Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
The Great Path Apart from Other Teachings
Master Shandao says, “There are 84,000 teachings, each of which is suitable for an individual, and is gradual or sudden.” This means, Shakyamuni Buddha shared as many as 84,000 teachings.
Later, these are described as “doors”, which refer to expedient and real teachings, and gradual and sudden teachings. “Other” means the teachings other than those 84,000; such as the Great Path of rebirth through the other-powered practice of Amitabha-recitation in the Pure Land teaching.
This is because the dogma of rebirth through the other-powered practice of Amitabha-recitation transcends teachings governed by the general principles of cause and effect. It is inconceivable! How can an ordinary being, without severing his afflictions, be reborn in Amitabha Buddha’s highest and most wonderful reward land? Thus, the teaching of rebirth through the other-powered practice of Amitabha-recitation is called the “ Great Path of the Other Teaching”.
135 門餘大道
善導大師《觀經疏‧玄義分》說:「門餘八萬四千,漸頓則各稱所宜。」(《淨土宗聖教集》458頁)意思是說,世尊一代之間所說的法門很多,有八萬四千之餘。
後來引申為門餘之「門」,指聖道門權實漸頓等八萬四千法門;「餘」唯指八萬四千法門之外,淨土門他力念佛往生之大道,謂之「門餘」。
因為他力念佛往生的教義,是超絕通途因果的軌則,道理以外之法,不可思議之道,不斷煩惱的凡夫,當生往生最高妙的彌陀報土,故說淨土門他力念佛往生之道,謂之「門餘大道」。
Namo Amituofo!
