August 30 2019

Aug 30, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Though they are Pure Land teachings, a teaching WITH the connotation of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow and other those teachings WITHOUT are not the same!

If pure lands are interpreted by those on the Sacred Path, they are not pristine Pure Land (Amitabha’s Land of Bliss). Moreover, with respect to the general concepts of pure lands, Pure Land teachings are not the same as the teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance through his Fundamental Vow.

So, the Pure Land (Amitabha’s Land of Bliss) interpreted by those on the Sacred Path is distorted and misled. Similarly, the Pure Land teaching in our School interpreted by the general concepts of pure lands is also distorted and misled.

同樣是淨土法門,有彌陀本願的內涵跟沒有彌陀本願的內涵是不一樣的。

如果以聖道門來解釋淨土, 那就不是純粹的淨土了。進一步,在一般的淨土理念當中,淨土法門也不是彌陀本願救度的法門。

所以, 一般聖道門看淨土, 會對淨土有曲解、有誤會。同樣的,以一般的淨土理念來看我們這個法門,也會對我們這個法門有曲解、有誤會。

Namo Amituofo!

August 29 2019

Aug 29, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

As Buddhists, we are thankful to repay other people’s grace through practicing virtues. However, we should know that this is our responsibility and does not count as a dedication toward rebirth, or the adornment of the Buddha-land.

We should understand that the Land of Bliss, accomplished by Amitabha Buddha for us, is already perfect and complete. It does not need any additional adornment.

做為一個佛教徒,因為知恩、受恩,所以要感恩、報恩,行種種的善事功德; 然而,這是我們應盡的本份,不是以這個來迴向往生,或以之「莊嚴佛淨土」。

我們要了解阿彌陀佛為我們完成的極樂世界已經非常的圓滿、週到,沒有缺少什麼。

Namo Amituofo!

August 28 2019

Aug 28, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao’s Chapter on the Profound Meaning in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra:

善導大師語錄 - 《觀經疏》〈玄義分〉

Because he hasn’t previously encountered virtuous circumstances in his life, he is “welcomed” by the fires of hell. However, if he encounters virtuous circumstances near the end-of-life, he is welcomed by Amitabha, the transformed Buddha. This is all because of the power of Amitabha’s vows.

初不遇善,獄火來迎;後逢善故,化佛來迎。 斯乃皆是彌陀願力故也。

Namo Amituofo!

August 27 2019

Aug 27, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

“The ten-time recitation” mentioned in the Contemplation Sutra signifies the accomplishment of the karma for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. That is to say, by simple Amitabha-recitation, the karma of assured rebirth is already accomplished. There is no need to count by number, saying that “I have recited ten times” or thinking that “I can be reborn if I recite ten times, and fail to be reborn if I just recite nine times.”

How can a dying person know how to count ten during recitation? A dying person just knows reciting with singleness of mind, especially those of the lowest level in the low tier, who suffer hell fire severely. How can these people have the spare time to count the number of recitations? So, it is said, “The ten-time recitation” mentioned in the Sutra, explains that the karma of rebirth is already accomplished.”

也就是說,只要念佛,往生的業因就已經成就,倒也不用去計數目,知道已經念了十句,或認為念十句可以往生,念九句就不能往生,倒也不一定這樣。尤其是臨命終的人,他哪裏曉得念幾句呢?

臨命終的人,他只有一心念佛,尤其是下品下生的人,受地獄之火的苦逼,怎麼可能還會有閒暇來數念佛的數目呢?所以說:「經言十念者,明業事成辦耳。」

Namo Amituofo!

August 26 2019

Aug 26, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Deep Belief in Cause and Effect

深信因果

The most fundamental teaching in Buddhism is “cause and effect”? What is “cause and effect”? Good rewards for good deeds, and bad retributions for bad deeds. If we practice good virtues, we will be happy as a reward. If we do evil, we will suffer in retribution. Simply speaking, it is good and bad causes creating positive and negative effects.

Moreover, these effects under causal conditions are not just applicable to this lifetime; but, also extend through all periods in the past, present, and future.

Expressed in complete terms, these are known as “the causes and effects in thethree periods of time.” We believe that good causes create good effects and bad causes create bad effects. These actions encompass past, present, and future. We also believe in reincarnation within the Six Realms. All of these teachings were given by Shakyamuni Buddha. As Buddhist disciples, we believe the Buddha’s teachings. Those who do not accept these teachings are not considered Buddhist disciples.

佛教最基本的教法就是「因果」,什麼因果呢?就是善有善報,惡有惡報,行善將來得到樂的果報,行惡將來得到苦的果報,簡而言之,就是善惡報應的因果。

而且這個因緣果報不只是今生今世而已,是貫通過去、現在以及未來的,完整的講,就是三世因果。相信善惡報應、三世因果、六道輪迴,就是相信佛教,沒有這樣的相信就不是佛教信徒了。

Namo Amituofo!

August 25 2019

Aug 25, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

“Namo Amituofo” is an entity of “aptitude” and “teaching”, like a bird with two heads, or one body with two lives. They exist in a mutually dependent relationship.

機法一體之南無阿彌陀佛,如共命鳥,兩命一體,互相依存。

Namo Amituofo!

August 24 2019

Aug 24, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Regarding faith, aspiration and practice, faith should consist of believing that Amitabha Buddha is infinite in life and infinite in light, and he can deliver anysentient being in any period of time. We shouldn’t add or mix this with any merits attained through self-power practices dedicated for rebirth. We should wholly and pristinely accept Amitabha’s deliverance, as it is a “pure other-power” teaching. If we mix it with any other ideas or comments , it is known as “the teaching of dual-power of “self” and “other”.

信願行的「信」,應該這樣信──阿彌陀佛是無量壽、無量光,能救度任何時代的任何眾生,而不應摻雜含有自力的、修功行來迴向的成分。完全純粹接受阿彌陀佛的救度,是「純他力」的法門,如果還摻雜自己的意見在裏面,叫「自他二力」。

Namo Amituofo!

August 23 2019

Aug 23, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

We always hear, “Dear old bodhisatttva, you are so compassionate!” These words are spoken to please people. Actually, only Buddha is truly compassionate. How can +we imperfect beings be truly compassionate?

However, if we can appreciate and realize Amitabha’s deliverance, our mind-nature will be elevated. Though we do not have the ability to offer true compassion, our minds can be soft and tender. As long as we are soft and not stubborn, we become sympathetic. If we are sympathetic, we always think of the other person’s interests, and are willing to sacrifice. Our love and compassion are thus unfolded little by little.

我們常聽人說:「老菩薩,你很慈悲」!但其實這只是讚歎的語言罷了,只有佛才有真正的慈悲,我們哪有什麼慈悲呢?

然而,只要能體會到彌陀的救度,人的心性就會昇華,雖然還沒有真正的慈悲,可是心是柔軟的;只要心柔軟,不剛強,就富有同情心;富有同情心,就會為對方設想,為對方付出,那就多少會展露慈悲的愛心了。

Namo Amituofo!

August 22 2019

Aug 22, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao’s “Chapter on the Profound Meaning of the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra”:

善導大師語錄

The Contemplation Sutra, however, was given by the Buddha for ordinary beings. It was not meant for sacred beings.

《觀經疏》〈玄義分〉:

但此《觀經》,佛為凡說,不干聖也。

Namo Amituofo!

August 21 2019

Aug 21, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

To depart from the Three Wretched Realms and the Six Realms is not easy. However, even people with extremely heavy karmic offenses, no virtues, and practices, can transcend to be reborn in the Land of Bliss by reciting the Buddha’s Name, while they are still alive in the Saha world. It is a matter beyond the knowledge and understanding of ordinary people.

The purpose of the Contemplation Sutra is to reveal Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, set forth for ordinary beings. Through total reliance on Amitabha’s deliverance through his Fundamental Vow, all can be reborn in the Land of Bliss, with no further reincarnations.

遠離三塗六道的輪迴豈是易事?然而極重惡人,無善無行,但念佛名,亦得長揖娑婆,高超極樂。如是之事,迥出凡夫知見。

《觀經》的目的正是在顯彰「彌陀本願、凡夫為本」;完全依靠彌陀本願的救度,則不論一切善惡凡夫,都能往生極樂,不再輪迴。

Namo Amituofo!

August 20 2019

Aug 20, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Deep Belief in Cause and Effect

深信因果

Though one thought in our minds is small, it is strong enough to fill the great cosmos. One thought from our minds, or one word from our mouths permeates the entire universe, and returns to us. Thus, every instance is the result of causal conditions, resonating like an echo.

It is similar to a TV channel. On whichever channel we switch to, we can see the pictures of the chosen program on the screen. If you don’t switch, it means the causal condition has not matured, and the effect is not produced. So, in each moment, we should always be kindly aware of this thought.

我們這一念心雖然狹小,也是遍滿三千大千世界的。我們起一念或發一句語言, 都會繞遍全宇宙,又回到我們身邊,時時刻刻都是因緣果報、有響斯應的時候。

這就好像電視,轉到哪個頻道,那個頻道的節目自然就映現在螢幕上。你不轉,因緣不具足,那個果就不會產生。所以我們隨時都應善護當下這一念心。

Namo Amituofo!

August 19 2019

Aug 19, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

Whoever is mindful of the Buddha, the Buddha will enter his mind, and he will enter the Buddha’s mind. Buddha and I. I and Buddha. My aptitude and Amitabha’s teaching are one entity, never forsaking.

不論何人,只要念佛,佛入我心、我入佛心;我與佛、佛與我,機法一體,不相捨離。

Namo Amituofo!

August 18 2019

Aug 18, 2019

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Today, we know and believe that our rebirth is accomplished by reciting the Name and aspiring to rebirth, with reliance on Amitabha’s vow power. Once we believe, we believe forever, without changing our minds. From morning ‘til night, from night ‘til morning, we always exclusively recite Amitabha’s name. We don’t recite the names of other buddhas, bodhisattvas, sutras, or dharanis. This is the sincere advice urged by Master Shandao.

今日信知,稱名願生,乘佛願力,定得往生;一信永信,始終不二,始終一貫。從早到晚,從晚到早,皆一向專稱專念彌陀佛名,不念餘佛菩薩並其他經咒,此善導大師苦口婆心之所勸導也。

Namo Amituofo!

August 17 2019

Aug 17, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Those who wish to be reborn in the Pure Land should first know Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. Amitabha has already completed, the Land of Bliss for us, all merits and virtues required for rebirth, and the final settlement of our karmic debts, accumulated over countless eons. All of the various credentials, merits, and virtues necessary for our rebirth, from the Land of Saha to the Land of Bliss, are perfectly and completely made available by Amitabha Buddha for all of us. If we don’t understand and believe these truths, we cannot receive and accept Amitabha’s merits and virtues, and thus continue to reincarnate.

(to be continued tomorrow)

欲生淨土之人,應先知彌陀本願,彌陀已預先為我等成就極樂世界,預先為我等成就往生之功德資糧,也預先為我等承擔償還曠劫以來我等所負一切業債;我等從娑婆往生到極樂淨土之應備各種資糧功德等,彌陀早已為我等圓滿完成。由於我等不知不信, 故未能領受彌陀功德,因而繼續徒受輪迴。

Namo Amituofo!

August 16 2019

Aug 16, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The path of birth-and-death is dangerous, and reincarnation is frightening. It is inevitable for us to fall into hell if we haven’t left the Six Realms. For many past lives, what kind of karmic offenses have we not committed? All of us are more or less the same in the ways we’ve offended others. So, we should be sympathetic, accommodating, and encourage each other.

生死路險,輪迴可怕,六道未出,難免墮落。我們生生世世以來,什麼惡事沒有做過,所以說我們同是一丘之貉,應該互相同情,互相包容,互相勸勉。

Namo Amituofo!

August 15 2019

Aug 15, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao’s “Chapter on the Profound Meaning in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra”:

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》〈玄義分〉:

The teaching of rebirth in the Land of Bliss through meditative virtues was requested by Vaidehi, while that through non-meditative virtues was given by the Buddha without being requested by anyone.

定善一門,韋提致請;散善一門,是佛自說。

Namo Amituofo!

August 14 2019

Aug 14, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

The Contemplation Sutra addresses the Path of Importance from the beginning to the end. It talks about the thirteen contemplations of the meditative virtues, and the Three Meritorious Deeds in nine levels of non-meditative virtues. In this respect, it should conclude, at the end of the Chapter on Dissemination, with the meditative virtues through contemplating Amitabha Buddha, and the non-meditative virtues by practicing the Three Meritorious Deeds.

However, Shakyamuni Buddha does not advise us to disseminate the meditative virtues or the non-meditative virtues; but, disseminate the practice of name-recitation, i.e. holding Amitabha’s name. It is also referred to as the “Samadhi of Amitabha-recitation”.

《觀經》從開始到最後都在講「要門」,都在講十三觀的定善及三福九品的散善,照理來說最後流通的應該是定善的觀無量壽佛像或是散善的行持三福才是,可是釋迦牟尼佛不流通定善,也不流通散善,而是流通「持無量壽佛名」的「稱名念佛」,也就是所謂的「念佛三昧」。

Namo Amituofo!

August 13 2019

Aug 13, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Deep Belief in Cause and Effect

深信因果

Regardless whether referring to the Mahayana or Theravada, the Sacred Path or the Pure Land Path, the law of cause and effect is fundamental. In general, cause and effect means, the respective effect must follow a particular cause. The reason why there is such an effect is the result of a respective cause generated in the past.

In the world, there is no effect without a cause, and also there is no cause to come into effect. “Cause and effect” is an abbreviated way of saying “an effect resulting from causal conditions”. It is a very complicated and subtle concept that underlies the entire process of “an effect resulting from causal conditions”.

However, in order to understand cause and effect, we can hold a principle – all matters are related to cause and effect. So, we should not just believe in cause and effect, but believe deeply in cause and effect.

不管是大乘、小乘、聖道門、淨土門,因果都是最基本的。一般所講的因果, 是種什麼因,就得什麼果;之所以得什麼果,是因為曾經種什麼因。

天下沒有無因之果,也沒有無果之因。「因果」兩字是簡單的稱法,完整的稱法是「因緣果報」,因緣果報的整個事件之來龍去脈其實是很微細,也很複雜的。

但是要瞭解因果,可以掌握一個原則,就是「凡事都有因果」。不但要「相信因果」,而且要「深信因果」。

Namo Amituofo!

August 12 2019

Aug 12, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

Amitabha Buddha and I are one entity. His achievement of Buddhahood depends on my rebirth, and my rebirth depends on his achievement of Buddhahood. It is similar to reeds, each depends on the other. One will fall if the other does not exist. Apart from Amitabha Buddha, all Buddhas of the ten directions have NOT this vow.

阿彌陀佛與我一體,他的成佛依靠我的往生,我的往生依靠他的成佛,如蘆葦相依相靠,缺一即倒。除了阿彌陀佛, 十方諸佛無此誓願。

Namo Amituofo!

August 11 2019

Aug 11, 2019

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

佛法知見

Among the 84,000 teachings, unless we do not know there is one teaching that can liberate us in this lifetime, we have to keep on seeking. If we already know there is one teaching that can liberate us in this lifetime, why don’t we put it into practice immediately?

八萬四千法門中,除非不知道有一個今生能夠解脫的法門,才要繼續去尋找, 現在既然知道有一個今生能夠解脫的法門,為什麼不立即去實踐它呢?

Namo Amituofo!

August 10 2019

Aug 10, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Pure Land is a teaching of faith based on “other-power”. Living in the Saha world in this present lifetime, we believe we can attain assured rebirth through Amitabha-recitation. Thus, we always exclusively recite Amitabha’s name.

Subsequently, we must be reborn in the Land of Bliss, attaining the state of a Bodhisattva near the end-of-life.

When we say “always exclusively recite Amitabha’s name”, it means “not two” and “not three” in practice. We do not recite Amitabha’s name today, and recite others tomorrow. If we do not abide by this teaching and practice this today and that tomorrow, it is not regarded as “always exclusively”.

“Always exclusively” means, once we accept this teaching as our path, we always exclusively recite Amitabha’s name until we are reborn.

淨土門是「他力信心」之教,是今生此時在這個娑婆世界「相信念佛必得往生」而「一向念佛」,臨終往生極樂世界證果位。

所謂「一向」就是沒有二向三向,不會今天念佛,等一下或者是明天又念別的,如果心思不定,修這個又修那個,那就不是一向。一向是從現在發心開始, 一直到往生都不會改變, 才是一向念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

August 9 2019

Aug 9, 2019

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

Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

We reincarnate within the Six Realms life after life; so, it can be said that we have committed all kinds of offensive karma. Thus, we have these seeds of evil karma stored inside our Alaya Consciousness, waiting for the effect to come under appropriate conditions. When the conditions change, such as reincarnating to another realm in another life, it is possible for us to do anything!

Thus, we should always bear in mind that we are also wicked people. Then we can accept, accommodate, offer sympathy, and comfort each other. In so doing, we become humble and soft, and we will not be arrogant and look down upon others.

我們生生世世流轉在六道當中,可以說什麼惡業都曾做過,這些惡業的種子, 長期以來都潛藏在我們的阿賴耶識裏面,只是尚沒遇到起現行的境緣而已。當情境不同時,或者投個胎、轉個世,任何事情我們都有可能做出來的。

所以,我們要有自己也是惡人的自覺,有這種自覺之後,就會彼此接納、彼此包容、彼此同情、彼此安慰、彼此謙卑柔和,不會有高慢的心來鄙視對方。

Namo Amituofo!

August 8 2019

Aug 8, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao’s Chapter on the Profound Meaning in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra:

善導大師語錄 - 《觀經疏》〈玄義分〉:

To distinguish and explain the difference in objectives and in teaching:

The objective of the Vimalakirtinirdesa Sutra is to explain the inconceivable emancipation; and the objective of the Mahaprajna Sutra is to explain the wisdom of emptiness. These are but two examples.

The objective of the Contemplation Sutra is the Samadhi of Contemplation of Amitabha Buddha, as well as the Samadhi of Amitabha-recitation. Its substance is rebirth in the Pure Land through dedication and aspiration with singleness of mind. In addition, it speaks of the teachings of Theravada and Mahayana.

Question: Between these two “stores”(canons, teachings), in which one is this Sutra included?

Answer: This Sutra is included in the Bodhisattva Canon, and it is stored under the category of the Sudden Teaching.

辨釋宗旨不同、教之大小者:

如《維摩經》以不思議解脫為宗,如《大品經》以空慧為宗,此例非一。

今此《觀經》,即以觀佛三昧為宗,亦以念佛三昧為宗;一心迴願 往生淨土為體。

言教之大小者:

問曰:此《經》二藏之中何藏攝?二教之中何教收?

答曰:今此《觀經》,菩薩藏收,頓教攝。

Namo Amituofo!

August 7 2019

Aug 7, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

Comparing and contrasting the Path of Importance and the Path of the Great Vow, we can understand the Contemplation Sutra is for guidance –“ to guide those who practice other teachings to switch to the exclusive recitation of the Buddha’s Name.”

We totally rely on Amitabha’s deliverance through his vow power. In so doing, all practitioners can return to the Pure Land School.

將「要門」與「弘願」做比對,就可以瞭解,《觀經》是引導性的——引導其他法門完全進入專稱彌陀佛名,專依靠彌陀救度的本願之力,令所有的修行人歸向淨土宗。

Namo Amituofo!

August 6 2019

Aug 6, 2019

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

《佛說無量壽經》

The three tiers mentioned in the lesser fascicle in the Infinite Life Sutra is the text that explains the accomplishment of the 19th Vow. It does not indicate the functional capacity “to be reborn immediately, and dwell in the state of non-retrogression.”

In the Chapter on Dissemination, apart from Amitabha-recitation as said in the 18th Vow, it does not mention the methods of practice for the people of the three tiers and the nine levels, nor the method of practicing the Three Studies and the Six Paramitas, or any other method of practicing any teaching.

In this respect, what is the substance of the entire Infinite Life Sutra? It is Amitabha-recitation.

《無量壽經》卷下所講的三輩,就是第十九願的成就文,可是三輩的成就文沒有「即得往生,住不退轉」的功能。

〈流通分〉所講的,除了第十八願稱名念佛以外,沒有講三輩九品的修行方法,沒有講三學六度的修行方法,也沒有講其他任何法門的修行方法。由此可知,整部《無量壽經》的體是什麼?就是「念佛」。

Namo Amituofo!

August 5 2019

Aug 5, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

During the life of a person, if he can rely on Namo Amituofo, he will experience joy even if he sleeps under a bridge. If he lacks reliance on Namo Amituofo, his mind does not feel safe and joyful, even if he lives in a royal family, or he contributes a lot in serving society.

Because life is mortal, when facing the situation near the end-of-life, a person cannot escape from reincarnation regardless of his identity, status, or career. By that time, it says in the Infinite Life Sutra, “When the great life nearly ends, regret and fear come alternately.”

一個人生命中如果有「南無阿彌陀佛」的依靠,他即使貧困的睡在橋下,他都甘之如飴。一個人生命之中如果沒有「南無阿彌陀佛」的依靠,雖然貴為王侯將相,或者是對社會有豐功偉業的貢獻,他的內心之底不可能有平安、有喜樂。

因為人生無常,面對臨終的時候,他的身份、功業,其實都不能了脫生死輪迴的,那個時候就正如《無量壽經》所講的:「大命將終,悔懼交至。」

Namo Amituofo!

August 4 2019

Aug 4, 2019

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

佛法知見

For any practice by any person, if they do not reverently rely on the Buddha’s power, it is like a stone sinking to the bottom of the sea, leading to further reincarnation.

任何人、任何修持,如果不是仰憑佛力,都將如石頭一般沉入海底──再度輪迴。

Namo Amituofo!

August 3 2019

Aug 3, 2019

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

As long as we are willing to accept Amitabha’s deliverance, all will receive Amitabha’s merits and virtues. Amitabha Buddha is always with us. He protects us forever.

However, if we cover up the mirror-like mind and doubt the existence of Amitabha Buddha, the Land of Bliss, or the easiness of accompanying Amitabha, it is a great loss for us. It is like those who forget their karmic debts and lack of aptitude and only believe in self-power. It is similar to the sun shining over the earth. It shines on tall trees as well as each blade of grass, and monastics as well as householders.

However, if we hide in a cave or inside a room, how can we have an interaction with the sun?

只要我們願意接受阿彌陀佛的救度,人人心中就都有阿彌陀佛的功德,阿彌陀佛就跟你我同在一起,同出同入、同睡覺、同工作,永遠保護我們。

可是如果我們把自己的心水蓋住了,懷疑哪有阿彌陀佛?哪有極樂世界?哪有那麼容易?天下沒有白吃的午餐呀!這樣的話,就自失大利了;這就如同太陽普照大地,照大樹也照小草,照出家人也照在家人,照會修行的也照不會修行的,但是如果你自己一直躲在洞中、屋內,那麼,太陽就跟你沒有交集了。

Namo Amituofo!

August 2 2019

Aug 2, 2019
Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land
淨土信仰

The Pure Land Path and the Sacred Path are different. The former is a teaching of other-power through faith. “Other-power” refers to the vow power of Amitabha Buddha. Faith is the belief in objective factual existence. If there isn’t any belief in objective existence, faith is void or is only empty talk.

It is an objective fact that, because of Shakyamuni’s assurance to us, Amitabha Buddha and the Land of Bliss exist. So, the existence of Amitabha Buddha is the origin of our faith. We simply believe what the Buddha says, and don’t need to analyze, compare, and calculate. Naturally and pristinely, we can accept Amitabha’s deliverance without any worry and doubt.

It is similar to the moon in the sky casting an image in water. The image of the moon is not produced by itself. Because of the moon, images will be produced wherever there is water, whether it is a great lake or a small cup of water. Unless the moon is covered up by something, if there are a thousand rivers, there will be a thousand images of the moon.

(to be continued tomorrow)

淨土門與聖道門不一樣,淨土門是他力信心之教,他力就是指阿彌陀佛的願力。所謂「信」就是信客觀存在的事實,因為如果沒有一個外在客觀存在的事實,那我們的信仰就是空洞、空口說白話的!

然而阿彌陀佛、極樂世界的存在是佛為我們保證的客觀事實,所以阿彌陀佛的存在就是我們的信心根源,我們只要信佛所說,無須種種籌量計度,自然純樸,無疑無慮,當下即能接受阿彌陀佛的救度。

這就好像天上的明月,映入水中成為月影,月影不是水自己產生的,只要有月亮,水面就會映現出月影來,是不假方便而產生,大的湖也好,小的杯子也好,就怕你用東西把它蓋住,不然的話,千江有水,千江就有月。

Namo Amituofo!

August 1 2019

Aug 1, 2019

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

Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

As we are beginning students of Buddhism, we should always think: Am I behaving like a Buddhist learner? When we have a hot temper or argue with others, we should think: I am a Buddhist, a person who wishes to become a Buddha, should I speak like that? Should I behave like that? If we think in this way, our behavior and speech will improve.

我們既然學佛了,就要想想自己的言行舉止像個學佛的樣子嗎?當我們要發脾氣或要計較的時候, 就想想:「我是佛教徒,我是學佛想成佛的人,我這樣說、這樣做可以嗎?」這麼一想的話,言行舉止就會不一樣。

Namo Amituofo!

July 31 2019

July 31, 2019
A quote from Master Shandao’s Chapter on the Profound Meaning of the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄 - 《觀經疏》〈玄義分〉:

Contemplation means illumination. With the mind-hand of pure faith, hold the light of wisdom, always illuminating the circumstantial and direct rewards in Amitabha’s Pure Land.

「觀」者,照也。常以淨信心手, 以持智慧之輝, 照彼彌陀正依等事。

Namo Amituofo!