July 31, 2017

Jul 31, 2017
慧淨上人法語
信受彌陀救度
（continued）

As long as an Amitabha-reciter entrusts himself to Amitabha’s deliverance and puts his mind on reciting Amitabha’s name throughout his life, his destiny will be fixed up by Amitabha Buddha. Amitabha will come to receive him at his death, and he doesn’t need to doubt or worry [about rebirth].

Amitabha Buddha says, “Take all fears and horrors as great joy and peace.” So, Pure Land Buddhism restores our peace of mind, gives us joy, contentment and hope. If someone doesn’t feel at ease with Amitabha recitation, he has not understood Pure Land Buddhism yet.

因為念佛人只要信任彌陀救度，平生安心念佛，則一切自有彌陀的安排，臨終自有彌陀的迎接，毋庸懷疑，毋庸憂慮

阿彌陀佛說：「一切恐懼，為作大安。」故知淨土宗是給人安心、給人歡喜、給人滿足、給人希望的法門，念佛而還有不安，便是還不知淨土宗。

Namo Amitabha!

July 30 2017

Jul 30, 2017
慧淨上人法語
信受彌陀救度

Some Amitabha-reciters who lack the knowledge in fundamental teachings do not feel at ease, even though they practice exclusive Amitabha-recitation. They have worries that although their body is healthy and their mind is sound for the time being, when they come near to the end-of-life, they may suffer from serious illness and unable to recite Amitabha’s name in voice, or even go into a coma and is not conscious of Amitabha recitation. They may also suddenly come across an aviation accident, marine perils, a vehicle traffic collision, or earthquake, flooding, fire, hurricane, and other natural disasters. In such unforeseen calamities, they are unable to recite Amitabha’s name before instant dying. They feel uncertain whether they can be reborn [in the Land of Bliss] in such situations.

These worries are really unnecessary. If they do worry, it indicates that they have little cognizance of the sutra-based evidences, commentary-based evidences, and account-based evidences.

(continued tomorrow)

有些缺乏教理基礎的念佛人，雖然專修念佛，但心中依然忐忑不安，憂慮現在雖然身體健康，精神明利，但若臨命終，病苦纏身，念不出佛，甚至昏迷，不知念佛，乃至突然遭遇空難、海難、車難、地難、水難、火難、風難等天災地變，不測之禍，未能念佛而當下去世，不知能否往生？

其實這是不必要的憂慮，有這憂慮，顯示他對淨土宗的教證、理證、事證，還沒有基本性的認知。

Namo Amitabha!

July 29 2017

Jul 29, 2017
慧淨上人法語
人生目的

The purpose of life, put it in a simple way, is “to aspire to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land”. This is also the purpose of studying Buddhism, or, generally speaking, looking for answers of these questions: From where does a human being come? To where does he go after death? Which direction should our life head towards and follow? The answers are simple: to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

人生的目的簡單的講就是為了「願生彌陀淨土」，這也是學佛的目的；總而言之，人生從何來？死往何去？人生何去何從？這問題的答案很簡單，就是往生極樂世界。

Namo Amitabha!

July 28 2017

Jul 28, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛度亡
(continued)

For those who study the Pure Land School of teaching, relying on the dharani blanket is not appropriate. In case one of our kin dies, and he doesn’t know where he will be, giving him a dharani blanket as a safeguard is acceptable.

Having said that, it is better to give the deceased the true dharani blanket, i.e., telling him the Pure Land teachings and reciting the six-character name for him and his listening. With the aid of Amitabha’s merits and virtues, he can leave the cycle of reincarnations within the Six Realms and attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

我們學習淨土法門，是不可以依賴陀羅尼被的。如果我們的親屬往生了，不曉得他將來如何，所以給他蓋張陀羅尼經被，以防萬一，那這樣是可以的。

不過，如果遇到有人壽終，真正的陀羅尼被就是給他講說淨土法門，幫他稱念六字名號，讓他聽聞，借助阿彌陀佛的功德，脫離六道輪迴，往生極樂世界。

Namo Amitabha!

July 27

Jul 27, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛度亡

Dharani blanket has scriptural mantras printed on it, which have the functions of clearing karmic obstructions, enriching blessings and wisdom, and even enabling us to leave the Three Wretched Realms and the Six Paths.

How to use: For mound burial, put the blanket on the body, lay them in a coffin, and then bury the coffin in the ground. For cremation, place the blanket on the coffin before burning. When the cremation is completed and the ashes put in the urn, put the properly folded blanket over the ashes before the urn is sealed.

(continued tomorrow)

陀羅尼被本身所印的都是經咒，這些經咒有消除業障、增長福慧甚至令人離開三途六道的功能。
使用的方法：如果是土葬，就蓋在身上，然後入棺，跟棺木一起下葬。如果是火葬，就先放在棺木上，等火化完了，骨灰放入骨灰缸裏面，陀羅尼被再折好，放在骨灰上，然後再蓋起來。

Namo Amitabha!

July 26

Jul 26, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

(continued)

The other way [to resolve the karmic offenses of enemies and creditors] is to accumulate merits and virtues in Buddhist order. If a Buddhist takes refuge and hold precepts, he will be naturally protected by heavenly deities. He sincerely repents his past karmic obstructions through reciting sutras, participating in repentance service, holding dharani, and reciting the Buddhas’ name. In this way, enemies and creditors do not take revenge. Moreover, we can also resolve the conflicts, or even take them across (deliver them). These are the merits and virtues in Buddhist teachings.

另外一種是累積佛門中的功德。學佛人若是皈依受戒，自然也有善神保護，自己誠心懺悔過去的業障，甚至誦經、拜懺、持咒、念佛，這樣不僅冤家債主不會報復，還能化解冤孽，甚至超度對方，這就是佛法中的功德。

Namo Amitabha!

July 25

Jul 25, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

There are two ways to resolve the karmic offenses of enemies and creditors. The first way relies on worldly virtues, i.e. accumulation of merits through virtuous practices. In this respect, we have to, foremost, exercise our filial piety to parents. Besides, we should also perform charitable deeds, be kind and considerate of others. By doing so, virtuous deities will protect us, and enemies and creditors will not come for revenge too.

(continued tomorrow)

化解冤家債主的冤孽，有兩種方式：
第一種是靠世間的善事，就是要行善積德。行善積德首先要做到孝順父母，還有就是常做布施，心存善意為他人設想，這樣也會有善神保護，冤家債主也不會來報復。

July 24

Jul 24, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

In addition to making Amitabha-recitation the beginning of our daily life, we can also make ourselves available in other times for Amitabha-recitation in sitting position,  Amitabha-recitation in motion (walking), Amitabha-recitation while prostrating, or Amitabha-recitation while doing arm-swinging exercise. In short, we do not depart from Amitabha-recitation in a single moment.

除了一天的生活從念佛開始之外，有時間也是一樣靜坐念佛，或者經行念佛、拜佛念佛、甩手（運動）念佛，總之都不離開念佛。

Namo Amitabha!

July 23

Jul 23, 2017
慧淨上人法語
凡夫入報

The Pure Land of Amitabha is a realm designated exclusively for activities by buddhas with profound wisdom. It brings no benefit for iniquitous ordinary beings like us to make conjecture or wild guesses. It is better for us to be quickly reborn in the Pure Land by following the teaching of uninterrupted recitation of Amitabha’s name. By then, all will be self-evident and we don’t bother to ask.

彌陀淨國唯是諸佛深智所行之境，吾等罪惡生死凡夫測度思量，毫無其益，唯依相續稱名，疾生淨土，則一切自明，不勞他問。

Namo Amitabha!

July 22

Jul 22, 2017
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

We don’t think ourselves an incarnate being in the lowest level of the lowest tier; but, in fact, the seeds of the Ten Evil Deeds and the Five Gravest Transgressions was planted in our heart. Those seeds live in seclusion when the environment for germination is lacking. Once the conditions ripen, we will do the Ten Evil Deeds and the Five Gravest Transgressions. So, Master Shanda advises us to take the “dharma” as a mirror to reflect ourselves, so that we will come out in our true colours, and clearly know that we are iniquitous beings who don’t have any karmic condition for emancipation. And, we must honestly rely on Amitabha’s deliverance, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s name in order to attain a firm and never abandoned status of guaranteed rebirth in the present life.

So, this school of teaching provides us with great ease of mind and great satisfaction. It allows us to repent inwardly from time to time and be thankful to the Buddha’s grace by recitation of Amitabha’s name single-mindedly—just like what Master Shandao have mentioned.

我們都以為自己不是一個下品下生的人，其實我們內心都有十惡五逆的種子在蠢蠢欲動，只是沒有那個環境而已，只要有那個環境，我們都會造五逆十惡的。

所以善導大師要我們以「法」來照自己，使我們原形畢露，看清自己是一個罪惡生死凡夫，無有出離之緣，必須要老老實實的依靠彌陀的救度，專念彌陀的名號，獲得攝取不捨，往生決定、平生業成的身份。

所以這一個法門，給我們大安心、大滿足，讓我們一生當中，像善導大師所講的，常懷慚愧而仰謝佛恩的一向專稱彌陀佛名。

Namo Amitabha!

July 21

Jul 21, 2017
慧淨上人法語
信受彌陀救度

(continued)

The Sutra says, “Deliver the teachings to those poor ordinary beings without their request.” Amitabha Buddha gives us the teaching of rebirth that we—sentient beings in the ten directions—even don’t know to accept. So, in our teaching, we only talk about the teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance, the belief and acceptance of the teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance, and the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name due to our belief and acceptance of the teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance.

經文又說：「以不請之法，施諸黎庶。」阿彌陀佛以我們十方眾生不曉得領受的法──往生之法，來布施給我們。因此我們這個法門，是講彌陀救度的法門，是講我們信受彌陀救度的法門，是講我們信受而專稱彌陀名號的法門。

Namo Amitabha

July 20

Jul 20, 2017
慧淨上人法語
信受彌陀救度

Being existent in this world, our body is severely suffered from poverty and hardship. It will reincarnate within the Six Realms after death, so it is painful beyond words. Amitabha Buddha, being a great donor, comes to deliver us. At this point, all merits and virtues [that we Amitabha-reciters attain] are given by Amitabha Buddha, so that is the reason why it is called ‘Buddha-power’. We will be reborn through Amitabha-recitation with recourse to the Buddha’s power.
(continued tomorrow)

我們在肉體存在的這個世間，受盡種種的貧窮困苦，死後還會輪迴六道，苦不堪言。阿彌陀佛就是要做一個大施主來救度我們，從這一點來講，功德是從阿彌陀佛那裏來的，所以叫做「佛力」，我們以念佛乘佛力而往生極樂。

Namo Amitabha!

July 19

Jul 19, 2017
慧淨上人法語
人生目的

Whoever studies Buddhism eventually has to exclusively believe Amitabha Buddha and exclusively invoke Amitabha Buddha. Only Amitabha Buddha can enable each individual to have great peace of mind and great satisfaction in this life, and after death, to be reborn in the Pure Land and to achieve Buddhahood.

My assertion above may unavoidably give people an impression of being arbitrary and peremptory. As a matter of fact, the teaching of Amitabha-recitation is plain and unexceptional that no other teaching can match; but, on the other hand, it is also profound and advanced that no other can match too. It is because the teaching of Amitabha-recitation is the crystallization of all dharmas, the conclusion of all Buddhist teachings, and the original intent of Shakyamuni’s descent into this world.  It is also the goal of our study of Buddhism.

不管是誰，學佛始終都要「一向專信阿彌陀佛」、「一向專念阿彌陀佛」。唯有阿彌陀佛，才能使每一個人生前獲得大安心、大滿足，死後決定生淨土、成佛果。

我說這種話，難免會給人武斷、蠻橫之感。其實念佛法門，若就其平常而言，沒有其他法門比這更平常了；若就其高深而言，沒有其他法門比這更高深了。因為這是萬法的結晶，也是佛法的結論，是釋尊出世的本懷，也是吾人學佛的目的。

Namo Amitabha!

July 17

Jul 17, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

In facing any kinds of venomous snakes and beast of prey, if we recite Amitabha’s name with a compassionate mind, they will not do harm to us, but calm down peacefully; they will not struggle and attack us. It is because Amitabha-recitation can relieve the bad karma of our enemies and creditors, or even take across or deliver them.

面對任何毒蛇猛獸，如果我們抱著慈悲的心念阿彌陀佛，它不但不會傷害我們，也將因此而平和冷靜，不會做出反抗或攻擊的行為。因為念佛能夠化解冤家債主的冤孽，甚至超度對方。

Namo Amitabha!

July 16

Jul 16, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

We should consider ourselves as a stupid and ignorant person, not knowing what is right and wrong. Because we are really such kind of people, so we don’t argue and dispute. Reciting Amitabha’s name in this way is being honest in Amitabha-recitation.

I am competent for nothing, and inferior to you in all aspects. I am a person with manifold vexations. What I can do is behave discreetly and keep reciting Amitabha’s name scrupulously, knowing my place in term of stupidity and ignorance. Reciting Amitabha’s name in this way is being honest in Amitabha-recitation.

要把自己當作是一個愚痴的人，不曉得是非的人，因為自己是這樣的人，所以不會去計較是非，這樣的念佛就是老實的念佛。
我什麼都不會，我什麼都不如你，我是一個苦苦惱惱的人，我只能這樣安份守己的來念佛，安守我的愚痴，守愚念佛，這樣的念佛就是老實的念佛。 

Namo Amitabha!

July 15

Jul 15, 2017
慧淨上人法語
凡夫入報

The Land of Bliss does exist; but what exist on the land? There is the existence of gold being laid on the ground, pagodas with seven kinds of jewels, water of the eight merits and virtues, and various kinds of adornment. All these kinds of adornment, however, are not separable from Amitabha’s “nature of emptiness”.

So, Bodhisattva Vasubandhu says in his Treatise of Rebirth, “The land of Amitayus Buddha is adorned, is the supreme truth (of real emptiness), and is a form of the wonderful realm (i.e. the incomprehensible existence).” These pure adornments are precisely the supreme truth, of which the meaning is same as the “nature of emptiness” that the Diamond Sutra talks about.

極樂世界雖然是「有」，有什麼呢？有黃金鋪地，有七寶樓閣，有八功德水，有種種的莊嚴，但是這一些種種的莊嚴，都不離阿彌陀佛的「空性」。所以天親菩薩在他的《往生論》裏面就說「彼無量壽佛，國土莊嚴，第一義諦，妙境界相」，這一些清淨莊嚴就是「第一義諦」，意思就是《金剛經》所講的空性。

Namo Amitabha!

July 14

Jul 14, 2017
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

With respect to the relationship between Amitabha-recitation and “the nine levels” , Master Shandao shows us in Dharma School of Contemplation and Recitation some expedient guidance. The first expedient guidance is that if a person recites Amitabha’s name 30,000 times and above everyday, he is regarded as a member of the upper level in the high tier. This guidance is provided mainly for those who are on the sagely path, facilitating them to recite Amitabha’s name exclusively.

The second expedient guidance is returning to the all-time definitive Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, which defines, “Although the preceding passages spoke of the merits of the meditative and non-meditative virtues, the Buddha’s underlying wish is that sentient beings will recite Amitabha’s name single-mindedly”. Returning to the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra and reciting Amitabha’s name exclusively transcend [practices] at the nine levels.

對於「念佛」和「九品」的關係，善導大師在 《觀念法門》中有方便的引導，第一個方便引導是，如果一個人每天念三萬聲以上就是上品上生，但這主要是為了引導聖道門的行人來專一念佛。

第二個方便引導是，回歸楷定古今的《觀經四帖疏》，《觀經四帖疏》的判定就是：「雖說定散兩門之益，望佛本願，意在眾生，一向專稱，彌陀佛名」。回歸到《觀經四帖疏》，專念彌陀名號就是超越九品。

Namo Amitabha!

July 13

Jul 13, 2017
慧淨上人法語
信受彌陀救度

A true Samadhi is your aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, your exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name, and your abstaining from miscellaneous cultivation and sundry practices. This assures rebirth. This is the Samadhi of Amitabha-recitation in our teaching.

真正的三昧就是你願生極樂世界，專念彌陀名號，不雜修雜行，這個就必定往生，這個就是我們這個法門的念佛三昧。

Namo Amitabha!

July 12

Jul 12, 2017
慧淨上人法語
人生目的

Buddhism is the teaching that renders us happiness and relieves us from sufferings. Amitabha’s teaching of deliverance is exactly the Dharma that enables all sentient beings thoroughly to secure happiness and end sufferings in this lifetime. As you have been delivered, living in the embrace of Amitabha, the dark and hell-like suffering is transformed into a bright and happy life. What else are you still suffering from?

We should delight ourselves with knowing in this lifetime the great matter of human life and having reached the goal of life; we should not live as if intoxicated or dreaming like other people and worry about short-term hardship.

佛法是拔苦與樂之法，能讓一切眾生此生即徹底拔苦與樂的，正是彌陀救度法門。你既然已蒙救度，活在彌陀懷抱中，世間黑暗苦獄轉為安樂光景，則何苦之有？應為自己今生能知道人生的大事，達成人生的目的而喜，不可隨同世人醉生夢死，以短暫的苦境為憂。

Namo Amitabha!

July 11

Jul 11, 2017
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Deliverance of the Dead through Amitabha-recitation
念佛度亡

The presence or absence of auspicious relics（sarira) [after cremation] is not the benchmark for assured rebirth. The visible sign [of rebirth] varies from person to person.

有舍利沒舍利，並非往生確定的標準，而且每一個人所顯現的也各不相同。

Namo Amitabha!

July 10

Jul 10, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

Amitabha-recitation can, not only eradicate our karmic offenses, but also bring us happiness, and keep us away from sorrow. Changes are obvious. In comparison with the past, we no longer easily feel unfair, resentful or dissatisfied, no longer frequently argue with others and haggle over every ounce, and no longer easily take offence and feel hatred towards others. It is because we have attained Amitabha’s merits and virtues for free and now feel satisfied and grateful. Our mindset is changed, our personality is changed, our habits are changed, our appearance is changed, and our fate is also changed.

Above all, a person who is satisfied and grateful is always smiling from ear to ear.

念佛不但能夠消我們的業障，也能夠讓我們離苦得樂。明顯的轉變是，以前容易不平不滿，容易與人爭執計較，容易生氣瞋恨，現在就不會了，因為獲得了彌陀白白送我們的功德，所以知足了、感恩了，心態改變了、性格改變了、習慣改變了，相貌也改變了，命運也改變了。總之，一個感恩知足的人，時時刻刻都是滿面春風。

Namo Amitabha!

July 9

Jul 9, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法

A silent Amitabha-reciter is an honest Amitabha-reciter and a no-argument Amitabha-reciter. ‘Honest Amitabha-recitation’ and ‘no-argument Amitabha-recitation’ means no theoretical or intellectual concepts, no trivial and sundry talks, no gossip, and not caring about being praised and teased or slandered, being happy or sad, being fortunate or unfortunate, and not like making karmic connection, not like showing off.

They do not advocate individualism and not to be pretentious. They perform their own moral duties and Amitabha-recitation in due diligence, like slow-witted persons. They always recite Amitabha’s name whether they are occupied or in leisure. They do what they ought to do, and helping others without being noticed by others.

For this kind of Amitabha-reciters, they usually know when they are reborn in advance, and they can be reborn smoothly and solemnly in the Land of Bliss.

「靜默往生人」就是所謂「老實念佛人」、「無諍念佛人」，「老實念佛、無諍念佛」即是不講理論、學問，不談閒言雜語，不說人我是非，不計稱譏毀譽、苦樂順逆，也不愛攀緣、不愛炫耀。

既不突顯個人，亦不裝模作樣，只是安份守己，安於念佛，守愚念佛，有事無事，一句佛號常掛心口，做好自己本份的事，也默默協助他人。這樣的念佛人，往往預知時至，順利安然、自在莊嚴地往生極樂淨土。

Namo Amitabha!

July 8 2017

Jul 8, 2017
慧淨上人法語
凡夫入報

The Infinite Life Sutra says that when Bodhisattva Dharmakara cultivated the bodhisattva practices, he made 48 great vows in front of Buddha Lokeshvararaja. Each and every vow pronounces that sentient beings in the ten directions are merely required to recite my name, and aspire to be reborn in my Land of Bliss. For those doing so in the present life, they persist for the rest of their lives; for those near the end-of-life, they can recite as little as ten times. If I fail to enable them to achieve rebirth, I will not attain Buddhahood.

Amitabha Buddha has been a Buddha now, so we know he is a reward Buddha having fulfilled his casual vow. The Pure Land that he has accomplished is the reward of his vows and his practices in the causal ground, so it is also a reward land.

Master Shandao raised this causal vow—the vow and practices in causal ground—for revealing that he is a Buddha at present. Being a Buddha at present, he is, of course, a Buddha rewarded by his vow and practices in the causal ground. So, he is called a reward Buddha, and his pure land a reward land.

《無量壽經》說，法藏菩薩在世自在王佛的面前 行菩薩道的時候，發下四十八大願，每一願每一願都說：十方眾生只要稱我名號，願生我的極樂國土。平生之機，上盡一形；臨終之機，下至十念。這樣的話，如果不能往生，祂就不成佛。現在阿彌陀佛已經成佛，可知這一尊佛是「酬因之身」所得到的「果報佛」，當然就是報佛，所成就的淨土也是祂因地願行成就而有的「果報土」，當然就是報土。

善導大師就是舉出這個「因願」－－因地的願行，來顯現出現在成佛，以及現在成佛，當然是因地願行成就所獲得的果報的佛，所以叫作報佛；土也是果報的土，所以叫作報土。

Namo Amitabha!

July 7

Jul 7, 2017
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名
(continued)

So, the purpose of Shakyamuni Buddha’s discourse on the three tiers and nine levels is to reveal that although there are sentient beings whose aptitude and capacity can be categorized into the three tiers and nine levels, all of them have to rely on Amitabha  Buddha, and converge at the single-minded and exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name. This is the only way to transcend the three tiers and nine levels; otherwise, falling into its scope is unavoidable—that means rebirth inside the bud as said in the Infinite Life Sutra. The result is unable to bloom, being prevented from seeing the Buddha and listening to his teachings for 500 years.

所以釋迦牟尼佛說三輩、說九品，目的是要顯示根機雖然有三輩九品，可是統統要依靠阿彌陀佛，統統要回歸一向專稱彌陀佛名，這樣才能夠超越三輩九品，不然就會落入三輩九品的範疇裡面，也就是《無量壽經》所說的胞胎，受五百歲不能花開見佛聞法。

Namo Amitabha!

July 6

Jul 6, 2017
慧淨上人法語
專稱彌陀佛名

Regarding the three tiers mentioned in the text, the Infinite Life Sutra emphasizes that even though the aptitude and capacity of sentient beings are different, all of them have to rely entirely on the merits and virtues of Amitabha’s Name for rebirth in the Land of Bliss, and to attain equally the status of the buddha in one more lifetime.

If the superior beings rely on their superior wisdom and practices, and the other two kinds of beings rely on the practices of their own levels, and if they do not completely let go the tightly-held merits and virtues attained through their self-powered practices and do not rely entirely on the merits and virtues of Amitabha’s name, their rebirth in the Land of Bliss will, of course, end up with different levels and classes.

（continued tomorrow）

《無量壽經》下卷所講的三輩，是強調雖然三輩根機各不相同，可是都要完全依靠彌陀名號的功德才能到極樂世界，並且平等的得到一生補處的果位。如果上輩依靠上輩的智慧根機，中輩、下輩也都各依靠他們的根機，不完全放下對自己修行功德的執著，來完全依靠彌陀名號的功德的話，這樣到了極樂世界當然就會有品位階級的不同。

Namo Amitabha!

July 5

Jul 5, 2017
慧淨上人法語
信受彌陀救度

By the time that we believe and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss and recite the Name, we are already on board of Amitabha’s ship. It doesn’t mean we have to recite his Name single-mindedly with no distracted mind, or in a proficient manner reaching a certain realm, like in one-pointedness, otherwise we are not on board. It also doesn’t mean we recite his Name now, and will attain one-pointed recitation without the distracted mind in future, in order to be on board. It should be: at the moment of believing and accepting, at the moment of reciting the Name, we are on board right the way.

我們只要信受彌陀的救度，願生極樂，稱念名號，當下就在彌陀的本願船上了；並不是說我要念佛念到一心不亂、功夫成片、動靜一如，那時候才是坐在船上；也不是現在念佛，將來一心不亂才是坐在船上，而是當下信受，當下稱念，當下就在船上了。Namo Amitabha!，願生極樂，稱念名號，當下就在彌陀的本願船上了；並不是說我要念佛念到一心不亂、功夫成片、動靜一如，那時候才是坐在船上；也不是現在念佛，將來一心不亂才是坐在船上，而是當下信受，當下稱念，當下就在船上了。

Namo Amitabha!

Jul 6, 2017
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Exclusiv

July 4

Jul 4, 2017
慧淨上人法語
人生目的

What is the purpose of life? Probably, most people have not seriously reflected on and asked themselves these questions: Why was I born here? Why do I live here?

Life is full of sorrow.  For instance, the recent economic climate of Taiwan is in depression, and some individuals have committed suicide due to the unbearable sufferings in lives. Some others endure no matter how severe the conditions are; but for what should they endure? Where should the life go and what path should follow?

If people can think about this aspect of life, they will develop wisdom, and enter into the arena of faith. Thereafter, once they find the answer, they will become stable, relaxed, and comfortable in the rest of their life.

人生的目的是什麼？可能絕大多數的人都沒有確實的反問自己：「我為什麼生下來？我為什麼活著？」人生很苦，像最近台灣景氣不好，有人因為生活痛苦而自殺；有的人則是再苦也忍耐活下去。但是，「忍耐活下去是為了什麼？人生何去何從？」

如果能夠往這方面去思考，人就會產生智慧，同時也會走進信仰領域，此後只要他找到答案，那麼他的餘生，就能過著安心、安穩、安樂的日子。

Namo Amitabha!

July 3

Jul 3, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛度亡

Preaching to a person at the end-of-life or to a “bardo” (being in-between two lives) according to the Pure Land teaching is sufficient.  The Sutra of Delivering the Dead is a scripture in Tantric Buddhism. We Pure Land practitioners will follow the Pure Land teaching rather than the Tantric.

以淨土法門為臨終或中陰身開示便足。《度亡經》屬密法，吾人學淨不學密，故依淨不依密。

Namo Amitabha!

July 2

Jul 2, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛利益

Those who do not recite Amitabha’s name always think and invoke in accordance with his karmic afflictions and habitual behavior. This makes them feel unhappy and stressful, both physically and mentally. By reciting Amitabha’s name, they can open their mind with wisdom, and clear karmic obstruction. Moreover, they also feel relaxed and comfortable, both physically and mentally because they don’t have false and miscellaneous thoughts now.

After they practice Amitabha-recitation for a period of time, they will have an experience of tranquility. Their temperament, character, habit, and amusement are changed. The character of a person who was previously impatient, hot-tempered, calculative, and attached in all matters will also change. He will take it easy for all worldly disputes. So, Amiatbha-recitation costs us nothing; it benefits us in various ways.

沒有念佛的人都會隨煩惱、習氣而起心動念，這樣會使人感到身心沈重，心情不愉悅。念佛不但能開智慧、消業障，且因為沒有妄想雜念，而感覺身心輕安。

念佛久了，因為有寂靜的體會，人的氣質、個性、習慣、娛樂就會改變，一個原來急躁、暴躁，凡事與人計較、執著的人，個性會改變，對世間的是非會看淡。所以念佛不但不用付出，還會得到種種的利益。

Namo Amitabha!

July 1

Jul 1, 2017
慧淨上人法語
念佛方法
(continued)

Being a honest and simple-minded Amitabha-reciter, one should not argue with others, no matter internally in the mind or externally with words. Do not gossip on trivial or interpersonal matters; do not dispute over issues like happiness and suffering, fortune and misfortune, or honor and disgrace; and do not show off deliberately, or behave affectedly.

They recite “Namo Amituofo” under any circumstance: at praise, recite Namo Amituofo; being treated with disdain, also recite Namo Amituofo, as they always bear Namo Amituofo in mind. Apart from Namo Amituofo, they give no thought to any other thing. This is “Amitabha-recitation with no-argument”, and also truly  “Amitabha-recitation in a honest and simple-minded manner”.

要老實念佛，就是外也好、內也好，都與人無諍，既不談一些閒言雜語、人我是非，也不去計較什麼順逆苦樂、稱譏毀譽，不想出鋒頭，不想顯耀自己，但也不是故意造作。

有事沒事，都是「南無阿彌陀佛」，人家讚歎也是「南無阿彌陀佛」，人家鄙視也是「南無阿彌陀佛」，心中始終只有「南無阿彌陀佛」，除了「南無阿彌 陀佛」，其他都置之度外了，這個就是「無諍念佛」，也就是真正的「老實念佛」。

Namo Amitabha!