A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
The Passage on Accomplishment of the 18th Vow in the Infinite Life Sutra
All sentient beings who, having heard his Name, rejoice in faith, recite his Name even once, and sincerely dedicate their merit in aspiration to be reborn there, will immediately attain rebirth and achieve non-retrogression. Excepted are those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions or slander the correct Dharma.
Question 1: In the 18th Vow sentient beings in the ten directions include Sravakas and Bodhisattvas; however, in the passage on accomplishment, “all sentient beings” is interpreted as ordinary beings. Why?
Answer:
1. The 18th Vow was made mainly for ordinary beings; but, also includes sagely beings. If it can deliver ordinary beings with heavy karmic offenses, it must be easier to deliver sagely beings. Master Shandao says in the Teaching on Contemplation and Recitation, “All iniquitous sentient beings can have their karmic offenses eradicated. They can be embraced and assured of rebirth, not to mention those sagely beings who aspire to be reborn. How can they not wish to go?”
2. Since ordinary beings can be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land, certainly sagely beings are included.
02.《無量壽經》第十八願成就文
諸有眾生,聞其名號,信心歡喜,乃至一念,至心迴向,願生彼國,即得往生,住不退轉;唯除五逆、誹謗正法。
問1:第十八願中「十方眾生」包含聲聞、菩薩,為何成就文解釋為純是凡夫的「諸有眾生」?
答:1第十八願主要是為凡夫而發,兼為聖人。有能力救度罪障深重的凡夫,救度聖人更加容易。善導大師《觀念法門》:「一切罪惡凡夫尚蒙罪滅,證攝得生,何況聖人願生,而不得去也?」
2舉凡攝聖。
Namo Amituofo!
