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)
3. From “In Praise of Pratyutpanna”: "Guanyin guides sentient beings to meet Amitabha."
Guanyin Bodhisattva, known for responding to the cries of suffering and offering compassionate deliverance, and ultimately aims to guide sentient beings to the Western Pure Land of Bliss, where they can meet Amitabha Buddha.
For those who recite Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name, upon arriving in the Pure Land, Guanyin Bodhisattva will explain, "I have brought you here to meet Amitabha Buddha, the embodiment of boundless compassion and wisdom." At that moment, the individual will gain clarity and understanding.
Another line from “In Praise of Pratyutpanna”: "With deep compassion, she manifests countless forms to save suffering beings, and once saved, sends them to Amitabha’s Pure Land."
Guanyin Bodhisattva manifests in countless forms, universally rescuing suffering beings with equal compassion. Often, her assistance begins with worldly concerns—people may pray for safety, children, or relief from disasters. After fulfilling these wishes, Guanyin Bodhisattva’s work is not finished. Instead, she guides those beings toward the Pure Land, as her ultimate goal is for them to meet Amitabha Buddha.
Guanyin Bodhisattva’s fundamental vow is to ensure that sentient beings attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
● If one recites Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name only for worldly blessings, it does not fully align with her vow, because worldly benefits are temporary.
● If one recites Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name to seek rebirth in the Pure Land it brings great joy to her, as it fulfills her true intention.
Guanyin Bodhisattva would then encourage such a practitioner: "Since you wish to go to the Pure Land of my teacher, Amitabha Buddha, start reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name now!"
This highlights the harmonious relationship between reciting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name and Amitabha Buddha’s Name. While Guanyin Bodhisattva provides initial guidance and worldly support, her ultimate purpose is to lead beings to Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land.
(to be continued tomorrow)
148 念觀音聖號往生,仍不出彌陀願力 (續)
3.《般舟讚》:觀音引接見彌陀。
觀世音菩薩尋聲救苦接引眾生,目的是要引導他到西方極樂世界見阿彌陀佛。念觀音聖號的人,到了極樂世界,觀世音菩薩說:「我是讓你來見阿彌陀佛的,這是大慈大悲阿彌陀佛。」這個人當下就會開解。
《般舟讚》又說:「救苦分身平等化,化得即送彌陀國。」觀世音菩薩分身百千萬億,尋聲救苦,平等度化眾生。觀世音菩薩一般都是從世間利益入手的,人們求平安、求子、求消災免難等等,滿願以後,不是說到此為止,而是「化得即送彌陀國」。
所以很明顯,觀世音菩薩的本心本願,是讓我們往生西方極樂世界。如果念觀世音菩薩只求世間福報,觀世音菩薩沒有滿願;念觀世音菩薩而一求生極樂,觀世音菩薩很高興。同時觀世音菩薩說:「既然要到我的本師阿彌陀佛的淨土,那你現在就念阿彌陀佛吧!」
Namo Amituofo!
