Common Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The Two Kinds of Deep Faith (II) (continued)
The Mental Nature of the aspirant has already totally changed. Although his mind is in a state of joy, he also feels sadness because he sees the suffering of all sentient beings. He always praises them and gives them credit. He always shares in the bitterness and blame for others' errors. He is compassionate to and understanding of other people. His deportment is always modest and amiable.
He does not argue with others or fight with them. He does not spread gossip or discuss gossip. He always admits his faults, accommodates and forgives others. He is willing to suffer disadvantages and is not calculating. He is considerate in sharing benefits with others.
The Infinite Life Sutra praises this person, “He attains rebirth immediately and dwells in the state of non-retrogression. He has received the utmost benefit, which is to possess supreme merit and virtue.”
The Contemplation Sutra also praises, “Those who are mindful of Amitabha Buddha are like white lotus-flowers among humankind.”
Master Shandao uses five descriptions to praise this person:“ Amitabha-reciters are good people, wonderful people, supreme people, rare people, the most splendid people among all mankind.”
(to be continued tomorrow)
129 二種深信(二) (續)
其人心性脫胎換骨,心中常存歡喜與慚愧,能夠慈念眾生,加厚於人,讓美歸功,分怨共過,對人恩慈體貼,對己謙卑柔和。
其人於世無爭,與人無忤,不會說是非、傳是非、較是非。
其人凡事認自己的錯,體諒包容,吃虧不較。
其人凡事為人設想,給人利益。
《無量壽經》讚歎此人說: 即得往生,住不退轉。為得大利,則是具足無上功德。
《觀無量壽經》讚歎此人說:若念佛者,當知此人,則是人中芬陀利華。
善導大師以五種嘉譽,讚美此人說:若念佛者:即是人中好人,人中妙好人,人中上上人,人中稀有人,人中最勝人也。
Namo Amituofo!
