A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
18. Passing through a Raging Fire to Hear the Dharma (continued)
Question 18.3 : The sutra states, “There are many bodhisattvas who wish to hear this sutra but are unable to do so.” Why is it that ordinary beings can hear it, while bodhisattvas cannot?
Answer:
This statement highlights the extreme rarity and preciousness of this Sutra by using bodhisattvas as a contrast. Those who have the opportunity to hear it should feel deeper joy and cherish it even more.
Additionally, this Dharma is so profound that only Buddhas can fully comprehend it. Some bodhisattvas may struggle to believe or understand it. As stated in the Infinite Life Sutra: “Neither Sravakas nor Bodhisattvas can fully fathom the mind of the Buddha. It is like a person born blind trying to guide others. The wisdom of the Tathagata is like an ocean—deep, vast, and boundless. The Two Vehicles cannot measure it; and only the Buddha fully understands it.”
18. 《無量壽經》過火聞法 (續)
18.3問：「多有菩薩，欲聞此經而不能得」，為何凡夫能得聞，菩薩卻不能得聞？
答：這句話的本意，用菩薩烘托本經的稀有難得，得聞之人當生慶喜心，倍加珍惜。
又，此法高妙，唯佛與佛乃能究盡，或有菩薩難以信解。《無量壽經》：「聲聞或菩薩，莫能究聖心，譬如從生盲，欲行開導人。如來智慧海，深廣無涯底，二乘非所測，唯佛獨明瞭。」
Namo Amituofo!
