Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
148. Reciting the Name of Guanyin Bodhisattva for Rebirth Still Relies on Amitabha Buddha’s Vows
In practicing the Pure Land teaching, some individuals feel a particularly deep connection with Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva). As a result, they choose to recite the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva to seek rebirth in the Pure Land, rather than reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha. This raises three questions:
1. Can they achieve rebirth?
2. If rebirth is possible, what is the difference between reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name and reciting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name for this purpose?
3. When assisting such a person near his end-of-life, should one recite Amitabha Buddha’s name or Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name?
1. Can they achieve rebirth?
If the individual truly aspires for rebirth, reciting the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva will undoubtedly enable them to achieve it. The reason is due to the profound compassionate vows of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Guanyin Bodhisattva responds to the cries of sentient beings and alleviates their suffering. Even if sentient beings do not initially wish for rebirth, Guanyin Bodhisattva gradually guides and leads them to the Western Pure Land. How much more so for those who already wish for rebirth? This aspiration aligns with Guanyin Bodhisattva’s heart of great compassion. Consequently, Guanyin Bodhisattva will certainly accompany Amitabha Buddha to guide the individual to the Pure Land at the time of passing.
Additionally, while ordinary beings may perceive the Three Saints of the West (Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva) as three distinct sacred beings, from the perspective of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, they are one in essence. Guanyin Bodhisattva is a compassionate emanation of Amitabha Buddha. Therefore, reciting the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva with a genuine aspiration for rebirth will undoubtedly lead to rebirth. There is no need for doubt.
(to be continued tomorrow)
148 念觀音聖號往生,仍不出彌陀願力
修學淨土法門,有人或與觀世音菩薩緣分特別深,因此以念觀音聖號來求生淨土,而不是念彌陀聖號,那麼這就衍生三個問題:(一)、能否往生? (二)、如果能往生,就往生淨土這件事,念彌陀聖號和念觀音聖號有什麼區別? (三)、如果為此人臨終助念,是念彌陀名號還是念觀音名號?
第一個問題,如果真的願意往生,念觀音聖號也肯定能往生。道理何在呢?是觀世音菩薩的廣大悲願。觀世音菩薩尋聲救苦,即便眾生不願意往生,觀世音菩薩也會慢慢度化,引導到西方極樂世界;何況本身就願意往生,這就和觀世音菩薩大慈大悲的本心相契合,一定會與阿彌陀佛一道在臨終時來接引。再者,以凡人來看西方三聖是三位不同的聖人,但是以佛菩薩的境界,他們是一體的,觀世音菩薩是阿彌陀佛的慈悲化身。所以,念觀音菩薩,真實願往生,是肯定可以往生的,不用懷疑。
Namo Amituofo!
