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
(continued)
Question 2: As it can be interpreted as “even one time” in this passage, why does the 18th Vow say “even ten times”?
Answer: Master Tanluan said in the Commentary on the Treatise on Rebirth, “Ten times” means the work in this matter has already been done; so, it is not necessary to count where it starts. “Ten times” is a number to be completed.
Exclusively reciting the Name for the rest of our lives is perfect and complete, even if one’s life is short. The meaning of “even ten times” refers to “exclusively reciting for the remainder of our lives.”
Thus, “even one time” in the passage on accomplishment, uses “a few” as an example; but, should also include “many”. The main emphasis of the passage on accomplishment is to include all sentient beings. Thus, the degree of difficulty is set to the lowest level. By making it this simple, the faith of sentient beings is strengthened.
In short, as it applies to Amitabha-recitation, “We set forth the mind of aspiration and exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha for the remainder of our lives, in anticipation of our rebirth in the Pure Land.” (As said in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra)
02.《無量壽經》第十八願成就文
問2:既然可以解釋為「乃至一念」,為何第十八願說「乃至十念」?
答:曇鸞大師《往生論註》:「『十念』者,明業事成辦耳,不必須知頭數也。」「十念」是「滿數」,此生所餘時間相續稱名,即得圓滿,即使壽命短促,少至一念。第十八願說「乃至十念」,不說「乃至一念」,含相續之意。
成就文解釋為「乃至一念」是舉少攝多,因為成就文的重點落在眾生這邊,所以將難度放至最低,從「乃至十念」到「乃至一念」,看上去更簡單,以增加眾生的信心。
總之,念佛如《觀經疏》所言,「一發心以後,誓必此生,無有退轉,唯以淨土為期」。
Namo Amituofo!
