Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
The 18th Vow in the Infinite Life Sutra
If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the ten quarters who
sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me, desire to be born in my land, and
call my Name, even ten times, should not be born there, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment. Excluded, however, are those who commit the five gravest
offenses and abuse the right Dharma.
1.Question: Can this vow be called “the Vow for Achieving Assured Rebirth through Reciting Amitabha’s Name by Ten Times” ?
Answer: No, it should be called “the Vow for Attaining Assured Rebirth through Amitabha- Recitation, because “even ten times” is said in the Vow. “Reciting Amitabha’s Name by Ten Times” does not include the meaning of “even”.
(to be continued tomorrow)
《無量壽經》第十八願
設我得佛,十方眾生,至心信樂,欲生我國,乃至十念,若不生者,不取正覺;唯除五逆、誹謗正法。
1.問:這一願可否稱為「十念必生願」?
答:應稱「念佛往生願」,願文說「乃至十念」。「十念必生」,「乃至」之意不能涵蓋。
Namo Amituofo!
