Tuesday, December 31, 2019

December 31 2019

Dec 31, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Pure Land is a “difficult-to-believe” teaching. It is difficult to believe, not because of its profound meaning, but quite the opposite, because of its easiness and splendor. It is so difficult-to-believe that we can’t believe our eyes and are at a loss for words.

淨土法門是「難信之法」,它的難以相信,並不是因為它高深玄妙,反而是因為它太簡易又殊勝了,讓我們瞠目結舌難以相信。

Namo Amituofo!

Monday, December 30, 2019

December 30 2019

Dec 30, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The education we receive, the scriptures we read, and the teachings we hear reside in the shallow layer within the scope of the Sixth Consciousness. These include: matter, sound, smell, taste, touch, dharma, eye, ear, nose, tongue, skin and brain.

So, when we read and ponder the meaning of a scripture, extract quotations, or prepare to make a speech on the stage, all are included within the scope of knowledge. Any corrections can only change the structure of knowledge, or slightly change our appearance and spirit. However, it won’t change our karmic retribution and character at a deep level.

我們所受的教育,所看的經論,所聽來的法,其實都還是在淺層的第六意識範圍,所謂色聲香味觸法,眼耳鼻舌身意;我們讀經,思索經文涵意,甚至尋章摘句,思考如何上臺演講,這一些都是知識的範圍,只能改變學問的結構,也少許會改變精神相貌,但是還無力改變我們深層的性格與業力果報。

Namo Amituofo!

December 29 2019

Dec 29, 2019

An excerpt from the Chapter on the Meaning of the Non-meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》〈散善義〉:

Moreover, those dedicating merits and aspiring to rebirth must be decisive and genuine, and fully believe they can attain assured rebirth.

One’s deep faith should be like a diamond: unable to be moved, confused, or destroyed by persons who have different views, different teachings, other interpretations, or other practices. One must be single-minded and determined in taking refuge and moving forward. One should not take alternative paths or fall back upon hearing others’ words. One should not be frightened or lose strength, turn back or abandon the path, as he will immediately lose the great benefit of rebirth.

迴向發願願生者,必須決定真實心中迴向願,作得生想。

此心深信,由若金剛,不為一切異見、異學、別解、別行人等之所動亂破壞。

唯是決定一心,投正直進;不得聞彼人語,即有進退, 心生怯弱,迴顧落道, 即失往生之大益也。

Namo Amituofo!

December 28 2019

Dec 28, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

In the passage on “rebirth for those in the lowest level in the low tier” [in the Contemplation Sutra], faith and aspiration are not mentioned. Only the practice of name-recitation is mentioned. Regarding mind, “sincere mind” is mentioned, and followed with “continuous recitation”. This implies that “sincere mind” means “continuous recitation”. There is nothing mysterious or particularly deep in its meaning.

From this point of view, the passage on “rebirth for those in the lowest level in the low tier” reveals “sincerely and joyfully entrust” and “aspire to be reborn” from the 18th Vow. Thus, faith and aspiration return to the practice of exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name - “even ten times”.

下品下生的經文並沒有說到「信」,也沒有說到「願」,只說到稱名之「行」,和心相關的只有「如是至心」的「至心」二個字,接下來說「令聲不絕」,顯示所謂的至心就是「至誠懇切」的相續稱名,沒有其他玄妙、高深的涵義。

從這點來看,下品下生的經文也在於彰顯第十八願所講的「信樂」跟「欲生」這個「信」跟「願」都歸於「乃至十念」的「專稱彌陀佛名」之行。

Namo Amituofo!

December 27 2019

Dec 27, 2019

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

深信因果

Wholesome and unwholesome retribution, resulting from our good and evil karma, is rooted in our minds. It is because of our minds that we perform good and evil karma through our bodies and speech. These will then result in our wholesome and unwholesome retribution.

我們行善作惡所獲得的苦樂果報,根源都在於我們的心,也因我們的心才使我們造作身口二業的善惡,導致我們受苦跟樂的果報。

Namo Amituofo!

December 26 2019

Dec 26, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

“Amitabha Buddha became a Buddha ten eons ago.” Amitabha’s existence would be meaningless if he does not want to deliver sentient beings, or if he cannot deliver sentient beings.”

「阿彌陀佛,成佛以來,於今十劫」,彌陀十劫的存在,如果不是為了救度眾生,或者不能救度眾生,則彌陀的存在就沒有意義了。

Namo Amituofo!

December 25 2019

Dec 25, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Why is the Pure Land teaching easy-to-practice? Because recitation is simple and easy. That is why it is called “easy-to-practice”.

Why is it difficult-to-believe? Any sentient being is assured of attaining rebirth in the Land of Bliss by mere Amitabha-recitation. Thereafter, he will not reincarnate any more, and expedite his achievement of Buddhahood. The method is extremely easy; but, the reward in merits and virtues is extremely large. As it is not logical in proportion, it does not make any sense to people and they may be doubtful.

Therefore, it is called “difficult-to-believe”. In order to arouse sentient beings’ unsurpassed faith, when Shakyamuni Buddha expounded “assured rebirth in the Land of Bliss through Amitabha-recitation”, all buddhas in the six directions pro-actively, joyfully, and unanimously came and affirmed that what the Buddha said is true. They did that in order to urge and persuade sentient beings to believe in assured rebirth through Amitabha-recitation”.

Though it is difficult-to-believe, it is easy-to-practice. Wise people should know how to deal with belief and doubt. That sentient beings are assured of birth through Amitabha-recitation is evidenced in fact, as well as in principle, in the passage on “rebirth for those in the lowest level in the low tier” [in the Contemplation Sutra].

淨土法門何以「易行」?只要念佛, 簡單容易,故名易行。何以「難信」?任何眾生, 只要念佛,必生極樂,既永不再輪迴, 且速證涅槃; 方法極易,功德極高,似乎不合凡情之比例原則,不免令人起疑,故言「難信」。

為了發起眾生無上信心,當釋尊在《阿彌陀經》開示「念佛必生極樂」之時, 立即六方諸佛主動地、歡喜地、異口同聲地為釋尊證明,所說不虛,藉茲勸眾生生信,念佛必生。

雖然難信,但是易行;有智之人應知:信疑如何且置,「眾生稱念,必得往生」,「下品下生」既是理證,也是事證。

Namo Amituofo!

December 24 2019

Dec 24, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The teaching should be received into the bottom of our hearts in accordance with the aptitudes of different individuals. However, we must nourish ourselves with extensive study through listening, then they will naturally and gradually enter deeply into our Alaya Consciousness. So, nourishing ourselves with extensive study through listening is emphasized in Buddhism.

Confucius also says, “Always practice learning”, “Receiving new knowledge through revision”, “Though a person can do it in one trial, he shouldn’t mind doing it after a hundred trials; though a person can do it by 10 trials, he shouldn’t mind doing it after a thousand trials.” Just study again and again. Continue repeatedly for a long period of time. In that way we can understand it thoroughly in one day.

法要入心,隨個人根機不同,但總在於多聞薰習,自自然然就能逐步的深入我們的阿賴耶識,所以佛教很強調「多聞薰習」。

儒家也說:「學而時習之」、「溫故而知新」、「人一能之己百之,人十能之己千之」,人家一次會的,我們就一百次,人家十次就會的,我們就一千次。

一次再一次,多次的、不斷的、長久的去薰習,終有一天就會徹入、通達。

Namo Amituofo!

December 23 2019

Dec 23, 2019

A paragraph from the Chapter on the Meaning of the Non-meditative Virtues from the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》〈散善義〉:

Deeply believe the Buddha’s words alone, and follow his teachings. Don’t believe and follow any non-matching bodhisattva teachings that may hinder us with doubts, lead us into a maze of confusion, and cause us to lose the great benefit of attaining rebirth.

Further, the deep trust that is associated with the deep mind is to decidedly perform practices in accord with the Buddha’s teaching. It means to cast out doubt and error forever, and to never be disturbed, discouraged or dissuaded by those of different understanding, different practice, distant teachings, distant views, or distant disciplines.

唯可深信佛語,專注奉行;不可信用菩薩等不相應教,以為疑礙, 抱惑自迷, 廢失往生之大益也。

又深心深信者,決定建立自心,順教修行,永除疑錯;不為一切別 解、別行、異學、異見、異執之所退失傾動也。

Namo Amituofo!

December 22 2019

Dec 22, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

Why is Amitabha-recitation explained in the passage on rebirth for those in the low tier, and not for those in high tier? It is because those in the low tier are extremely evil. They cannot be delivered by the merits and virtues of practicing filial love to parents and mundane kindness and compassion (like those at the lowest level in the middle tier.) They cannot be delivered by the merit and virtues of practicing the Eight and Fasting Precepts, Sramanera Precepts, and Bhikshu Precepts for one day and one night, (like those at the middle level in the middle tier). They cannot be delivered by the merit and virtues of practicing the Bhikshu Precepts for their whole lives. (like those at the highest level in middle tier.)

They cannot be delivered by the merit and virtues of setting forth the Bodhi Mind, (like those at the lowest level in high tier). They cannot be delivered by the merit and virtues of understanding the Foremost Truth,( like those at the middle level in the high tier.) They cannot be delivered by the merit and virtues of reciting and practicing the sutras,( like those at the highest level in the high tier). Only the merit and virtues that transcend those in the high tier and middle tier can deliver extremely evil sentient beings, This is why it is necessary to speak of the merit and virtues of Amitabha-recitation in the low tier.

There is no other way that can deliver the extremely evil person, except Amitabha-recitation. This indicates that the teaching of Amitabha-recitation is easy-to-practice; but, splendid in rewards. It is the foremost, the unsurpassed, the noblest, and most respected. Thus, no other teaching is comparable.

為什麼念佛是在下品生說明,而不是在上品生說明呢?因為下品生是極惡的人,不是中品下生孝養父母、行世仁慈的功德能夠救度,也不是中品中生一日一夜的持八戒齋、沙彌戒、具足戒的功德能夠救度,也不是中品上生的盡形壽具足眾戒的功德能夠救度。

更不是上品下生的發菩提心的功德能夠救度,也不是上品中生的解第一諦的功德能夠救度,也不是上品上生讀誦妙行的功德能夠救度,唯有超越上品生、中品生功德的念佛能夠救度極惡的眾生,因此才在極惡的地方說明念佛的功德。

極惡之人,無他法能救,唯稱名念佛一法能救,顯示「稱名念佛」一法,易行功高,至高無上,最尊第一,無其他任何法能與之相比。

Namo Amituofo!

Saturday, December 21, 2019

December 21 2019

Dec 21, 2019

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

深信因果

A Gatha about cause and effect - Even though hundreds and thousands of eons have elapsed, the karma created is not eliminated. Once it encounters the appropriate causal conditions, one must eventually bear the karmic retribution.

This means that the wholesome and unwholesome wave frequencies emitted from our behavior (in body, mouth and mind) will not vanish. When they come across the necessary causal conditions, the effect will be produced. The question is, when will it come? This is uncertain. In this way the karmic retribution of cause and effect goes through the three periods of time - past, present and future.

有一首因果偈說:「假使百千劫,所作業不亡;因緣會遇時,果報還自受。」

意思是說,我們身口意的行為所散發出去的善、惡波率是不會消失的,因緣會遇的時候,就會產生果報。至於緣什麼時候會到呢?那是不一定的,所以因果的報應是貫通過去、現在、未來的。

Namo Amituofo!

December 20 2019

Dec 20, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

Amitabha Buddha has existed for ten kalpas (eons), What is his existence for? For delivering sentient beings! It is the resolution of Amitabha Buddha to deliver sentient beings. It is the career of Amitabha Buddha to deliver sentient beings. It is the joy of Amitabha Buddha to deliver sentient beings. It is the wholeness of Amitabha Buddha’s life to deliver sentient beings.

阿彌陀佛的存在,已經十劫了,祂是為了什麼?為了救度眾生!以救度眾生為阿彌陀佛的志願;以救度眾生為阿彌陀佛的事業;以救度眾生為阿彌陀佛的法樂;以救度眾生為阿彌陀佛生命的全部。

Namo Amituofo!

December 19 2019

Dec 19, 2019

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

淨土信仰

Regarding the teachings of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance and the splendor of the Land of Bliss, these are difficult-to-believe teachings, and difficult-to-speak teachings as well. We iniquitous ordinary beings with heavy karmic obstructions, do not have the wisdom and blessings to recognize and accept this teaching.

Thus, Amitabha Buddha considered this point in advance, prior to formulating the 48 vows for us. Among the 48 vows he made the 17th Vow – “If, when I attain Buddhahood, innumerable buddhas in the lands of the ten quarters should not all praise and glorify my Name, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.“

Before delivering sentient beings in the ten directions with the 18th Vow, Amitabha Buddha must urge all buddhas in the ten directions, as many as the sands of the River Ganges, to propagate his teaching of deliverance, and guide sentient beings to deeply believe, aspire to birth in the Pure Land, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name.

有關阿彌陀佛的救度、極樂世界的殊勝,這些法,是「難信之法」,也是「難說之法」,像我們這樣愚惡的凡夫,業障深重,是沒有福德智慧來認識、來接受這個法門的。

因此,阿彌陀佛在為我們思惟四十八願時,就預先考慮到,而在這四十八願當中發了第十七願:「設我得佛,十方世界,無量諸佛,不悉咨嗟,稱我名者,不取正覺。」

為了要以第十八願來救度十方一切眾生,首先,阿彌陀佛必須促使十方恒河沙無量諸佛來弘揚祂的救度眾生的法門,來引導眾生深信、發願、專稱彌陀佛名。

Namo Amituofo!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

December 18 2019

Dec 18, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The Alaya Consciousness is like a field on a farm, and our thoughts are like seeds falling on the field. Once seeds fall on a field, they will germinate, then flowers and fruit follow.

Beginning in our past lives, our Alaya Consciousness has become filled with greed, hatred, delusion, false and miscellaneous thoughts. If we recite the Buddha’s and patriarchs’ words, we can replace the old thoughts with new ones. In this way, the Buddha’s and patriarchs’ words become our lives. Thus, our perceptions, speech, and actions become full of the connotation and temperament of the Buddha’s and the patriarchs’ words.

阿賴耶識就像一片田地,起心動念就像在田地當中落了種子,種子一旦落下田地,時間一到就會發芽,乃至開花結果。宿世以來, 我們阿賴耶識所含藏的,不是貪瞋癡就是妄想雜念,如果把佛言祖語背誦在裡面,汰舊換新,這樣佛言祖語就會成為我們的生命,思惟、言語、舉止就會充滿佛言祖語所講的那種內涵與氣質。

Namo Amituofo!

December 17 2019

Dec 17, 2019

An excerpt from the Chapter on the Meaning of the Non-meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》〈散善義〉:

Further, it is to believe deeply and decidedly that Shakyamuni Buddha leads people to aspire for the Pure Land, by teaching in the Contemplation Sutra, the Three Meritorious Deeds (three types of meritorious conduct), the nine levels of beings, and the two kinds of virtues - meditative and non-meditative. He also accomplishes this by verifying and praising Amitabha's two kinds of fulfillment - direct reward and circumstantial reward, which arouse our admiration and aspiration.

Further, it is to believe deeply and decidedly that various buddhas of the ten directions, as many as the sands of the Ganges, verify and urge all sentient beings to resolve the issue of rebirth.

Further, I would sincerely hope that all [Pure Land] practitioners can believe in a single-minded manner, the Buddha’s words alone, and firmly resolve to rely on this practice, even at the cost of their bodily lives: to act upon it immediately, to cast aside what the Buddha directs us to cast aside, and practice what the Buddha teaches us to practice. These are known as the Buddha’s teachings, following the Buddha’s intention, and following the Buddha’s vow. It is also known as being a true disciple of the Buddha.

又決定深信釋迦佛說此《觀經》三福九品、定散二善,證讚彼佛依正二報,使人欣慕。

又決定深信《彌陀經》中,十方恒沙諸佛,證勸一切凡夫,決定得生。

又深信者,仰願一切行者等,一心唯信佛語,不顧身命,決定依行。 佛遣捨者即捨,佛遣行者即行,佛遣去處即去。 是名隨順佛教,隨順佛意,是名隨順佛願,是名真佛弟子。

Namo Amituofo!

December 16 2019

Dec 16, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

Among the passages in the Contemplation Sutra, though Amitabha-recitation is not mentioned in the high tier and in the middle tier, this doesn’t mean that Amitabha-recitation is not an appropriate practice for them. Why?

In the second fascicle of the Infinite Life Sutra, Amitabha-recitation is mentioned for rebirth for those in the high tier, rebirth for the middle tier, and rebirth for the low tier. The three tiers in the Great Sutra and the nine levels in the Contemplation Sutra are more or less the same in content. As Amitabha-recitation is mentioned in all three tiers in the Great Sutra, it is understood that Amitabha-recitation is appropriate for those in the high tier and middle tier in the Contemplation Sutra.

Thus, it is concluded that Amitabha-recitation is recommended for all nine levels.

雖然在《觀經》的經文上,「上品」、「中品」沒有談到念佛,但這並不表示上品、中品就沒有念佛。為什麼?

《無量壽經》下卷的上輩往生、中輩往生、下輩往生都有談到念佛,《大經》之上輩、中輩、下輩跟《觀經》九品之中的上品、中品內容是大同小異的,既然《大經》的上、中、下輩都有談到念佛,可見《觀經》的上品生、中品生也含有念佛的意義,才說「念佛之行廣通九品」。

Namo Amituofo!

December 15 2019

Dec 15, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

What kinds of sentient beings belong in the low tier? It refers to those who commit all evil offenses without any virtuous karma. The other two tiers, the high and the middle, are those with more virtuous karma and less evil karma. For example, those at the lowest level of the middle tier and those at the middle level in the middle tier dedicate their mundane virtues, and the Buddhist virtues, respectively for rebirth.

However, those in the low tier have only evil karma, it is impossible for them to dedicate any merit and virtue through their self-powered practices for rebirth. Therefore, they must rely on Amitabha-recitation at the end, in order to acquire Amitabha’s deliverance, to be exempted from jeopardy in hell, to leave the Three Domains and the Six Realms, and even to be reborn to achieve Buddhahood. This is also the reason Amitabha-recitation is mentioned in the lowest three levels among the nine levels of rebirth.

(to be continued)

「下品生」是哪一類的眾生呢?,是指「純惡無善」的眾生。而「上品」或「中品」的眾生則都是「善多惡少」者,譬如中品下生是世間的善,中品中生以上都是以佛法的善來迴向的。

可是「下品」根機是純粹惡,不可能、也沒有能力靠自己任何修行功德來迴向,最後才靠「念佛」來獲得彌陀的救度,不但免除地獄之難,而且脫離三界、六道,甚至往生成佛。因為這樣, 所以「念佛」才在九品的下三品才談。

Namo Amituofo!

December 14 2019

Dec 14, 2019

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

深信因果

As a Buddhist, we should be cautious in giving and receiving. Do not take them for granted, because all matters, great or small, involve cause and effect. In matters concerning dutiful power and benefits, we should not override or violate them, in order to avoid stealing.

學佛之人,受授要有分寸,不可苟且,應知凡事無論巨細都有因果。權益之事,更不可侵犯,以免偷盜。

Namo Amituofo!

December 13 2019

Dec 13, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

Whoever you are, as long as you have faith in Amitabha’s deliverance, this kind of faith is called “unsurpassed faith”. To receive Amitabha’s deliverance, we must believe and accept. We cannot disbelieve because, apart from Amitabha’s deliverance, we have no alternative. You can disbelieve all other teachings; but, you must believe in Amitabha’s deliverance.

Those who believe attain rebirth, and those who disbelieve do not. Those who believe are liberated immediately, and those who disbelieve will reincarnate. So, it is said that, Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land is the final settlement for all practitioners, or even all sentient beings.

不論何人,只要對彌陀救度生信,這種信心即是「無上信心」。阿彌陀佛的救度是我們必須要信受、不得不歸信的,因為除了歸信彌陀,我們別無出路。其他法門即使不信,彌陀救度必須生信。

信者得生,不信不生;信即解脫,不信即輪迴。所以說,阿彌陀佛的淨土是修行者、乃至所有眾生最後的依歸。

Namo Amituofo!

December 12 2019

Dec 12, 2019

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

淨土信仰

To explain the six-character Great Name, Master Shandao says the following - “Namo” means to take refuge, as well as to dedicate merit towards rebirth in the Pure Land. Reciting “Amitabha Buddha” is the practice. Because the Name contains all of these qualities is why rebirth is assured.”

“Namo” means taking refuge. Simply speaking, we surrender our lives, bodies, and minds entirely, with no reservations. Thus,“Namo” is taking refuge, as well as to dedicate merit towards rebirth. The purpose of taking refuge is aspiring to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and relying on Amitabha’s deliverance totally, without any reservations.

“Amitabha Buddha” means “all of his merits and virtues are attained by the one who takes refuge, for rebirth in the Pure Land and for achieving Buddhahood, are within this four-character Name.” As long as we exclusively recite this Name, we possess all, so Master Shandao says, “Because of these meanings rebirth is assured.”

這一句六字洪名,善導大師解釋:「南無者即是歸命,亦是發願迴向之義」,「阿彌陀佛者,即是其行」。

「南無」這兩個字就是歸命,簡單講就是把我們的身心、生命毫無保留的投入進去,所以「南無」者就是歸命,亦是發願迴向之義,歸命的目的就是為了願生極樂世界,完全歸命於彌陀的救度毫無保留。

而「阿彌陀佛」四個字是歸命的人所有的功德,往生的功德在這四個字,往生成佛的功德也在這四個字,我們只要專稱就統統擁有了,所以善導大師說「以斯義故,必得往生」。

Namo Amituofo!

Thursday, December 12, 2019

December 11 2019

Dec 11, 2019

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

It is said, “the meaning will be naturally revealed if we read the book a hundred times”. The meanings of the book will naturally brighten our minds. To say a hundred times doesn’t mean a hundred times exactly, it means to read more. We can understand more if we read more.

When I studied in a private school, the teacher seldom explained; but, asked us to memorize passages in the books. Though I didn’t understand the meanings of them at that time, I understood naturally the entire meanings of what I memorized through the experiences in my daily life.

所謂「書讀百遍,其義自現」,一本書若讀一百遍,書的道理自然就會在我們腦中發出光明,至於百遍也不是說一定要讀一百遍,而是多讀,多讀自然就會了解。

以前讀私塾的時候,老師很少解釋,都是要學生把文章背起來;雖然當時不了解文意,但隨著年歲的增長以及生活的歷練,以前所背的經文的道理,不知不覺就自然通達了。

Namo Amituofo!

December 10 2019

Dec 10, 2019

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》〈散善義〉:

An excerpt from the Chapter on the Meaning of the Non-meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

The Contemplation Sutra says, “Firstly, the Sincere Mind.” ‘Sincere’ means true and real, so it is ‘genuine.’ It explains that all sentient beings who interpret and practice the teachings on cultivation of the bodily, verbal, and mental acts (karma) must perform them with the genuine mind.

The practitioner should not outwardly appear diligent, benevolent, and kind while bearing a mind of: deceit, hypocrisy, greed, hatred, evil views, false thoughts, or of hundreds of cunning tricks, and fraudulent ideas. Because it is so difficult to change these wicked inherent qualities, all of his acts are the same as those done by serpents and scorpions.

Though he commences to practice in the threefold karma, his actions are called ‘virtues mixed with poisons’, ‘untrue and unreal practices’ and cannot be called ‘real karma.’

Even if we settle ourselves and commence our practice earnestly and diligently, endeavoring with body and mind, striving without a moment’s rest, as if our very heads had caught fire, all of this would still be called ‘virtue mixed with poison.’ If we wish to dedicate such practices to be reborn in the Pure Land of the Buddha, we could never accomplish it.

When Amitabha Buddha cultivated the bodhisattva practices of the threefold karma in his causal ground, he always, in every single instant, performed them with a genuine mind. Thus, all of the merits and virtues that he cultivated for sentient beings [benefitting others], and his pursuit of perfect Enlightenment [self-benefitting], are real.

《經》云:「一者、至誠心」。「至」者真,「誠」者實。 欲明一切眾生,身口意業,所修解行,必須真實心中作。

不得外現賢善精進之相,內懷虛假。貪瞋邪偽,奸詐百端,惡性難 侵,事同蛇蝎。雖起三業,名為雜毒之善,亦名虛假之行,不名真實業也。

若作如此安心起行者,縱使苦勵身心,日夜十二時,急走急作,如 炙頭燃者,眾名雜毒之善。欲迴此雜毒之行,求生彼佛淨土者,此必不可也。

何以故?正由彼阿彌陀佛,因中行菩薩行時,乃至一念 一剎那,三業所修,皆是真實心中作;凡所施為趣求,亦皆真實。

Namo Amituofo!

December 9 2019

Dec 9, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

The fourth place is “In this way, he sincerely and continuously says 'Homage to Amitayus Buddha' [Na-mo-o-mi-t'o-fo] as few as ten times ”;

The fifth place is “Because he calls the Buddha's Name, with each repetition, the evil karma which he has committed during eighty kotis of kalpas in Samsara is extinguished.”

Here, the word “nian” as stated in “ten times in sufficiency”, and the two words “nian” as stated in “with each repetition” is not considered to be mental karma, but oral karma – recite Namo Amituofo by mouth. It is not mental karma, such as perceiving or recollecting. So, the first three “nian”, in the first three places, have different meanings from the last three in the other two places, though the words are the same.

第四個地方是「令聲不絕,具足十念」;

第五個地方是「稱佛名故,於念念中,除八十億劫生死之罪」。

在這裡,「具足十念」的「念」,和「念念中」的「念」不是屬於意業,而是屬於口業,是口中稱南無阿彌陀佛的「稱念」,不是意業思惟憶持的「憶念」。所以前面三個地方的「念」跟後面的三個「念」,字雖然一樣,但是涵義大有不同。

Namo Amituofo!

December 8 2019

Dec 8, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

In the passage on rebirth for those at the lowest level of the low tier, the word “nian” (to think of and mentally invoke) appears six times in five different places. Some of them are crucial. They are the following:

The first place is “to tell him the wonderful Dharma and teach him to think of Amitabha Buddha”;

The second place is “as he is tormented by pain, he cannot invoke a thought of Amitabha Buddha even for a short time”;

The third place is “If he cannot concentrate on Amitabha Buddha, then he should say Amitayus Buddha.”

“Nian” is a kind of mental karma in the three cases above. This means to mentally perceive Amitabha Buddha’s merit and virtues, through remembering the Name of Amitabha Buddha.

(continued)

在《觀經》下品下生這短短的經文當中,念佛的「念」,總共出現在五個地方,有六個字,這一些地方都是關鍵的地方。

第一個地方是「為說妙法,教令念佛」;

第二個地方是「彼人苦逼,不遑念佛」;

第三個地方是「汝若不能念彼佛者,應稱無量壽佛」。

以上這三個「念」是屬於意業,也就是指心中思惟阿彌陀佛救度的功德,憶念阿彌陀佛的名號。

Namo Amituofo!

December 7 2019

Dec 7, 2019

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

深信因果

Karmic retribution is a matter of fact. It is also proof that the principle of cause and effect exists. So, we must evaluate and review our thoughts and our threefold karma, as to whether they are good or evil. Between good and evil karma, which one is more?

既然有報應的事實,就表示所謂因果報應這個道理是真的存在的,我們就要檢討自己的起心動念、三業行為是善?是惡?惡跟善之間, 是哪一樣多?

Namo Amituofo!

December 6 2019

Dec 6, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

Amitabha-recitation is naturally uninterrupted and we will naturally recite Amitabha’s Name with joy, once we realize Amitabha’s deliverance. As we treat Amitabha-recitation as the most important thing in our lives, our interests and habits will change, as we prefer to recite and hear the Buddha’s Name, and have no interest in other things thereafter. In realizing the joy of Amitabha’s deliverance, we should not be annoyed about failing to achieve any goal, otherwise it would be contrary to our realization.

念佛是自然相續的,體會到彌陀的救度之後就會自然地、很喜歡念佛,把一生當中最重要的看成是念佛,興趣、嗜好就會轉,轉成喜歡念佛喜歡聽佛號,其他都淡然無味。所以要體會彌陀的救度而歡喜,不要因為自己達不到目標而苦惱,否則就等於背道而馳。

Namo Amituofo!

December 5 2019

Dec 5, 2019

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

淨土信仰

What is the main cause and the main karmic practice, and where can any sentient being attain the necessary credentials for rebirth in the Land of Bliss? All are within the six-syllable name – Namo Amituofo, This Name is perfect and complete, all-sufficient, and transcendental. That is to say, all merits and virtues of the 84,000 teachings are perfectly and completely included in Amitabha’s Name, which sufficiently possesses, and also transcends the merits and virtues of the 84,000 teachings.

For rebirth in the Land of Bliss, the main cause and the main karmic practice, to accumulate the necessary merits and virtues, is Amitabha”s Name. With respect to those attaining rebirth, those achieving Buddhahood, the merits and virtues of Amitabha’s Name are not lacking in any way. Nothing is missing. It is perfect complete, and all-encompassing. So, this Name “Namo Amituofo” is regarded as “the great Name of myriad virtues”.

任何眾生要往生極樂世界,他的正因、正業、功德資糧在哪裡?在南無阿彌陀佛六字名號之中,這句名號是圓滿的、具足的、甚至超越的。也就是說,這句彌陀名號圓滿八萬四千法門的功德,具足八萬四千法門的功德,超越八萬四千法門的功德。

要往生極樂世界,它的正因、正業、資糧功德通通在這句彌陀名號之中。彌陀名號的功德對往生者來講,對成佛來講,毫無欠缺、毫無遺漏,圓圓滿滿地具足,所以這句南無阿彌陀佛被尊稱為「萬德洪名」。

Namo Amituofo!

December 4 2019

Dec 4, 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 memorize and ponder the scriptures and the short teachings deeply. They can sprout and blossom in the fields of our Eightfold Consciousness, and we can harvest the fruits. That means, they can ferment in our mind field, and clear our karmic obstructions, awaken our wisdom, inspire our mind of enlightenment, and strengthen our faith.

So, it is important to always diligently memorize and recite the scriptures, and the mottos of the ancient sages, so that they can purify our mind-nature.

熟記經文、法語,將之深印在腦海中,就會在我們的八識田中萌芽,進而開花結果;亦即在心田中發酵,使我們消業障、開智慧,啟發我們的道心、堅定我們的信仰。

所以,應時勤背誦經文以及古聖先賢的嘉言格語,以之淨化心性,這是非常重要的。

Namo Amituofo!

December 3 2019

Dec 3, 2019

A quote from Master Shandao - from the Chapter on the Meditative Virtues in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》〈定善義〉:

There are two kinds of “fulfillment of a wish”: one is to fulfill the wish of sentient beings – following one’s own thought, all of them should be delivered; the other is to fulfill Amitabha’s wish – illuminating perfectly, with his Fivefold Eyes and Six Paranormal Powers, so as to observe all those who can be delivered. Within Amitabha’s one thought are his body and mind. They can deliver all sentient beings equally and at the same time, so that they can receive different benefits with the Threefold Enlightenment.

言「如意」者有二種: 一者如眾生意,隨彼心念,皆應度之。 二者如彌陀之意,五眼圓照,六通自在,觀機可度者,一念之中, 無前無後,身心等赴,三輪開悟,各益不同也。

Namo Amituofo!

December 2 2019

Dec 2, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

So, Master Shandao says, “It is understood that, given Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow, Shakyamuni’s intention is that sentient beings should always recite the name of Amitabha Buddha exclusively”. Though the Buddha speaks of the sixteen kinds of contemplations and about the teachings of meditative and non-meditative virtues, Amitabha Buddha’s wish is for sentient beings to always exclusively recite his Name.

Always exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name! It is the fundamental wish of Amitabha Buddha. Departing from the roots; branches, trunks, leaves and flowers wither. Having roots, a tree can grow. The roots are the source of all developments and accomplishments.

所以,善導大師說「望佛本願,意在眾生,一向專稱,彌陀佛名」:前面雖然說定散兩門的十六觀,可是如果從阿彌陀佛的本願、根本願——念佛往生願來看,阿彌陀佛的心,是要眾生一向專稱彌陀佛名。所以,「望佛本願」就是「一向專稱阿彌陀佛名」。

一向專稱彌陀佛名,就是阿彌陀佛根本的願。離開了根本,枝、幹、花、葉都會枯萎。有根本才能生長,根本是一切發展、成就的來源。

Namo Amituofo!

Monday, December 2, 2019

December 1 2019

Dec 1, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

Then, how does Master Shandao explain it? Master Shandao says, “Though Shakyamuni Buddha has spoken of the benefit of attaining rebirth by practicing the meditative and non-meditative virtues, it is understood that, given Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow, Shakyamuni’s intention is that sentient beings should always recite the name of Amitabha Buddha exclusively.” It is a short sentence; but, it’s meaning is very clear.

Shakyamuni Buddha has spoken of the benefit of attaining rebirth by practicing the meditative and non-meditative virtues. These include sixteen contemplations: including the first thirteen contemplations of the meditative virtues, and the Three Meritorious Deeds in nine levels, which are known as “meditative and non-meditative”. These two teachings, as said before, can benefit us if we practice them and dedicate them for our attainment of rebirth.

However, Amitabha Buddha’s original intent is more beneficial, as it reveals the Absolute benefit lying within “always exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name,” not within the two teachings of meditative and non-meditative virtues.

(to be continued)

那麼,善導大師是怎樣解釋的呢?善導大師說:「上來雖說定散兩門之益,望佛本願,意在眾生,一向專稱,彌陀佛名。」這一段文很短,意義非常顯明,而且是斬釘截鐵。

「上來雖說定散兩門之益」:「上來」就是前面,前面釋迦牟尼佛所說的十三種定觀,以及三福九品,總共十六觀,這叫做「定散」。這「定散兩門」,是前面所說的,依照這個去修,都有利益,迴向也能往生。

可是,比這更有利益的,而且是絕對利益,又是阿彌陀佛的本心、本意、本懷的,不在這定散兩門,而是在「一向專稱彌陀佛名」。

Namo Amituofo!

November 30 2019

Nov 30, 2019

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

Master Shandao was the incarnation of Amitabha Buddha. Therefore, the words spoken by Master Shandao are like those of the Buddha. Because of this, he is the most respected patriarch to interpret the Contemplation Sutra.

His Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra is considered to be the noblest, on the same level as the sutras spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha. Thus, it cannot be altered or amended, even by adding or deleting one word or phrase.

That is to say, the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra written by Master Shandao, is the benchmark for the interpretation of the Contemplation Sutra. Any interpretation of the Contemplation Sutra cannot be opposite or inconsistent with the Commentary written by Master Shandao. Master Shandao speaks as such, we understand it as such, and practice accordingly.

(to be continued tomorrow)

善導大師是阿彌陀佛所示現的,所以,善導大師的語言,就像佛說的。是故,自古以來,最被崇奉解釋《觀無量壽經》的祖師,就是善導大師。

因此,《觀經四帖疏》被崇奉之尊高,就好像釋迦牟尼佛所說的經典那般,既不可增加,也不可減少。也就是說:善導大師所寫的《觀經四帖疏》是解釋《觀無量壽經》的標準,任何對《觀無量壽經》的解釋,都不可以跟善導大師所寫的《四帖疏》不一致,甚至相反。善導大師怎樣說,就要怎樣去理解、怎樣去奉行。

Namo Amituofo!

November 29 2019

Nov 29, 2019

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

深信因果

If a person follows the Buddha’s teachings and accumulates virtues and great good karma, he generally anticipates going to a good place, such as heaven. Thus, the realm of heaven appears in his mind. If he is an evil person, he will see the phenomena of hells first, before his last breath.

If an Amitabha-reciter wishes to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land, and exclusively recites Amitabha’s Name, he will generally see the splendid scenes of the Land of Bliss, such as: lotus flowers, golden ponds, and pagodas before his last breath. It is a natural manifestation of his karmic reward.

一個人如果平常行善積德,甚至有重大的善業,往往在他臨終的時候,他要去的好地方,譬如說天堂,天堂的境界就會先顯現出來;如果是一個做惡多端的人,雖然他還沒有斷氣,往往也會先看到地獄的景象。

那如果是一個「願生彌陀淨土,專稱彌陀佛名」的念佛人,往往也會在他臨終,將斷氣還沒有斷氣的時候,極樂世界莊嚴的景象,譬如說蓮花、金地、樓閣,就會先看到,這是一種自自然然的果報顯現。

Namo Amituofo!

November 28 2019

Nov 28, 2019

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

皈命彌陀

Regardless of being good or evil, as long as we totally “surrender”, rely on Amitabha Buddha, aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and recite Amitabha’s Name, we will not incarnate any more. Our minds are in the Land of Bliss though our bodies are still in the Land of Saha .

We are now one of the sacred beings in the Land of Bliss. Moreover, we and Amitabha Buddha are as one body, inseparable. This means Amitabha always accompanies us in our daily lives. It is because the merits and virtues of the Name are in our hearts and we are always within Amitabha’s light. It is known as the inseparable entity of “aptitude” and of “teaching.” This relationship lasts from now to the end-of-life.

不管我們自認為是善也好、惡也好,只要完全投靠阿彌陀佛,願生極樂世界,專念阿彌陀佛,現在就是身在娑婆、心在極樂,不再輪迴了!

現在就是極樂聖眾之一,而且跟阿彌陀佛一體不離,跟阿彌陀佛同起臥、同出入。因為這句名號的功德在我們心中,我們在阿彌陀佛的光明之中,這就叫「機法一體不離」,而且是從現在直到臨終。

Namo Amituofo!