A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
19. The Infinite Life Sutra - Specially Retain and Preserve This Sutra (continued)
Question 19.3: Is rebirth difficult or easy? Must one satisfy conditions such as a focused and pure mind?
Answer: It is easy; there are no conditions such as a focused and pure mind. The sutras state, “One may be reborn as one wishes,” because rebirth relies on the power of Amitabha Buddha’s vow. Reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name is like boarding a boat, while focusing the mind is like sitting properly.
Reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name is relying on Amitabha’s 18th vow, whereas focusing the mind is merely a technical detail. Of course, it is good to recite with a focused mind; but, even without such focus, one can still attain rebirth. Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance is unconditional and equal for all.
Various conditions arise from the perspective of the Path of Sages or personal experience. If one is solely preoccupied with severing afflictions and attaining realization, without paying attention to Amitabha’s great vow or the benefits of reciting his Name, one makes the easy path difficult and hinders one’s own rebirth.
19. 《無量壽經》特留此經
19.3問:往生到底是難是易?必須滿足攝心清淨等條件嗎?
答:容易;本無攝心清淨等條件。經言「隨意所願,皆得往生」故,乘佛願力故。念佛如乘船,攝心如坐姿端正。
念佛即是乘佛願力,攝心是技術細節,能攝心念佛當然好,不能攝心,念佛亦得往生,阿彌陀佛平等救度無條件。
各種條件,源自聖道理念或經驗,一味埋頭斷證,無心追蹤彌陀大願,無心追蹤名號利益,翻易為難,自障往生。
Namo Amituofo!
