Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
145 The Relationship between Amitabha’s Name and his Body (continued)
1. Master Tanluan said in his Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth:
The Name, Tathagata of Unimpeded Light, can eliminate all kinds of ignorance in sentient beings, and also fulfill all of their wishes.
2. Master Shandao said in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra:
“Namo” means to take refuge. It also means to aspire for rebirth and dedicate one’s merit. Exclusively reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha” is our practice. By adhering to these teachings the practitioner will certainly be reborn.
3. Master Honen said, “All of the Buddha’s merits and virtues, accumulated in his causal and reward grounds, are consolidated within the Name.Therefore, those who recite “Namo Amitabha Buddha” even once, will instantly attain unsurpassed virtuous roots.
It is also said, “Because all Buddhas accomplished this Name in their reward grounds through their vows and practices, those who simply recite Amitabha Buddha’s Name, that contains infinite virtues, will become highly virtuous people and be assured of rebirth.”
(to be continued tomorrow)
145 彌陀名體之關係 (續)
一、曇鸞大師《往生論註》言:
無礙光如來名號,能破眾生一切無明,能滿眾生一切志願。
二、善導大師《觀經疏》「六字釋」言:
「南無」者:即是「歸命」,亦是「發願迴向」之義; 「阿彌陀佛」者:即是其「行」。以斯義故,必得往生。
三、法然上人〈逆修說法〉言:
彼佛所有因位果上一切功德,皆悉攝在此名號中,是故一稱南無阿彌陀佛,即得無上大善根也。
是以《西方要決》曰:諸佛願行成此果名,但能念號具包眾德,故成大善不廢往生。
Namo Amituofo!
