June 29, 2026

June 29, 2026

Wonderful Metaphors in the Pure Land School 

淨土宗妙喻 

Metaphor 64: A Blind Turtle and a Piece of Driftwood (continued) 

There is an oft-quoted saying that goes like this: “Contemplating the unspeakable pains in hells motivates us to generate bodhicitta.” This means that, because we are mindful of the agonies in the hell realms, we should resolve to practice the Dharma for achieving Buddhahood, to save all sentient beings from samsara. We wish all sentient beings, including ourselves and our families through countless lifetimes, to be forever liberated from samsara. No more suffering in hells, no more suffering in the three evil realms. 

In the context of the Pure Land Dharma path, that saying will be modified to read: contemplating the unspeakable pains in hell motivates us to aspire to rebirth in the Land of Bliss, and to exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha. 

In addition, Master Shandao’s “In Praise of Pratyutpanna” has the following two Gathas (p. 645 of the Complete Works of Master Shandao) which also stress the importance of being wary of the wretchedness of hells and having the aspiration for rebirth: 

Always contemplate the torment of hells, 

Aspiring to be reborn in the Pure Land. 

Vow to commit no karma that leads to the three wretched realms, Having no desire for human or celestial joys. 

A sudden recollection of the Buddha’s teaching that the sufferings in hells are unspeakable and ceaseless,

Makes me never want to forget, even for a moment, about the eternal bliss in the Land of Peace and Joy. 

Amitabha’s Pure Land is an unconditioned realm of nirvana, 

Making it the best place for the ultimate liberation from all sufferings and for the attainment of enlightenment. 

Hearing of the miseries in the hell realms, especially the ceaseless pains and sufferings in Avici Hell; we become more resolute in our aspiration for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. 

64. 盲龜浮木喻 (續) 

有一句話說：「思地獄苦，發菩提心。」就是說，一旦想到有地獄之苦，就要 發起「上求佛道，下化眾生」的學佛修行之心，希望自己以及生生世世的父母 兄弟、六親眷屬，包括所有眾生，都離開地獄，離開三惡道，離開六道生死輪 迴。 

對我們修淨土法門來講，就是「思地獄苦，發往生心」，發起「願生極樂，專 稱彌陀」的心。 

善導大師有兩首偈也讓我們警惕，在《善導大師全集》六四五頁《般舟讚》說： 

一切時中憶地獄，發起增上往生心； 

誓願不做三途業，人天樂報亦無心。 

忽憶地獄長時苦，不捨須臾忘安樂； 

安樂佛國無為地，畢竟安身實是精。 

讀到地獄的種種苦狀，尤其是讀到阿鼻地獄無間受苦，更讓我們發起增上的 往生心。 

Namo Amituofo!

June 28, 2026

June 28, 2026 

Wonderful Metaphors in the Pure Land School 

淨土宗妙喻 

Metaphor 64: A Blind Turtle and a Piece of Driftwood 

In “The Purpose of Life” (p. 35), there is a passage about how difficult and rare it is to be born as a human being: “Only in the human realm can one hear the Dharma.” 

Therefore, the human realm offers the best conditions for ordinary beings to be liberated from all afflictions. 

However, Shakyamuni Buddha also says, “Human form is hard to attain. Being born in the human realm is extremely rare.” 

According to the Samyukta-agama Sutra, the Buddha told a famous story known as “A Blind Turtle and a Piece of Driftwood” to illustrate this point.

There was once a blind turtle living at the bottom of a deep ocean. The turtle has an infinitely long lifespan. It comes up to the surface of the ocean only once every 100 years. In this vast ocean is a piece of driftwood with a small hole in its center. The size of the hole is just big enough for the head of the turtle to poke through it. 

What are the odds on the blind turtle encountering the driftwood and getting its head through that hole? It may take a billion or even a trillion years for that to happen. However, being reborn in the human realm from the three wretched realms is even more difficult than this. 

Similarly, the Nirvana Sutra says, “The human body is rare and precious. The number of those who fall into the three wretched realms is as huge as the whole world, while that of those who are reborn as humans is just like specks of dust on my [Shakyamuni Buddha’s] fingernails.” 

(to be continued tomorrow) 

64. 盲龜浮木喻 

《人生之目的》三十五頁也談到人生之難得： 

能夠聽聞佛法只有「人道」，所以，人道是脫離一切苦惱的場所與絕好機 緣。但是釋尊也說：「人身難得」，能夠生到人間界是極其不容易的。在《雜阿 含經》中，釋尊以一段有名的「盲龜浮木」的譬喻，來說明這困難性。其意是： 大海之底有一隻瞎了雙眼的烏龜，壽命無量歲，每一百年，才有機會將頭浮出海面一次；海中有一片浮木，木的中央有一孔，是否盲龜能夠遇到這浮木之 孔呢？這是幾億年幾兆年也非常難的事，但在三惡道中，要轉生人道，比這 還難。 

《涅槃經》也說： 墮三惡道者，如大地土；受生人界者，如爪上土。 

Namo Amituofo!

June 27, 2026

June 27, 2026 

Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching 

淨土小常識 

185. An Interpretation of the Four-Line Verse: “The Dharma Assembly of Amitabha’s Deliverance Opens” (6 / 6) 

Conclusion: Crossing Beyond Birth and Death on the Great Ship of Universal Deliverance 

These four lines unfold layer by layer—from Amitabha’s saving activity, to the protection of the sacred assembly, to the universal liberation of beings, and finally to the unanimous praise of all Buddhas. Together they reveal the perfection, excellence, and immeasurable compassion of the Pure Land path:

● “The Dharma assembly of Amitabha’s deliverance opens” — Amitabha has already opened the gate of salvation to all; beings need only have faith in it and accept it. 

● “The Pure Ocean Assembly descends and gathers here” — The sacred assembly compassionately protects and accompanies practitioners. They are never alone. 

● “Widely delivering beings to be born in the Land of Bliss” — Regardless of one's capacities, virtues, or faults, all beings may attain rebirth. 

● “All Buddhas rejoice as their original intent is fulfilled” — The Buddhas of the ten directions unanimously praise and confirm this teaching as the supreme path for liberating beings. 

This is not a narrow path of self-powered practice, in which ordinary beings struggle to find their way. Rather, it is the Great Ship of Universal Deliverance, established through Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, and certified by all Buddhas throughout the ten directions. 

Whoever is willing to exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, has already stepped aboard this luminous vessel, bound for the Land of Bliss. No longer adrift, no longer lost, the great matter of birth-and-death, and the ultimate goal of Buddhahood have at last found a secure destination. 

(to be continued tomorrow) 

185 「彌陀救度法筵開」四句偈解讀 (6/6) 

總結：橫超生死，登上普度大船 

此四句偈從彌陀救度、聖眾護念、廣度眾生、諸佛共讚，層層鋪展，顯示 出淨土法門的殊勝圓滿與無邊慈力：

彌陀救度法筵開：彌陀早已普開法筵，只待眾生信受。 

清淨海眾降臨來：聖眾慈悲護念，念佛人永不孤單。 

廣度眾生生極樂：不論根器、善惡，萬類皆得往生。 

諸佛歡喜暢本懷：十方諸佛同聲讚歎，印可此法門為度生最勝之道。 

這不是凡夫自力、苦苦摸索的修行小徑，而是阿彌陀佛本願所成、十方諸 佛共同證信的「普度大船」。只要願意稱名念佛，便已登上這條通往極樂的光 明航道——不再漂泊、不再迷失，生死大事、成佛大業，從此終於有了著落。 

Namo Amituofo! 

June 26, 2026

June 26, 2026

Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching 

淨土小常識 

185. An Interpretation of the Four-Line Verse: “The Dharma Assembly of Amitabha’s Deliverance Opens” (5 / 6) 

4. “All Buddhas Rejoice as Their Original Intent Is Fulfilled” 

The Shared Praise of the Buddhas of the Ten Directions 

The phrase “ their original intent is fulfilled ” refers to the realization of the fundamental aspiration of all Buddhas. 

The Buddhas appear in the world for one purpose: to enable sentient beings to leave suffering behind, attain happiness, and ultimately realize Buddhahood. Since the Pure Land teaching enables even beings of the lowest capacities to attain liberation, all Buddhas rejoice and praise it. 

In the Amitabha Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha declares: 

“Just as I now praise the inconceivable merits and benefits of Amitabha Buddha, so too do the Buddhas of the eastern direction... and countless

Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. In their respective lands, they extend their broad and long tongues to reach the 

three-thousand-great-thousand world system, and proclaim these truthful words: ‘You should believe this Sutra, which is praised and protected by all Buddhas.’” 

The sutra then proceeds to describe the Buddhas of the south, west, north, east, above, and below; all proclaiming the same truth. 

This demonstrates that: 

1. All Buddhas Jointly Bear Witness 

The Pure Land teaching is unanimously praised, authenticated, and recommended by the Buddhas throughout the ten directions. 

2. The Fulfillment of the Buddhas’ Original Intention 

Because the Pure Land path enables all beings to ultimately attain Buddhahood, it perfectly fulfills the Buddhas’ compassionate mission of liberating sentient beings; and manifests their boundless wisdom, compassion, and vow-power. 

(to be continued tomorrow) 

185 「彌陀救度法筵開」四句偈解讀 (5 /6) 

四、「諸佛歡喜暢本懷」——十方如來的共同讚歎 

「暢本懷」，即實現諸佛的根本願心。諸佛出世，無非為令眾生離苦得樂、 究竟成佛；而唯有淨土法門，能令下根眾生也得解脫，故十方諸佛無不歡喜讚 歎。 

《阿彌陀經》中，釋迦牟尼佛言：「如我今者，讚歎阿彌陀佛不可思議功德 之利。東方亦有阿鞞佛、須彌相佛……如是等恆河沙數諸佛，各於其國，出廣

長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是《稱讚不可思議功 德一切諸佛所護念經》。』」 

此後，佛又連續說到南方、西方、北方、上方、下方的諸佛，也同樣於各自 國土出廣長舌相，宣說相同的誠實之言。 

此說明： 

1.諸佛共證：淨土法門是十方諸佛同聲讚歎、共同證誠與勸信的法門。 2.暢佛本懷：淨土法門能令一切眾生究竟成佛，圓滿諸佛度生之本懷，最 能彰顯諸佛無盡的智慧、慈悲與願力。 

Namo Amituofo! 

June 25, 2026

June 25, 2026

Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching 

淨土小常識 

185. An Interpretation of the Four-Line Verse: “The Dharma Assembly of Amitabha’s Deliverance Opens” (4 / 6) 

3. “Widely Delivering Beings to Be Born in the Land of Bliss” 

The Universal Value of the Pure Land Path 

Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow’s purpose is to lead all sentient beings to rebirth in the Pure Land and thereby free them from the cycle of birth and death within the six realms. 

The key phrase here is “widely delivering”—indicating that salvation is not restricted by religion, social status, intellectual capacity, or spiritual aptitude.

Whoever entrusts themselves to Amitabha and exclusively recites Namo Amitabha Buddha will be liberated. 

What makes the Land of Bliss so extraordinary? 

1. Freedom from All Suffering 

There is no birth, aging, sickness, death, grief, or affliction. 

2. Enjoyment of Every Bliss 

The environment is completely pure. Even the sights, sounds, fragrances, tastes, sensations, and mental objects naturally proclaim the Dharma and foster awakening. 

3. A Swift Path to Buddhahood 

Without undergoing countless eons of arduous practice, one can swiftly attain complete Buddhahood. 

The distinctive excellence of the Pure Land path lies precisely in enabling ordinary beings to transcend the three realms, through the power of Amitabha Buddha, and quickly attain liberation. 

(to be continued tomorrow) 

185 「彌陀救度法筵開」四句偈解讀 (4/6) 

三、「廣度眾生生極樂」——淨土法門的普世價值 

阿彌陀佛的本願，為度盡一切眾生往生淨土、脫離六道。此句強調「廣度」 ，即不限宗教、不論根器，只要信佛念佛，皆可得度。 

極樂世界為何殊勝？

1.無有眾苦：遠離生老病死、憂悲苦惱。 

2.但受諸樂：境界清淨，六塵皆說法，自然增進菩提。 

3.成佛捷徑：無須三大阿僧祇劫的苦行，即能圓成佛道。 

淨土法門的易行與殊勝，正在於它讓凡夫藉佛力橫超三界，速得解脫。

Namo Amituofo! 

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching 

淨土小常識

185. An Interpretation of the Four-Line Verse: “The Dharma Assembly of Amitabha’s Deliverance Opens” (3 / 6) 

2. “The Pure Ocean Assembly Descends and Gathers Here” 

The Compassionate Protection of the Sacred Assembly 

The “Pure Ocean Assembly” refers to the great bodhisattvas of the Land of Bliss—such as Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta —together with the immeasurable assembly of pure and noble beings in the Pure Land. 

These holy beings are not remote or inaccessible. They constantly accompany Amitabha Buddha and watch over those who recite Namo Amitabha Buddha. 

The Amitabha Sutra states: 

“When such a person approaches the end of life, Amitabha Buddha and the assembly of holy beings will appear before him.” 

This line reveals that: 

1. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas Appear in Person 

Amitabha and the sacred assembly will certainly appear before the practitioner, dispelling fear and overcoming karmic obstructions. 

2. Spiritual Companions on the Path 

The bodhisattvas of the Pure Land not only welcome practitioners at life's end; but, also serve as good spiritual friends, guiding them toward Buddhahood. 

(to be continued tomorrow) 

185 「彌陀救度法筵開」四句偈解讀 (3/6)

二、「清淨海眾降臨來」—— 極樂聖眾的慈悲護念 

「清淨海眾」指極樂世界的諸大菩薩，如觀音、勢至，以及無量清淨海會聖 眾。他們並非遙不可及，而是常隨阿彌陀佛出現，護念念佛眾生。 

《阿彌陀經》云：「其人臨命終時，阿彌陀佛與諸聖眾，現在其前。」 此句顯示： 

1.佛菩薩現前：彌陀與聖眾必定現前，消除恐懼與業障。 

2.同行善友：極樂菩薩不僅臨終相迎，更是學佛路上的良師益友，導引念 佛行人共趣佛果。

Namo Amituofo! 

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching 

淨土小常識 

185. An Interpretation of the Four-Line Verse: “The Dharma Assembly of Amitabha’s Deliverance Opens” (2 / 6) 

1. “The Dharma Assembly of Amitabha’s Deliverance Opens” 

The Compassionate Vow-Power of Amitabha Buddha 

The term “Dharma assembly” originally refers to a large gathering where the Buddha expounds the Dharma. Here, it symbolizes the gate of Amitabha’s deliverance , opened wide like an inexhaustible banquet, welcoming beings from all ten directions and excluding no one. 

When Amitabha Buddha was still the monk Dharmakara, he formulated his Forty-Eight Great Vows. Among them, the Eighteenth Vow—the Vow of Rebirth through the exclusive recitation of Namo Amitabha Buddha — is the most fundamental: 

“If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the ten directions who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me , aspire to be born in my land, and exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha as few as ten times are not born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.” 

As long as beings entrust themselves to Amitabha Buddha and exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, they will certainly be received and guided to rebirth, with none omitted. 

Thus, the phrase “the Dharma assembly opens” signifies: 

1. Complete Reliance on Amitabha’s Power

One relies entirely upon Amitabha’s vow-power for liberation, rather than upon one's own spiritual attainments or practices. 

2. Universal and Equal Embrace 

Whether noble or humble, wise or foolish, virtuous or sinful, all who aspire to be born in the Pure Land can attain rebirth. 

(to be continued tomorrow) 

185 「彌陀救度法筵開」四句偈解讀 (2/6) 

一、「彌陀救度法筵開」—— 阿彌陀佛的慈悲願力 

「法筵」原指佛陀說法的盛會，此處比喻彌陀救度之門，如無盡盛宴，普開 十方，不拒一人。阿彌陀佛因地為法藏比丘時，發四十八大願，其中以第十八 願「念佛往生願」最為根本：「設我得佛，十方眾生，至心信樂，欲生我國，乃至 十念，若不生者，不取正覺。」 

只要眾生信佛念佛，便必得接引，無一遺漏。因此，「法筵開」表徵： 

1.全憑佛力：徹底仰仗彌陀願力救度，不依自力修行功夫。 

2.平等普攝：無論貴賤、智愚、善惡，只要願生淨土，皆得往生。

Namo Amituofo!