Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
145 The Relationship between Amitabha’s Name and his Body (continued)
Amitabha’s Name is an encapsulation of the complete virtue and complete power of Amitabha. There is a world of difference between the Name, “Namo Amitabha Buddha,” and the name given to a human being.
The Name is given to call a form of the body, and the body is given a Name that explains its real existence. However, worldly matters and the names given to human beings are different. They are a means used to distinguish one being from another. These names are not replete with any particular virtues or capacities. So, a given name is not the same as the body it distinguishes, and the body is not the same as the name it is given. Name and body are different and separate; so, they are considered to be “guests” of each other.
If they are the Names used for True Words / Dharani, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, these Names are the same as their bodies, and vice versa. Thus, name and body are inseparable.
Amitabha Buddha’s Name is different from all other Buddhas’ names, because his Name was accomplished specifically to benefit sentient beings. The Name “Namo Amitabha Buddha” encompasses his great vows and great practices, accomplished in his causal ground; and, the various merits and virtues he accumulated in his fruition ground. Simply speaking, Amitabha’s Name comprises the complete virtues and complete power of Amitabha.
(to be continued tomorrow)
145 彌陀名體之關係 (續)
彌陀名號是彌陀全德全力之表象。南無阿彌陀佛之佛名與我等人類之名,不啻有天差地別之異。
呼召體者為名,為名所詮之實物為體。世間一切之事物,所有人類之名,只是為了各自區別,或為了稱呼對方而給予的符號,其名之本身不具有何等能力或功德。其名不即於體,體不即於名,名體各別,是曰名體互為客。
若佛菩薩之名號及真言陀羅尼等,名即於體,體即於名,是謂之名體不離。彌陀佛名不只是與他佛區別,或為了稱呼某一佛而已,是為了利益眾生而立名的。此南無阿彌陀佛之名號,涵蓋阿彌陀佛因位所發大願、所修大行,直至果上所得種種功德。簡言之,是阿彌陀佛全德全力的表象。
Namo Amituofo!
