Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The Great Path Beyond All Other Teachings
Master Shandao says in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, “There are 84,000 ways of practicing that are suitable for all individuals. They can be divided into the sudden and gradual categories.” This simply means that Shakyamuni Buddha imparted numerous teachings to address the needs of his wide variety of followers.
“All other ways” refers to the “84,000 teachings in the Sacred Path”; and “other” means the teachings beyond the 84,000. This refers to the way of rebirth through the “Other-Power” of exclusive Amitabha-recitation in the Pure Land teaching.
This is because the teaching of rebirth through Amitabha’s “Other-Power” transcends all other ways and the worldly principle of cause and effect. There is no other way for ordinary beings to attain rebirth in Amitabha’s wonderful reward land without severing all of their afflictions.
131 門餘大道
善導大師《觀經疏.玄義分》說:「門餘八萬四千,漸頓則各稱所宜。」意思是說,世尊一代之間所說的法門很多,有八萬四千之餘。
後來引申為門餘之「門」,指聖道門八萬四千法門;「餘」指八萬四千法門之外,淨土門他力念佛往生之道,謂之「門餘」。
因為他力念佛往生的教義,是超越通途因果的軌則,不可思議之道,不斷煩惱的凡夫,當生往生最高妙的彌陀報土,故說淨土門他力念佛往生之道,謂之「門餘大道」。
Namo Amituofo!
