May 31 2019

May 31, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Right View on Buddhist teachings

佛法知見

In the Buddhist practices, regardless of the school, faith is a very important foundation. As said in the Treatise of Understanding a Hundred Teachings in the Mere Consciousness School, faith is within the scope of our understanding and is “associated with the virtuous mind.” It means, if you have faith, you will have the respective virtues; if you don’t have faith, you will not have those virtues. Why?

It is because, in whatever good practices, charitable activity, merit and virtues, if you don’t believe in it, you will not pursue it. Thus, if there is no cause for practicing good, it is impossible to have good rewards.

在佛法修行中,不論任何法門,信都是非常重要的基礎。唯識宗《百法明門論》裡面有說,信是屬於「善心所」,是屬於善心的範圍,也就是有了信,就有了這方面的善;如果沒有信,就沒有這方面的善。

為什麼?因為,再怎麼樣的好事、善事、功德,如果不信的話,就不會去做,如果沒有行善的因,就不可能得到善的果。

Namo Amituofo!

May 30 2019

May 30, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land
淨土信仰
（continued）
It is because Amitabha Buddha’s six-syllable great name is the crystallization of a myriad of merits and virtues that it has the functional capacity of the Six Paramitasand a myriad of other practices. As said in the Infinite Life Sutra, this Name sufficiently contains the “merit and virtues of Samadhi in stillness and unobstructed wisdom”. It allows the Amitabha-reciter to attain the merit and virtues of Samadhi, whether he enters the meditative state or not. Amitabha’s light embraces without forsaking, during the reciter’s lifetime, and appears before him and receives him personally near the end of his life.

Therefore, those who believe and accept this teaching, though they have not experienced the Samadhi of Buddha-Recollection in the meditative state, have the same level of Samadhi. They are assured of rebirth with great peace, comfort, and great satisfaction, without any regrets.

因為南無阿彌陀佛六字洪名是萬德的結晶,具足六度萬行的功德與功能,如《無量壽經》就顯示這句名號具足「三昧常寂,智慧無礙」的功德,使念佛之人,不論入定不入定,都具足三昧的功德;平生彌陀光明攝取不捨,臨終彌陀親自現前來迎。

所以信受我們這個法門的念佛人,即使沒有定的念佛三昧,也等同有了念佛三昧,必定往生,大安心、大滿足,而了無遺憾。

Namo Amituofo!

May 29 2019

May 29, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land

淨土信仰

There are two kinds of Samadhi of Buddha-Mindfulness - the Samadhi of Buddha-Mindfulness in the meditative state, and the Samadhi of Buddha-Mindfulness in the non-meditative state.

The Samadhi of Buddha-Mindfulness in the meditative state means the practitioner can see the Buddha during the practice of Buddha-Mindfulness in the meditativestate. It is very difficult to accomplish this, and it is very rare in our history.

The Samadhi of Buddha-Mindfulness in the non-meditative state means the practitioner aspires to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land, and exclusively recites Amitabha’s Name, (without doubt, without interruption and without mixing other practices.) As it is not in the meditative state, it is called the Samadhi of Buddha-Mindfulness in the non-meditative state.

念佛三昧有兩種:定的念佛三昧與散的念佛三昧。

定的念佛三昧是念佛念到入禪定,定中見佛。這非常的難,古來少有。

散的念佛三昧是願生彌陀淨土,專稱彌陀佛名,不懷疑、不間斷、不夾雜,這也是三昧,但因不是入禪定,故稱為散的念佛三昧。

Namo Amituofo!

May 28 2019

May 28, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School:

Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

We know all matters are governed by causal conditions; so, as a Buddhist, we should accept, accommodate, and forgive others. We understand that it is because of ignorance and delusion that we and others have still reincarnated within the Six Realms life after life. If we had no ignorance and delusion, we would have already been liberated. Why Are We Still Here?

知道凡事都是因緣業力所推動,學佛的人就應該互相接納對方、包容對方、體諒對方,曉得就是因為愚癡,他、還有我們,才會生生世世都還在六道裡面輪迴,如果不是因為愚癡,我們都早就解脫了,怎麼還會在這裡呢?

Namo Amituofo!

May 27 2019

May 27, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

A text about “adornment of the sacred assembly”

The adornment of a multitude of sacred beings (in the Land of Bliss) includes “all beings presently there and also those who are to be reborn from all other worlds in the ten directions.”

Hence, we exclusive Amitabha - reciters are also sacred beings, who are the adornment of the Land of Bliss, though we are still ordinary beings in the Saha Land.

《觀經疏》「聖眾莊嚴」之文:

聖眾莊嚴:即現在彼眾,及十方法界同生者是。

Namo Amituofo!

May 26 2019

May 26, 2019
慧淨上人法語
《佛說無量壽經》

Each of Amitabha’s 48 vows ends with the phrase “may I not attain perfect Enlightenment”. The purpose of this phrase is to clear our doubts and worries. However, our doubts are so deep and heavy that the 48 vows are not sufficient to satisfy us, and clear all of our doubts.

So, after the 48 vows, the Sutra reiterates in the Gatha of the Three Vows and the Gatha of the Heavy Vows. They request celestial beings to manifest auspicious responses of wonder that prove and validate the truth of Amitabha’s vows.

四十八願當中,每一願的最後都有「不取正覺」四個字的誓言,用意是為了消除我們眾生的疑慮。可是眾生的疑根畢竟很深, 只是以四十八願恐怕還不能滿足我們的心、消除我們的懷疑。

所以在四十八願之後,又再說「三誓偈」、「重誓偈」,來請求天地顯現神奇的瑞應,證明阿彌陀佛所發的誓言是真實不虛的。

Namo Amituofo!

May 25 2019

May 25, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Taking Refuge in Amitabha
皈命彌陀

Amitabha Buddha is a Buddha who makes vows for us, practices for us, and builds the Land of Bliss for us. Amitabha Buddha is also a Buddha who completes all merits, virtues, and credentials necessary for our rebirth.

阿彌陀佛是為我們發願的佛,是為我們修行的佛,是為我們建設極樂世界的佛, 也是為我們完成往生極樂世界功德資糧的佛。

Namo Amituofo!

May 24 2019

May 24, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Deep Faith in Aptitude and Teaching

機法深信

We are iniquitous sentient beings. If we study and practice the teachings that we come across under assorted circumstances, we still cannot leave the cycle of birth-and-death. However, if we accept the practice of name-recitation that Amitabha Buddha selects for us, we can be reborn to become Buddhas. So, recollecting the Buddha and reciting the Buddha’s Name are the causes, and rebirth to become a Buddha are the effects.

我們是罪惡生死凡夫,如果依照各自接觸的雜緣去學的話,還是不離生死;如果接受阿彌陀佛為我們所選擇的稱名念佛,就能夠往生成佛。所以, 憶佛、念佛是因,往生成佛是果。

Namo Amituofo!

May 23 2019

May 23, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Right View on Buddhist teachings
佛法知見

“Seeing the Buddha” refers to “encountering the Fundamental Vow in this land, we see Amitabha in that land.” So, seeing the Buddha means seeing Amitabha in that land, not as a spiritual response in this land.

In this Land, we simply believe and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name. That’s it! The main point here is, it is not important to receive a spiritual response during meditation or to “see the Buddha,” because these are temporary phenomena encountered by ordinary beings. However, “seeing the Buddha in that land” is to see the Buddha forever!

所謂「見佛」,是指「此土遇本願,彼土見彌陀」,所以見佛是指彼土見彌陀, 而不是此土的感應。

在此土只要「信受彌陀救度,專稱彌陀佛名」就是了。在這裡(此土) 重點不在打坐感應或看到,因為那些都是「遇緣則現」,沒辦法永遠都這樣,還是屬於虛妄業作,都是凡夫的現象;但是「彼土見彌陀」就是一見永見,所以是不一樣的。

Namo Amituofo!

May 22 2019

May 22, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land
淨土信仰

There are two kinds of ignorance, general and particular. General ignorance refers to the “no-beginning” ignorance, and particular ignorance refers to doubt in Amitabha.

If we understand the meaning of Amitabha’s Name thoroughly, we can eradicate these doubts and have faith in Amitabha. With the commencement of faith in Amitabha, the particular ignorance is cleared. Once the particular ignorance is cleared, general ignorance will eventually be cleared upon rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

This means that we should clear our doubt in Amitabha in the Land of Saha first, then our general ignorance will naturally be cleared once we are reborn in the Land of Bliss.

無明有總的無明及別的無明,總的無明就是無始的無明;別的無明就是對彌陀的懷疑。

我們對彌陀名號理解貫通,就能破除對彌陀的懷疑而生信,對彌陀啟信,別的無明就會消除。別的無明消除, 往生之後總的無明也會消除。

意即在此娑婆世界先破對彌陀懷疑的別無明,一旦往生極樂,自然能破總無明。

Namo Amituofo!

May 21 2019

May 21, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School:
Worldly Truths
淨土宗宗風俗諦

We have had boundless immeasurable karmic obstructions accumulate during countless past lives. The Buddha says, “If you wish to know the causes from past lives, look at where you are now.” He also says, “Provided that our past karma does not disappear even after hundreds and thousands of eons, we will eventually suffer the retributive effects when conditions have ripened.”

Thus, whatever we encounter in this life, whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we should be grateful. However, if someone doesn’t treat us well, or when someone fails to repay a debt , how can we be grateful? Actually, we should still be grateful.

It is because we have a chance to repay our debts to them and clear our karmic obstructions. In that way, our blessings will increase. Under adverse circumstances, we have a chance to practice patience or forgiveness, (which is a kind of adornment in Buddhist cultivation). Thus, the Buddha says, “When we are unreasonably and badly treated, it is our greatest source of grace.”

我們生生世世以來,都有無量無邊的業障,佛陀說:「欲知前世因,今生受者是」,又說:「假使百千劫,所作業不亡,因緣會遇時,果報還自受。」

因此,這一生當中所遇到的,不管是順境或逆境都要感恩。可能有人會想, 他對我不好,對我有所虧欠,怎麼有辦法感恩?其實要感恩。

因為對方讓我們有機會可以還債,讓我們消業障、增福德。同時,這樣的境緣, 正是讓我們修忍辱的好機會,是修行上的一種莊嚴。因此,佛陀說,「人家對我們無理的對待,就是對我們最大的恩惠」。

Namo Amituofo!

May 20 2019

May 20, 2019
A quote from Master Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra
善導大師語錄

A text about ‘the substance being non-outflow (flawlessness)’:

The substantial state of all sages in the Pure Land is “non-outflow” (flawlessness), and their functional state manifests great compassion.

《觀經疏》「無漏為體」之文:

淨土之中,一切聖人,皆以無漏為體,大悲為用。

Namo Amituofo!

May 19 2019

May 19, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Infinite Life Sutra

《佛說無量壽經》

The Infinite Life Sutra expounds the teaching of the causes and effects of Amitabha’s Buddhahood. That is to say, it is a sutra about the causes and effects of rebirth in sentient beings becoming Buddhas. The basis of the sutra is the 48 vows. Among them, there is a fundamental vow, which is the 18th Vow. The 18th Vow summarizes the Infinite Life Sutra.

What does the 18th Vow talk about? It talks about assured rebirth in the Land of Bliss through exclusive Amitabha-recitation. What will we become upon rebirth there? To be reborn in the Land of Bliss expedites our becoming Buddhas.

《無量壽經》是說「阿彌陀佛成佛因果」的經典,也是在說「眾生往生成佛因果」的一部經,它有一個根本就是「四十八大願」,「四十八大願」又有一個最根本的願,就是「第十八願」。所以整部《無量壽經》如果濃縮而言,就是「第十八願」。

「第十八願」講什麼呢?講「只要念佛就必定往生」;往生是生到那裏成為什麼?是生到極樂世界,快速成佛。

Namo Amituofo!

May 18 2019

May 18, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Taking Refuge in Amitabha

皈命彌陀

A genuine Buddhist must realize deeply the mind of impermanence (birth and death). With this mind, he will set forth a vow to cultivate. After a while, he finds he is actually a typical ordinary being with very few roots of virtues, shallow in blessings, and incapable of practicing cultivation.

At that time, he will seek a teaching of external power that enables him to be liberated. Amitabha Buddha’s compassionate vow is his last hope, and the teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance is a silver lining of a cloud, and a glimpse of light in darkness.

真正學佛的人,必然是無常心深厚的人;有了這種無常心,他就會發起修行的願,經過一段時間,他更會發現,原來自己是一個十足的凡夫,善根很少,福德很薄,沒辦法靠自己修行。

那個時候,他就會尋求假借外力使自己能夠解脫得度的法門。那麼,阿彌陀佛的慈悲誓願,是他最後的希望,是他絕處逢生、柳暗花明的救度法門。

Namo Amituofo!

May 17 2019

May 17, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Deep Faith in Aptitude and Teaching

機法深信

Ordinary beings deeply believe that all of their threefold karma are offenses resulting in everlasting reincarnation, and they have no power to leave the Three Domains. However, they are the targets of Amitabha’s deliverance through his compassionate vows. If these ordinary beings, with fear and anxiety in their minds, understand the reality of Amitabha’ embrace, protection and deliverance, through his Fundamental Vow; and if they undoubtedly believe and accept his deliverance, they will instantly attain assured rebirth. This is the meaning of “undoubtedly, they are assured of rebirth with recourse to the Buddha’s vow power”.

It is also said in the Great Sutra, “If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the ten quarters should not be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment. I further vow that, when I have become a Buddha, I shall carry out this promise everywhere, and among all fear-ridden beings I shall give great peace. I take pity on living beings and resolve to save them all. Those who come from the ten quarters, shall find joy and serenity of heart. My compassionate heart eternally delivers sentient beings from Avici Hell and all other suffering.”

凡夫深信自己三業都是罪惡,永沉輪迴,無出三界之力;然此凡夫是彌陀深生悲愍,為其發願立誓所要救度的對象,此凡夫恐懼不安的心中，體悟彌陀本願力的攝護救度之真實,而毫無疑慮地信受彌陀本願之救度，當下即時獲得往生決定,此即「無疑無慮,乘彼願力,定得往生」之意。

亦即《大經》所言:「設我得佛,十方眾生，若不生者，不取正覺。」「吾誓得佛,普行此願,一切恐懼,為作大安。」「我當愍哀,度脫一切,十方來生，心悅清淨。」「常運慈心拔有情，度盡阿鼻苦眾生」的宗旨。

Namo Amituofo!@

May 16 2019

May 16, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Right View on Buddhist teachings
佛法知見

The practices of each Dharma school are rewarded with different realms in response. The characteristics of our school are: Name-recitation in accordance with the Fundamental Vow, Rebirth of ordinary beings in the Pure Land’s realm of rewards, Assured rebirth in this lifetime, and Non-retrogression in the present life. So, as we see, it doesn’t matter whether we can see the Buddha in this life. A person is still assured of rebirth and attaining non-retrogression in the present life.

If a person doesn’t practice this teaching, doesn’t understand the principles of them, and doesn’t believe in and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, he will not attain the benefits of our school, even if he has seen the Buddha in a dream.

感應的境界,每個法門各不同。我們法門的特色是「本願稱名,凡夫入報,平生業成,現生不退」,所以不管有沒有現生見到佛,他都是「平生業成,現生不退」的。

如果不是修習我們這個法門、不了解這個道理,沒有這種信受,即使夢中夢到佛,或者念佛當中看到佛,也未能獲得我們這個特色所得的利益。

Namo Amituofo!

May 15 2019

May 15, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰

Accomplishing the Fundamental Vow, Amitabha Buddha completes three things: first - accomplishing Namo Amitabha Buddha (Amitabha’s Name that we can recite), second - accomplishing the Land of Bliss, to which we can go ; third – accomplishing the merits and virtues, the functional power, and credentials necessary for delivering us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

So, accomplishing the Fundamental Vow accomplished three things: the Buddha body (the direct reward), the Land of Bliss (the circumstantial reward), and the merit and virtues (necessary for our rebirth).

阿彌陀佛本願成就,成就了三件事情:第一,成就了南無阿彌陀佛本身,也就是這一句彌陀名號;第二,成就了我們所要去的極樂世界,也可以說極樂世界是阿彌陀佛為我們而成就,是我們的;第三,成就了救度我們往生極樂世界的功德、功能、資糧。

所以阿彌陀佛成就本願就是成就：佛身(正報)、極樂(依報)、名號(我們往生的功德)這三件事情。

Namo Amituofo!

May 14 2019

May 14, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School:
Worldly Truths
淨土宗宗風俗諦

(continued)

If our thoughts are good, good responses will come to us in due time; if our thoughts are not good, misfortune will come to us.

So, we must always practice positive thinking with a loving heart. We should: benefit others, accept losses without argument, be considerate and kind to others, and be humble and soft. Pass all merit and blessings to others; but, share the suffering due to faults and mistakes.

起好的念頭,有一天好的事情就會來到我們身邊;起不好的念頭,有一天不好的事情也會來到我們的身上。

所以，我們要時時刻刻存著正面的思惟,存著愛心,存著利益他人的心,凡事肯吃虧不計較,凡事為對方設想,凡事對他人恩慈體貼,對自己謙卑柔和,凡事讓美歸功,分怨共過。

Namo Amituofo!

May 13 2019

May 13, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School:
Worldly Truths
淨土宗宗風俗諦

We should tend to think positively in all matters, because what we think will produce its respective outcome. So, however we think, act, speak, and behave, the retributive effect will eventually return to us.

The universe is round, and our mind prevails throughout the entire universe. What we think and how we act will match , and be connected with the respective realm. A good thought will match and be connected with a good realm; a bad thought will match and be connected with a bad realm.

(to be continued tomorrow)

凡事要往正面思惟,因為有什麼心念就會帶來什麼事情,我們起心動念,乃至言語行為,最後都會回歸到自己的身上來。

宇宙是圓的,我們的心是遍通整個天地宇宙的,所以我們的起心動念,就會跟宇宙中相應的境界感通了。起好的念頭，就會跟宇宙中好的境界感通起不好的念頭，跟宇宙中不好的境界感通。

Namo Amituofo!

May 12 2019

May 12, 2019
A quote from Master Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

A text about ‘all speaking of wonderful teachings’-

All adornments can speak of the wonderful dharmas (teachings).

《觀經疏》「皆說妙法」之文:

一切莊嚴,皆能說於妙法。

Namo Amituofo!

May 11 2019

May 11, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Infinite Life Sutra
《佛說無量壽經》

What does the Infinite Life Sutra talk about? It talks about the 48 great vows. It is because of the 48 great vows that the Land of Bliss exists, Amitabha Buddha exists, and we are able to be reborn. The causes and effects (rewards) of rebirth in the Pure Land are included in the 48 vows.

There are two fascicles in the Infinite Life Sutra. The first one mainly speaks of the 48 vows, and the second one speaks of the accomplishment of the 48 vows. So, it speaks of the causes and effects (rewards) of 48 vows from the beginning to the end.

《無量壽經》在講什麼呢？在講四十八大願。由於有四十八大願，才有極樂世 界、才有阿彌陀佛、才有我們的往生。往生淨土之因、往生淨土之果，都在四 十八願當中。

《無量壽經》分為上下兩卷，上卷主要宣說四十八願，下卷主要宣說四十八願 成就文，從頭到尾都是在說明四十八願的因因果果。

Namo Amituofo!

May 10 2019

May 10, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Taking Refuge in Amitabha
皈命彌陀

(continued)

“Life to be taken in refuge”- This is viewed from our side. It means we do not resist Amitabha’s calling. We simply obey and follow Amitabha’s “desire to be reborn”, which is equivalent to “aspire to be reborn” on our side. It is a kind of mind of aspiration to rebirth, and also the mind of taking refuge. It is our life that returns to Amitabha in accordance with his calling.

“Action of taking refuge and returning our life”- taking refuge and returning our life to Amitabha Buddha, This act is the most thorough kind of taking refuge. It is because life is the most precious thing in the world. To surrender our life to another being( Amitabha) in this way, we “elongate and sacrifice our life to the farthest extent.”

「歸於命」：從我們來講，是「歸於命」，也就是我們對於阿彌陀佛對我們的 呼喚，我們不加反抗，而是隨順，阿彌陀佛說「欲生我國」，我們就「願生彼 國」，這一種願生彼國的心，也就是歸命的心，就是歸順阿彌陀佛的呼喚。

「歸投命」：把我們的生命歸投阿彌陀佛。這種歸命，可以說是最徹底的歸 命。因為天底下最貴重的就是生命，能夠把自己全部的生命歸給對方，所謂 「盡形壽，獻身命」，當然是最貴重、最徹底的。

Namo Amituofo!

May 9 2019

May 9, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Taking Refuge
歸命彌陀

The meaning of taking refuge is of Three Tiers: 1. Life in which we should take refuge, 2. Taking refuge in life 3. Action of taking refuge and returning our life.

On the side of Amitabha Buddha, Amitabha Buddha calls us to “desire to be reborn in my Land” in the 18th Vow. After Amitabha Buddha makes the 48 vows for us, he keeps on calling to us to accept and follow his deliverance. So, it is in HIS life that we should take refuge.

歸命有三重之意，就是「歸之命」、「歸於命」、「歸投命」。

從阿彌陀佛那一邊來講，是阿彌陀佛在第十八願所發出的「欲生我國」的呼喚。阿彌陀佛自從為我們發下四十八大願以後，就一直在呼喚我們歸順祂的救 度，所以從佛來講，是「歸之命」。

Namo Amituofo!

May 8 2019

May 8, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Deep Faith in Aptitude and Teaching
機法深信

The main cause of rebirth is two kinds of deep faith, without a single thought of doubt. Regardless of attaining meditative and non-meditative virtues, and committing the gravest offenses, rebirth of all sentient beings of the ten directions depends on this kind of faith – deep belief in “attaining rebirth by reciting Amitabha’s name - for one’s whole life, ten times, one time, or even for one thought”.

When this kind of deep faith arises in one’s mind at the time near death, one can be reborn in the Land of Bliss at that moment, even if one doesn’t have enough time to recite orally. If a person is able to extend his life , he should recite this Name for the the remainder of his life.

一念無疑的二種深信是往生的正因，不論定善，不論散善，不論逆惡，十方所 有一切眾生，往生在此信心，信「上盡一形，下至十聲一聲一念，亦得往生」。

發起此信之當時即已臨終，來不及口稱念佛，則當下往生極樂；若壽命延長之 間，則盡形壽稱名念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

May 7 2019

May 7, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Right View on Buddhist teachings
佛法知見

There is another kind of Amitabha-reciter. Though they see the Buddha’s body, they do not attach to what they see, as they have no idea of “self-power”. They do not consider seeing the Buddha to be a condition of or assistance in rebirth. So, whether they see the Buddha or not, they simply continue exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name as usual, as taught by Master Shandao, the de facto founder of the Pure Land School. This is known as “Name-recitation in accordance with the Fundamental Vow”.

These Amitabha-reciters are embraced by the Buddha in their lifetime, and their rebirth is assured. Their light and life are the same as Amitabha’s ; so, what else do they need? Do they need to see the Buddha’s body, as an expedient means to facilitate their rebirth and realization of Buddhahood?

念佛行者之中，亦有一類，雖見佛色身，然無自力心，不執所見，不以所見為 往生之助，見如不見，依然如宗祖善導大師所言：「一向專稱彌陀佛名」，所謂「本願稱名」。

本願稱名之念佛人，平生在佛攝取之中，往生決定，光壽同佛，尚何不足，須藉見佛色身之方便，以資往生及證果乎？

Namo Amituofo!

May 6 2019

May 6, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰

(continued)
In other words, it is because we rely on Amitabha’s great Name of myriad virtues, that we can be reborn in the Land of Bliss. It is also because we possess this great Name, which is equivalent to immeasurable virtuous Bodhisattva practices accumulated during countless eons, that we can ascend to the diamond throne ( like Shakyamuni ) to become a Buddha, once we are reborn in the Land of Bliss.

So, it is the reliance on Amitabha Buddha’s power, not on our power. If we rely on our own power, it is impossible to become a Buddha.

也就是說，因為我們是依靠阿彌陀佛的萬德洪名而到極樂世界，也因為我們擁 有了萬德洪名，就等同我們在無量阿僧祇劫當中已經積植菩薩無量德行，才能夠一旦往生極樂世界就跟釋迦牟尼佛坐金剛座一樣的得成佛道。

所以這是靠阿彌陀佛的力量，而不是靠自力，如果要靠自力，那是不可能的。

Namo Amituofo!

May 5 2019

May 5, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
淨土信仰

When we are reborn in the Land of Bliss we will realize the Bodhisattva stage of Equal Enlightenment. This is not without a reason. The reason is not because of our accumulated merit and virtues from countless lives, through the Bodhisattva practices of the Six Paramitas, or due to a myriad of our own other practices, but entirely because of Amitabha!

On behalf of sentient beings in the ten directions, Amitabha Buddha cultivates and accumulates immeasurable virtuous practices, and stores all merit and virtues in his six syllable Name, which he gives us unconditionally. So, upon rebirth in the Land of Bliss through Amitabha-recitation, we can enter the stage of Equal Enlightenment (becoming a Buddha in one more lifetime).

(to be continued tomorrow)

往生極樂世界當下就能夠證入等覺菩薩，這不是沒有原因的，這個原因，當然 不是靠我們自己過去世無量劫以來已經累積的菩薩六度萬行，完全是因為阿彌 陀佛。

阿彌陀佛兆載永劫以來，就為十方眾生積植菩薩無量德行，將全部的功德累積 在六字名號當中，然後全部白白的送給我們。所以我們是因稱念彌陀的萬德洪 名，往生極樂世界才能當下進入一生補處。

Namo Amituofo!

May 4 2019

May 4, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths
淨土宗宗風俗諦

(continued)

Moreover, if a person works overnight, or sleeps late, he will easily suffer from miscellaneous “unknown” diseases. So, we should keep ourselves healthy, avoid illness, and make adjustment in diet, life style, and especially our emotions.

Furthermore, if a person is very filial in loving his parents, is caring and obedient, and makes them happy, he will have great blessings. If he is not kind to his parents, and always confronts them, he will not have good outcomes, and will suffer from various kinds of “unknown” diseases.

另外，如果平常習慣熬夜，都是三更半夜才睡覺，也容易罹患疑難雜症，所以 要維持身體健康、避免病痛，飲食、生活習慣上，尤其心情上都要調整。

再者，一個人如果對父母非常的孝順、不忤逆父母，體貼父母的心意，常使父 母歡喜，能這樣的話，這個人福報會很大；如果對父母忤逆不孝，常常跟父母衝突對立，那這個人的命運就會不太好，身上難免就會有疑難雜症。

Namo Amituofo!

May 3 2019

May 3, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Attributes of the Pure Land School:
Worldly Truths
淨土宗宗風俗諦

There is a saying, illness because of emotion. The illness of our bodies is generally caused by our emotions. In dealing with karma from past lives, if we strive to be: calm, humble, soft, less emotional, rational, compassionate, less angry, less dissatisfied, less placing blame, and less hatred, we shall have less illness.

Most of you here are female. Females are susceptible to breast and uterine cancer. If they have fewer of the above negative emotions, they will have a reduced chance of developing these diseases. If a person worries, and his “chi” gets stuck or reverses, he will more easily get sick.

(to be continued tomorrow)

有句話說「病由於情」，身體上有什麼病往往是由心情產生的，過去世固然有 那個業，可是如果現在都是心平氣和、謙卑柔軟，凡事理性不情緒、慈悲不瞋恚，心中沒有不平、不滿、抱怨、積怨，能這樣的話就會比較沒有病。

譬如說在座大多是女眾，女眾往往容易得到乳癌或者是子宮頸癌，如果大家能 心平氣和、凡事不計較、內心沒有不平不滿、不憂慮、不積怨、不常生氣，這樣就比較不會有這一類的病。 一個人如果心中有鬱氣積在心中，就會導致所謂的「氣逆」，而容易有疾病的 產生。

Namo Amituofo!

May 2 2019

May 2, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao’s “In praise of Dharma Practice”

善導大師語錄 《法事讚》

A paragraph about the “wonderful reward of Amitabha”:

The wonderful reward of Amitabha is called “unsurpassed nirvana”. His land of splendor is broad and vast, naturally filled with all kinds of jewels.

「彌陀妙果」之文:

彌陀妙果，號曰無上涅槃； 國土則廣大莊嚴，遍滿自然眾寶。

Namo Amituofo!

May 1 2019

May 1, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Infinite Life Sutra
《佛說無量壽經》

In the beginning of the Infinite Life Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha says, “As the Tathagata, I regard beings of the three worlds with boundless compassion. The reason for my appearance in the world is to reveal teachings of the Way and save multitudes of beings by endowing them with true benefits.”

It indicates that Shakyamuni Buddha has the deepest sympathy, great benevolence, and boundless compassion, for sentient beings in the Three Domains. That is why he appeared in the world. He preached to over 300 assemblies for 49 years. His aim was, and continues to be, to expound and propagate the 18th Vow, that delivers all sentient beings and endows them with true benefits.

《無量壽經》一開頭釋迦牟尼佛就說：「如來以無盡大悲，矜哀三界，所以出 興於世，光闡道教，欲拯群萌，惠以真實之利。」

這也表明釋迦牟尼佛以大慈大悲哀憫我們三界眾生，所以才出現在這個世界， 祂講經四十九年，說法三百餘會，目的就是要宣揚第十八願，來救度所有的眾 生，給眾生真實的利益。

Namo Amituofo!