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 (continued)
The relationship between Guanyin Bodhisattva and Amitabha Buddha can be illustrated through passages from the Collected Sacred Teachings of the Pure Land School .
1. From Bodhisattva Nāgārjuna’s the “Twelve Homages”: "Guanyin holds Amitabha Buddha in the crown upon her head."
Guanyin Bodhisattva’s celestial crown features an image of Amitabha Buddha. This signifies Guanyin Bodhisattva’s profound reverence and constant veneration of Amitabha Buddha. While we may bow to the Buddha during worship for a short time, Guanyin Bodhisattva perpetually honors Amitabha Buddha by keeping him on her head.
This reflects Guanyin Bodhisattva’s deep devotion, filial piety, and unceasing respect toward Amitabha Buddha. Such is the extent of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s reverence for Amitabha Buddha.
As disciples of Guanyin Bodhisattva, those who chant her name should emulate her example. Guanyin Bodhisattva would surely advise her devotees: "You should follow my example by single-mindedly reciting the Name of Amitabha Buddha, bowing to and praising him with the utmost sincerity."
Thus, the practice of reciting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name naturally leads to reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name, as their relationship is one of unity and harmony, rooted in the vows of Amitabha Buddha.
(to be continued tomorrow)
148 念觀音聖號往生,仍不出彌陀願力 (續)
有關觀世音菩薩和阿彌陀佛的關係,可以引用《淨土宗聖教集》的幾段文來說明。
1. 龍樹菩薩《十二禮》說:觀音頂戴冠中住。
觀世音菩薩頭頂的天冠中有一尊化佛,說明觀世音菩薩是這樣地尊重、頂戴阿彌陀佛,把阿彌陀佛時刻頂在頭頂上。我們禮佛,以頭禮佛足,拜幾拜就完了;觀世音菩薩的頭頂上一直尊奉著阿彌陀佛,代表其禮拜阿彌陀佛是恆常不斷的。觀世音菩薩對彌陀是多麼地孝順、尊重、頂戴!作為觀世音菩薩的弟子,念觀世音菩薩名號的,應該怎麼做呢?觀世音菩薩一定會說:「你應該像我一樣,專念阿彌陀佛,專頂禮讚歎阿彌陀佛。」
Namo Amituofo!
