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 (continued)
6. Question: Is there any evidence to show that the 18th Vow is the fundamental vow?
Answer: The aim of practicing the Pure Land teaching is to attain rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land through the exclusive recitation of his Name. The source or origin of the teaching regarding rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is the 18th Vow, based on the Three Sutras of the Pure Land teaching. One of the main principles of the three sutras is rebirth through exclusive Amitabha-recitation:
In the Dissemination Section of the Infinite Life Sutra, Maitreya Bodhisattva was advised to joyfully recite the Buddha’s Name “ to attain great benefit”. In the Dissemination Section of the Contemplation Sutra, Ananda was advised “to hold the Name of Amitayus Buddha.” In the Amitabha Sutra Shakyamuni Buddha straightforwardly advises him to attain rebirth by “upholding the Name”.
All of the Pure Land patriarchs transmitted the teaching of “rebirth through Amitabha-recitation” generation by generation:
Nagarjuna Bodhisattva indicates that it is in Amitabha’s 18th / fundamental vow that we are directed “to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land by exclusively reciting his Name”.
Vasubandhu Bodhisattva indicates that “ reciting Amitabha’s Name is a practice that accords with ultimate reality”.
Master Tanluan taught that “ the karma for rebirth is accomplished through reciting Amitabha’s Name ten times”.
Master Daochuo indicates that one can gain entry to Amitabha’s Pure Land through the recitation of his Name.
Master Shandao teaches that all three Sutras explain the attainment of rebirth through the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name, and all 48 vows reinforce the teaching of rebirth through Amitabha-recitation.
Master Yinguang also advises us that any person can be reborn by deeply believing, earnestly aspiring and reciting Amitabha’s name for rebirth. This also refers to the 18th Vow.
《無量壽經》第十八願 (續)
6 問:說第十八願是根本願,有何依據?
答:淨土宗的修學目的是念佛往生,念佛往生的法義源頭就是四十八願中的第十八願。淨土宗正依三經,皆是對第十八願的展開,主旨皆是念佛往生:
《無量壽經》流通文付囑彌勒踴躍稱名「為得大利」,《觀經》流通文付囑阿難唯有「持無量壽佛名」,《阿彌陀經》直說「執持名號」得生極樂。
祖師也以「念佛往生」代代傳承:
龍樹菩薩示「稱名自歸」為彌陀本願,
天親菩薩示「稱彼如來名」得以「如實修行」,
曇鸞大師示「十念」往生「業事成辦」,
道綽大師示淨土門念佛往生「可通入路」,
善導大師示三經「唯明專念彌陀名號得生」、四十八願皆說念佛往生之事,及印光大師苦勸「只要能深信,只要能發願,只要能念佛,無論何人,都可以往生去的」,這也是第十八願。
Namo Amituofo!
