A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
09. The Verse on the Three Oaths
I have made vows that transcend all worlds.
I will surely attain the supreme Way.
Should those vows not be fulfilled,
May I not attain perfect enlightenment.
If, for countless kalpas, I should not be a great benefactor,
To save all the poor and afflicted,
May I not attain perfect enlightenment.
When I complete the Buddha-path,
My name shall transcend the ten directions.
Should it not be heard everywhere,
May I not attain perfect enlightenment.
Question: Some people say, “Guanyin Bodhisattva is the one to ask for help and relief from suffering. Even though we recite Amitabha’s name, we should still recite the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva when we are suffering or in danger. Is this correct?
Answer: The great compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva responds to and rescues many sentient beings who ask for help with their suffering. There were many accounts about it in the past. However, is it necessary for an Amitabha-reciter to switch over to reciting the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva when they experience calamities? No, it is not necessary. There are three reasons:
1. Amitabha Buddha is the teacher of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and his ability to hear the voices of those asking for help and relieving their suffering is much greater. While in his causal ground Amitabha Buddha vowed to save sentient beings who recite his Name. Thus, whenever someone recites his Name, Amitabha instantly knows and immediately emits his light to protect them.
(to be continued tomorrow)
09. 《無量壽經》三誓偈
1、我建超世願,必至無上道,斯願不滿足,誓不成等覺。
2、我於無量劫,不為大施主,普濟諸貧苦,誓不成等覺。
3、我至成佛道,名聲超十方,究竟有不聞,誓不成等覺。
09.1 問:有人說,「觀世音菩薩尋聲救苦,雖修念佛,急難之時還是要念觀世音菩薩名號」,是這樣嗎?
答:大慈大悲救苦救難廣大靈感觀世音菩薩,尋聲救苦,有求皆應,古來有很多感應事例。念佛人急難之時是否改念觀世音菩薩名號呢?不必。三點理由:
1、阿彌陀佛是觀世音菩薩的老師,尋聲救苦的本領更大。阿彌陀佛因地發願以名號度眾生,只要有人稱念他的名號,他立即知道,放光照耀,現前保護。
(待續)
Namo Amituofo!
