and A about Practicing Amitabha-Recitation
Part Two - Rebirth through Amitabha-Recitation
第二部分 有關念佛往生
14. Question: Is an Amitabha-reciter not required to eliminate evil deeds and to
practice virtuous conduct?
Answer: Of course, not! In Buddhism, there is not a single teaching that doesn’t ask people to eliminate evil deeds and to practice virtuous conduct. As an Amitabha-reciter, one should try to accomplish one’s duties and responsibilities based on ceasing evil and practicing virtuous conduct. However, because we exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name, it is easier to abide by those guidelines. In doing so, we benefit not just ourselves but others as well. Here are examples of how:
1. We understand that we will experience more suffering if we commit more karmic offenses, and gain more happiness the more we practice virtues.
2. It is difficult to have a positive outcome after committing more karmic offenses, and easier to have a positive outcome through living virtuously.
3. People don’t like those who commit offenses. Even if they recite Amitabha’sName, they view them as untrustworthy. People like and trust thoseAmitabha-reciters who live virtuously.
4. If too many people commit offenses, society will be in chaos. If people practice good, their society will be prosperous and based on morality.
5. All Buddhas try to awaken those who commit offenses and encourage them to live according to Buddhist teachings. All Buddhas are delighted by people who eliminate their evil behaviors and practice virtues, as this accords with Buddhist teachings. In conclusion, we should eliminate our evil actions and practice virtuous living, while exclusively reciting Namo Amitabha Buddha.
14問:那麼念佛人就不用斷惡修善了?
答:這又不然!佛法中絕不可能找到一種叫人不要斷惡修善的法門。念佛人更應當隨份隨力斷惡修善。斷惡修善而念佛,於自於他功德利益更大。
一、造罪受多苦,行善多安樂。
二、造罪難得好死,行善易得善終。
三、造罪之人,眾生不喜,即使念佛,不受人信;善人念佛,眾生歡喜而信。
四、造罪則社會混亂,佛法隱沒;修善即道德昌明,佛教興盛。
五、造罪不順佛教,諸佛不喜;斷惡修善,順諸佛教,諸佛歡喜。所以應當斷惡修善而念佛。
Namo Amituofo!
