June 12, 2026
Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
184. Classification and Convergence of the Forty-Eight Vows (2 /4 continued)
II. The Classifications of Master Shandao: Convergence into One Vow
Master Shandao also adopted the threefold classifications. However, unlike other masters, he did not delineate the 48 Vows under three separate headings. Rather, he maintained that each of the three categories fully encompasses all 48 Vows. In
other words, every single vow simultaneously contains the meanings of embracing the Dharma-Body, embracing the Pure Land, and embracing sentient beings—they are not mutually distinct. His basis is as follows:
1. Convergence into the Vows Embracing the Dharma-Body
In the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra (Section on Profound Meaning), it is stated:
“In making the 48 Vows, each vow declares: ‘If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings of the ten directions who exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha and aspire to be born in my land, even as few as ten times, are not
born there, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.’ Now that he has attained Buddhahood, this is the body that fulfills the causal vows.” Thus, all 48 Vows converge in the pledge, “If they are not perfectly fulfilled , may I not attain enlightenment.” When the vows are fulfilled, the Buddha-body is accomplished. Hence there is the Buddha known as Amitabha.
2. Convergence into the Vows Embracing the Pure Land
In Praise of Rebirth states, “The 48 Vows gave rise to its adornments,” and the preface to the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra refers to “Amitabha’s original land of 48 Vows.”
These indicate that the fulfillment of the 48 Vows establishes the Pure Land of Bliss. When the vows were fulfilled, the land was accomplished.
3. Convergence into the Vows Embracing Sentient Beings
The Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra (Section on the Meaning of the varieties of Goodness) states, “The 48 Vows embrace and receive sentient beings.” The Pratyutpanna Samādhi Praise says, “Each and every vow was made for the sake of sentient beings.”
These clearly show that all 48 Vows were made with the deliverance of sentient beings as their fundamental intent.
(to be continued tomorrow)
184 四十八願的分類與結歸 (2 /4)
二、善導大師的分類：一願結歸
善導大師亦採三願分類，但與諸師不同之處在於：他不將四十八願分別歸 屬於三願之下，而是認為三願皆能涵攝全部四十八願。亦即，每一願同時具 足攝法身、攝淨土、攝眾生三義，並非彼此區分。其依據如下：
① 結歸攝法身願：《觀經疏‧玄義分》言：「發四十八願，一一願言：『若我得 佛，十方眾生，稱我名號，願生我國，下至十念，若不生者，不取正覺。』今既 成佛，即是酬因之身也。」可知四十八願皆結歸於「若不生者，不取正覺」之 誓。願成即身成，因此有「南無阿彌陀佛」這一尊佛。
② 結歸攝淨土願：《往生禮讚》言「四十八願莊嚴起」，《觀經疏‧序分義》言 「彌陀本國四十八願」，皆指四十八願是建立極樂淨土之因，願成即國土成。
③ 結歸攝眾生願：《觀經疏‧散善義》言「四十八願攝受眾生」，《般舟讚》言 「一一誓願為眾生」，明示四十八願皆為眾生而發，以救度為本意。
Namo Amituofo!
