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 preference for reciting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name over Amitabha Buddha often arises from a limited and emotionally driven perspective. Such an approach tends to lean more on personal familiarity or emotional attachment rather than following the principles and teachings of the Pure Land sutras.
It’s just like someone who needs assistance with an important matter. While everyone in a company may be kind and helpful, an employee might not be acquainted with the boss but has a closer relationship with a driver. As a result, they approach the driver for help, thinking it’s more convenient. However, if they had direct access to the boss, there would be no need to involve intermediaries.
This illustrates a mindset of human sentiment: "I have a closer connection with Guanyin Bodhisattva, so I’ll seek help from her because it feels easier."
Such thinking, while understandable, diverges from the teachings of the Three Pure Land Sutras, which emphasize reliance on Amitabha Buddha’s fundamental vow. These teachings also encompass Guanyin Bodhisattva’s original vow and aspirations, as her ultimate goal is to guide sentient beings to Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land.
The best course of action is to align oneself with the teachings of the Three Pure Land Sutras, which represent the essence of the Pure Land path. These teachings not only reflect the vows of Amitabha Buddha but also embody the true intentions and compassionate wishes of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
148 念觀音聖號往生,仍不出彌陀願力 (續)
之所以念觀世音菩薩不念阿彌陀佛,是因為志向還比較狹劣,人情的東西多,沒有依照佛法的法理、教理來落實。就像一個人去辦一件事,機關裡的人都很慈悲、很和氣。他和機關首長不熟悉,但是和開車的司機比較熟,他就會找這個司機幫忙辦事。如果有直接的管道可以找到機關首長,那就不必經過他人。
這就是人情,「我和他熟悉,我找他方便」。「和觀世音菩薩的緣分深,那我就念觀世音菩薩」,這其實是人情的想法,不是淨土三部經的教導。最好還是依據淨土三部經,包含了觀世音菩薩的本心本願,這樣更好。
Namo Amituofo!
