February 25 2020

Feb 25, 2020

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〉:

Though the practitioner sees the holy appearance of the Buddha, he doubts whether he can be reborn. In response all the sacred beings tell him unanimously, “We come to welcome you!”

行者雖睹靈儀,疑心恐不得往生,是故聖眾同聲告言:「我來迎汝。」

Namo Amituofo!

February 24 2020

Feb 24, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

People of the lowest level in the low tier come across all kinds of unwholesome circumstances, until they are near their end-of-life. At that time, if their karmic conditions allow, they may encounter the teaching of Amitabha-recitation.

Amitabha-recitation provides unsurpassed merit and virtues. That person may be full of fear and pain; so, he has no time to think, or perform any merits and virtues to dedicate for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. At that time, he is so frightened that he can do nothing, but open his mouth and recite “Namo Amituofo”. Just those words already contain all of the functional capacity necessary, in terms of rebirth-aspiration and merit-dedication. In the same way, when we recite “Namo Amituofo”, we have already aspired to be reborn in the Western Land of Bliss.

下品下生的人一生都遇到惡緣,臨終才遇到善緣,遇到念佛法門,而念佛就是大利,就是無上功德,是大善根、大福德;他身心充滿恐懼、痛苦,根本沒有多餘的時間來思惟,來作功德迴向發願往生極樂世界,那個時候他很驚慌,來不及了,只是假借著這個嘴巴,稱念「南無阿彌陀佛」,就已經具足了發願迴向的功能。同理, 我們稱念「南無阿彌陀佛」,自自然然就有發願往生西方極樂世界的功能。

Namo Amituofo!

February 23 2020

Feb 23, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - the Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

All ordinary beings are full of greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt. These are born of our individual afflictions and attachments. Thus, we cannot completely forgive others, accommodate others, or offer sympathy to others, because we dare not share our various kinds of afflictions with them. We always feel lonely even though we may have a lovely spouse, children with filial love, and close friends.

There is a saying in Taiwan: who knows what my concerns are? Who dares to talk, with no reservation, about our concerns? Can we really understand and accommodate each other? No matter how lovely our spouse is, they cannot share our suffering, afflictions, or the deepest secrets of our hearts. We feel lonely when we are alone, and even when we gather with our friends and relatives. So, it is said, “In the mundane world, people live in the world of desires. They are born alone and die alone, and, they come alone and go alone.”

凡夫都有貪、瞋、癡、慢、疑,因此一定有各自的煩惱與執著,既然這樣,就不可能徹底的體諒對方、包容對方、憐惜對方,彼此也就不敢傾訴心中的種種煩惱。夫妻再怎麼恩愛, 兒女再怎麼孝順, 再怎麼樣的相聚一堂, 內心還是孤獨。

台灣有句俗語說:「心事誰人知」,誰敢把內心全部掏出來跟人傾訴呢?又有誰能夠互相理解而相互包容呢?所以再怎麼樣恩愛的夫妻, 也很難盡情的傾訴心中的苦悶、煩惱與秘密。一個人的時候固然孤獨,家親眷屬相聚一堂,也還是孤獨的,所以說「人在世間,愛欲之中,獨生獨死,獨去獨來」。

Namo Amituofo!

February 22 2020

Feb 22, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

The greatest virtue is filial love, which is a yardstick to measure the progress of civilization and the mitigation of disasters in the human world. Filial love is also a fundamental discipline to maintain worldwide peace. If we give up filial love, the world will deteriorate. If we promote filial love, the world will become prosperous.

If everyone fulfills their own duties in filial love, the world will be peaceful in the absence of any political system, and people will be virtuous in the absence of an education system. The highest virtues in the world are based on the filial love we give to our parents.

至善莫過於孝,孝道是人類文明進步和災難消除的度量衡,是維繫世界和平的根本法則,孝道失則天下必失,孝道興則天下必興。

如果人人做好孝道的本份事, 世界不治而平,人心不教而善。世間最高的善就是孝順父母。

Namo Amituofo!

February 21 2020

Feb 21, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

(continued)

Of course, people generally read the sutras for the purpose of eradicating their karmic obstructions and hoping it is helpful during rebirth. However, in this case, it is regarded to be “not exclusive”, implying that their minds are in doubt towards Amitabha’s deliverance. It is an indication that they don’t understand the merits and virtues of the Name, and what kind of Buddha Amitabha is.

Above all, to practice the Pure Land teaching, we have to fully believe in, accept, and totally rely on Amitabha Buddha, Our exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name offers proof of our total reliance. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that there are no merits and virtues in practicing the teachings related to other buddhas and bodhisattvas.

However, as far as rebirth in the Land of Bliss is concerned, we have to totally rely on Amitabha Buddha.

當然,一般人誦經的目的,多是希望消業障,往生時希望可以有幫助,可是這樣就已經是不專了,就已表示他的心對阿彌陀佛是有懷疑的,因為他對名號的功德不瞭解,也不瞭解阿彌陀佛是怎樣的一尊佛。

總之,修學淨土法門就是要完全信受阿彌陀佛,完全依靠阿彌陀佛,也就是專念阿彌陀佛。這樣的意思不是說其他的佛菩薩或善行沒有功德,而是說,要往生極樂世界,就要完全依靠阿彌陀佛。

Namo Amituofo!

February 20 2020

Feb 20, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

The content of the Diamond Sutra - the Chapter on the Universal Dharma Door, the Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Lotus Sutra, and other sutras are all excellent; but, they are not related to the Land of Bliss and Amitabha Buddha.

If an Amitabha-reciter wants to know what the Diamond Sutra is about, what the Sutra of Ksitgarbha Bodhisattva is about, and what the Lotus Sutra is about, then he can read them. However, he should clearly know that he cannot rely on them for rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

《金剛經》、《普門品》、《地藏經》、《法華經》......內容都非常好,可是這些經跟極樂世界、跟阿彌陀佛沒有關係。

除非是要瞭解《金剛經》在講什麼道理,《地藏經》在講什麼道理,《法華經》在講什麼道理,這樣可以去看、去誦。可是一個念佛人,心中必須非常清楚,往生極樂世界並不是靠這些。

Namo Amituofo!

February 19 2020

Feb 19, 2020

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Nothing else is taken into consideration. We only need to recite Amitabha’s Name, with total reliance on Amitabha’s vow power, to be assured of rebirth. This means that all can be reborn - even those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions, the Ten Unwholesome Deeds, slandering the Dharma, and those with no virtuous roots.

Reliance on the power of the Fundamental Vow means, fully believing in and accepting Amitabha’s deliverance, and always exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name. So, to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss, only Other-power is responsible not self-power.

一切不論,但稱佛名,乘佛願力,必得往生。亦即但憑彌陀不思議之本願力, 十惡五逆,謗法闡提,皆得往生。

所謂憑本願力,即是決定信受彌陀救度,一向專稱彌陀佛名。故往生極樂,不論自力,只論他力。

Namo Amituofo!

February 18 2020

Feb 18, 2020

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

淨土信仰

It should be our daily routine to recite the six-character great name (“Namo Amituofo”) as often as we can . This Name is comprised of all of the limitless merits of Amitabha, and can embrace all beings. The merits and virtues contained in this single Name are perfect and complete. What else do you need to know?

Moreover, as far as achieving rebirth in the Pure Land of Bliss, we do not rely on our own power; but, totally rely on the power of Amitabha. The status and qualifications of sentient beings are not considered. (Regardless of their gender, age, religious beliefs, karmic offenses, cultivation, mental purity, or the singleness of their thoughts)

每日功課,不管幾次,都全部稱念「南無阿彌陀佛」六字洪名;彌陀全德成名,以名攝物;一句彌陀,功德已滿;何所不足,須待外求?

何況往生極樂淨土,非靠自力,乃全靠他力,故不論眾生的身份資格:不論男女老少,不論緇素賢愚,不論罪之輕重,不論行之有無,不論心淨不淨,不論念一不一。

Namo Amituofo!

February 17 2020

Feb 17, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The leaders of any organization, apart from having leadership skills, must influence people through sincerity, and convince people through virtuous behavior. We must be sincere with all people in all matters. Our minds must always be sincere whenever we speak, and behave without any discriminating thoughts. It is said that, if we are sincere in our hearts, it will naturally be expressed through our behavior.

To convince people through virtuous behavior means to give people benefits based on their life’s situation. If we are not sincere and do not consider the situations of other people, particularly in relation to the Ultimate Truth and the Worldly Truth, the benefits in the present life and in future lives, it is easy to arouse people’s emotions and opinions against the organization.

任何團體的領導者,固然要有其領導能力,但重要的還是「以誠感人、以德服眾」。「以誠感人」即是不管對任何人、任何事,都要「以誠存心」,言語、舉止,都要出自真誠無妄的心;所謂「誠於中,形於外」。

「以德服眾」即是站在對方的立場考量,給對方真實的利益。如果不是真誠的站在對方的立場,為對方的「真俗二諦、現當二益」作為考量,則容易引起民怨,不得人心。

Namo Amituofo!

February 16 2020

Feb 16, 2020

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〉:

All virtues [that he used to practice in the past] above seem to be useless, however, once the dying person is determined to renounce suffering and aspires to be reborn in the realm of all buddhas, he will quickly fulfill the great compassionate vows and practices of bodhisattvas. He will return to the realm of birth-and-death, and universally deliver all sentient beings. That is why it is called ‘awakening of the Bodhi Mind.’

以上諸善,似亦無功,唯發一念厭苦,樂生諸佛境界,速滿菩薩大悲願行,還入生死,普度眾生,故名「發菩提心」也。

Namo Amituofo!

February 15 2020

Feb 15, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

What does playing “tug of war” with Amitabha Buddha mean? We play the game this way -“Oh, Amitabha Buddha, I am sorry, I cannot go with you now. I have my beloved husband and children in the Saha World”, or “Amitabha Buddha, I am sorry.

I have a lot of enemies and debtors in the world. My husband treats me ill, and bullies me. He owes me a lot. I want to see how he suffers in future. After that, I will go for rebirth.” This indecisiveness leaves Amitabha Buddha no alternative, but to wait until you are ready.

只要我們不跟阿彌陀佛「拉鋸」──什麼叫做跟阿彌陀佛「拉鋸」呢?「哎呀!阿彌陀佛,對不起, 我還不能跟您去,這個娑婆世界還有我所愛的丈夫跟兒孫」,或者「阿彌陀佛!對不起,我還不能跟您去,因為這個世間上有我的冤家債主,我的丈夫他一生對我不好、凌虐我,他欠我很多,我要看到他淒慘的下場,我才要往生」,如果是這樣的話,當然阿彌陀佛就無可奈何,只好還在那裡等了。

Namo Amituofo!

February 14 2020

Feb 14, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

Why did Master Shandao omit faith and aspiration in his explanation of the Fundamental Vow? Is there any evidence in accordance with the Sutra? The passage about rebirth for those at the lowest level in the low tier [in the Contemplation Sutra] contains important evidence.

Though joyful faith and aspiration for rebirth are mentioned, people may not be educated, have no wisdom, and be lacking understanding and belief. They may also be children or parrots who have no idea what faith and aspiration are; but, they can still attain direct rebirth through Amitabha-recitation.

This indicates that, as long as we exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name, Amitabha ‘s vow power will naturally guide us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. As said in the Infinite Life Sutra - “It rejects no one, but naturally and unfailingly attracts beings.”

(to be continued tomorrow)

為什麼善導大師解釋本願文可以略去信願?有什麼經典為據?下品下生的經文就是重要依據。

因為第十八願雖然講信樂、講願生,可是有的人沒有文化、沒有智慧,他理解不來、信不來,甚至一些小孩子或者像鸚鵡,牠也無所謂信、也無所謂願,可是在牠也可以念佛往生。

這就顯示:只要我們此後專稱彌陀佛名,自自然然就有彌陀的佛力願力牽引我們往生極樂世界,如《大經》所言:「彼國不逆違,自然之所牽。」

Namo Amituofo!

February 13 2020

Feb 13, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - The Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

It is fundamental for all Buddhist learners to understand that all matters are the harmonized results of causal conditions, which are unreal. As they are unreal, they have no substance and can’t last forever.

Success and failure, gain and loss, obstruction and penetration, suffering and blessings in one’s life are the results of causal conditions. They come once, are not eternal, and are always changing, So, we should live in accord with these conditions.

There is no need to pay much attention to them.

學佛的人,最基本就是要了解一切都是因緣和合,因緣的假相。因為那不是真實,無有本體,所以不能永遠存在。人的一生,成、敗、得、失、窮、通、禍、福,都有他的因緣,而且也只是一時,不是永恆性的,不是不變化的,因此隨緣過日,不用太在意。

Namo Amituofo!

February 12 2020

Feb 12, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

There are two kinds of virtues, one is open and the other is hidden. The same holds true for rewards – hidden and open.

When we practice virtues that are known by others, they are called “open virtues”, and their respective rewards are called “open rewards.” If a person practices virtues, but no one knows, they are called “hidden virtues” that can produce “hidden rewards”.

A hidden reward is greater than an open reward. There was a scholar called Fan Zhongyan. He was very kindhearted and said, “I must benefit the local people wherever I go.” There are many great stories about the highly respected moral deeds of the ancient sages, Through reading these stories we can try to follow their wonderful examples.

行善有善報。善有陽善、陰善之分,果報也有陰報、陽報之別。

行善而為人家所知道叫陽善,所得之報為陽報;若行善而為人家所不知道的就是陰善,就會得到陰報。

陰報比陽報還來得大。宋朝有一位文人叫范仲淹,他很有愛心,他說,凡是他所到之處,一定要給當地帶來利益。這些先聖前賢的偉大事蹟與崇高德行,是可以讓我們見賢思齊的。

Namo Amituofo!

February 11 2020

Feb 11, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

The only ones who are truly capable of setting forth the mind of leaving the Six Realms are great people, real monastics, and true Buddhist learners. However, it is rare to find a person who really sets forth the mind of leaving. That being the case, what can the majority of sentient beings, who always fall into the wretched realms and reincarnate forever, do?

Amitabha Buddha deeply understands our predicament. To sentient beings like us, who suffer endless reincarnation he says, “As you suffer, I suffer; as you are joyful, I am joyful.” Therefore, Amitabha makes a Fundamental Vow that all will be saved and delivered regardless of who they are.

能發出離心是「大丈夫」,是真「出家人」,是真「學佛者」。但能真正發起出離心的人少之又少,其他絕大多數的「常沉惡道,永在輪迴」的眾生要怎麼辦?阿彌陀佛老早就已深深知道我們就是這樣的眾生,承受常沒常流轉之苦,而感同身受的說:「眾生苦惱我苦惱,眾生安樂我安樂。」因而發了「不論何人,都必定救度」的本願。

Namo Amituofo!

February 10 2020

Feb 10, 2020

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Regarding human beings, due to a variety of differences in consideration and in planning, we speak of belief in and aspiration for rebirth, as stated in the 18th Vow.

If it were not worded in this way, we wouldn’t know to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and understand the great merits and virtues of Amitabha-recitation.

If we wish to be born as human again in our next life, or other wishes, it is because we can differentiate, and select what is good and bad. For this reason, it is necessary to guide beings to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and to tell them about assured rebirth through Amitabha-recitation. Animals cannot differentiate and select. However, if they merely recite the unique Name of Amitabha through habit, they will naturally be carried to rebirth in the Land of Bliss. As said in the Infinite Life Sutra, “It rejects no one, but naturally and unfailingly attracts beings.”

至於人,因為有種種的分別、計量、籌劃,所以第十八願才說你要相信、要願生我國。如果不這樣講,有的人不曉得要願生極樂,只想到念佛有很大的功德,下輩子要生而為人,或要如何、如何......,因為人有這些分別、選擇、好惡取捨,所以就要引導他願生極樂,告訴他稱念就必定往生。

對畜牲來講,牠們沒有那些分別、取捨,牠如果能慣性的念這一句彌陀名號,就像《無量壽經》所講的:「其國不逆違,自然之所牽」,名號功能自然牽引往生極樂世界,這就是「願力自然」。

Namo Amituofo!

February 9 2020

Feb 9, 2020

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

淨土信仰

A parrot reborn through Amitabha-recitation is factual evidence which illustrates a law – a law that rebirth of sentient beings is assured through Name-recitation. It also proves that our teaching is about absolute and complete Other-power.

What kind of wisdom does a parrot have? What kind of merits and virtues through cultivation does it have? It can only imitate human language, and habitually recite Amitabha’s Name. In this way it can be reborn in the Land of Bliss after it dies. It is the power of the Name that guides it naturally to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

In the same way, all sentient beings who recite the Name will also be reborn. There is no need to act with volition, self-power, or in parallel with other practices.

(to be continued)

鸚鵡念佛往生是「事證」,證明「理」──「眾生稱念必得往生」之理。也證明我們這個法門是絕對他力、完全他力。

這隻鸚鵡有什麼智慧?有什麼修行功德?牠只會學人之語,而且慣性的稱念這一句彌陀名號,死了也往生極樂世界,這就是名號的力量,自自然然的引導牠往生極樂世界。

所以眾生稱念名號就自然能夠往生,不須加以造作、勉強,不必假藉其他功能方法的。

Namo Amituofo!

February 8 2020

Feb 8, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The Four Lessons of Lefan consist of four chapters: The first is called the Study about the settlement of Life; the second is called the Method of Rehabilitation; the third is called the Way to Accumulate Virtues; the fourth chapter is called the Effect of Morality on Humility.

Every chapter is of high quality, concise and precise. Those who really wish to nourish their minds and bodies through virtues, advancement, and purity should pay attention to this book.

《了凡四訓》共有四篇:第一篇「立命之學」,第二篇「改過之法」,第三篇「積善之方」,第四篇「謙德之效」。

每一篇都非常的好,非常的精要,有心於修身養性、改過向善、向上、向淨的人,都應該重視它。

Namo Amituofo!

February 7 2020

Feb 7, 2020

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〉: 

Those who deeply believe in mortal suffering will not commit the same offence again. Those who deeply believe the Pure Land is a realm of unconditioned joy will never retrogress or lose their determination.

若深信生死苦者,罪業畢竟不重犯; 若深信淨土無為樂者,善心一發,永無退失也。

Namo Amituofo!

February 6 2020

Feb 6, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

In regard to the passage on rebirth for the lowest level in the low tier, this person has accumulated profoundly negative karma, and the time is near the end-of-life. At this time the practice is merely the ten-time Amitabha-recitation. Even a person of this kind can be saved and delivered. He leaves the Six Realms and attains rebirth in the Land of Bliss. This means there are none who cannot be reborn!

So, the main theme of the passage on rebirth for the lowest level in the low tier is to reveal the content of faith, and assured rebirth in the present lifetime. Why? Right now, we have already seen that we are people with the same aptitude as those of the lowest level in the low tier. We do not need to wait until the near - end - of- life, when we are almost ready to fall into one of the various hells, we can take refuge in Amitabha right now! We can believe and accept his deliverance, aspire to be reborn in Amitabha’s Land of Bliss, and exclusively recite his Name. Doesn’t this mean that our rebirth is already assured?

下品下生──人是「惡人」,時間是「臨終」,所修行的也只是「十念念佛」而已,這樣的人都能夠被救,離開六道、往生極樂,那麼,就表示沒有一個人不能往生。

所以,「下品下生」之旨趣,既顯示「信的內容」,也顯示「平生業成」,為什麼?從現在,我們就已經看出自己是下品下生的根機,不必等到臨終要墮落地獄才念佛,是現在就歸命彌陀:信受彌陀救度、願生彌陀淨土、專稱彌陀佛名,豈不是現在就已經往生決定?

Namo Amituofo!

February 5 2020

Feb 5, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

Dreaming doesn’t just happen when we are sleeping. We are always dreaming. Our endless reincarnations are also a big dream. So, we shouldn’t be annoyed under unfavorable circumstances, and we shouldn’t be too excited under favorable circumstances, because all of them are dreams in this unreal life.

不是躺在床上作夢,才叫做「夢」,我們現在就已在夢中了!無窮盡的輪迴便是大夢,所以逆境不必感到苦惱,順境也不必過於歡喜,因為一切都是未醒的浮生之夢。

Namo Amituofo!

February 4 2020

Feb 4, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

The Pure Land teaching is profound, yet easy to practice. However, this doesn’t mean that Amitabha-reciters merely recite Amitabha’s Name, and do not abide by the Precepts, or practice Meditation and Wisdom, if they can.

The correct meaning is: As far as the direct / main cause of rebirth, mere name-recitation is complete and sufficient. However, the fundamental teaching in Buddhism is “refraining from doing evil, and practicing various virtues”. So, as Buddhists, if we can hold the virtuous practices, we should. These include being filial to our parents, respecting our teachers, being kind, and not killing, We do these things because they are our human duties; otherwise, how can we claim to be Buddhists?

淨土法門是既殊勝又容易的,可是這樣的意思並不是表示念佛人只要念佛就好了,能夠持守的戒定慧都不去持守,不是的。

正確的意思是:就往生的正因來講,只要稱名念佛就圓滿具足了;但是我們是學佛的人,佛教的基本教理就是「諸惡莫作、眾善奉行」,能夠持守的善業當然要盡量去持守奉行,而盡心孝順父母、恭敬師長、慈心不殺本來就是做人的本份,否則就稱不上是學佛的人了。

Namo Amituofo!

February 3 2020

Feb 3, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

(continued)

Moreover, he knows that, if there were no six character Name ( Namo Amituofo), he would remain in the cycle of reincarnation. He also knows that fame, gain, status, and wealth are unimportant in his life because all of these can disappear in a moment. Only Namo Amituofo can liberate him from birth-and-death, and lead him to become a Buddha in the Land of Bliss. Because of his deep faith in aptitude and teaching, and his realization of the value of Amitabha-recitation, his habitual leisure also changes. Amitabha-recitation becomes his greatest relaxation and leisure.

而且他知道,若沒有「南無阿彌陀佛」這六字名號,自己一定會墮落輪迴;他

知道人生最重要的不是名、利、地位、財富,因為這些轉眼成空。只有「南無

阿彌陀佛」能讓他了生脫死,往生成佛。因為對「機」、「法」的深信,以及

對「念佛」的體會,他的娛樂及習慣也會自然改變,念佛將變成最輕安、最大的娛樂。

Namo Amituofo!

February 2 2020

Feb 2, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

An Amitabha-reciter who has already walked along the White Path must move forward without turning back, through continuous Amitabha-recitation without interruption, and without forsaking. Amitabha - recitation is his life. So, those who walk along the White Path, who believe and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, and who are determined to be reborn, view life in a totally different way. The ultimate aim of life is to be reborn in the Land of Bliss and not to reincarnate again.

(to be continued tomorrow)

一個念佛人,他既然已走在白道上,一定是前進不退,相續不斷的念佛,念念不捨的念佛。念佛已成為他的生命、他的全部,所以只要是走在白道上的人、受阿彌陀佛救度的人、往生決定的人,他的人生觀、價值觀會和以前完全不同。他人生的最終目的,是要往生極樂世界,不再來輪迴。

Namo Amituofo!

February 1 2020

Feb 1, 2020

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

淨土信仰

As we recite Amitabha’s Name, we rely on Amitabha Buddha, not on ourselves. So, whether our mind is concentrated or distracted, or the concentration is deep or shallow, we rely on Amitabha. At the end-of-life, we rely on Amitabha Buddha toreceive us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. Again, it does not rely on our ability to concentrate. We are only responsible for reciting Amitabha’s Name, as best we can, throughout our lives.

我們念佛完全都靠阿彌陀佛,不靠我們自己。有定力沒定力,或定的深淺都不管,有定力是靠阿彌陀佛,沒定力也是靠阿彌陀佛。臨終是靠阿彌陀佛接我們去極樂世界,不是靠我們的定力去極樂世界。所以,往生是阿彌陀佛來接我們,因此我們只要負責現在的念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

January 30 2020

Jan 30, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

Regarding the change in habitual behavior, depending on its original inertia, the change may be slow if its inertia is great; while it may be fast if its inertia is weaker.

Some people are moderate and mild; some people may be stubborn and reluctant to change, even when they are given valuable advice.

So, in order to change our habitual behavior, we should begin with perceiving the principle of the two kinds of deep faith – in aptitude and in teaching. Second, if a person can realize the pure mind through Amitabha-recitation, he must live that realization from the bottom of his heart, and maintain this pure mind through all favorable and unfavorable circumstances.

(to be continued tomorrow)

習性的轉變,也要看他的原本慣性的強弱,原本慣性若強,轉變就比較慢,慣性若弱的話,轉變就很快,有的人天生就很溫和無諍的,有的人即使勸導他了也還是很剛強。

所以要改變習性,第一,可從思惟「機法兩種深信」的道理下手;第二,一個人如果念佛體會到清淨心的話,那他的行事為人都以那個清淨心來展現,遇到順境、逆境都保持那個清淨心。

Namo Amituofo!

January 29 2020

Jan 29, 2020

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〉:

‘Seven days’ (as said in the Amitabha Sutra) may refer to time in this world, not seven days in that land (the Land of Bliss). Seven days lapsed in this world is a short while, like a flash of time in one thought. We certainly ought to know this.

言「七日」者,恐此間七日,不指彼國七日也。 此間逕於七日者,彼處即是一念須臾間也。應知。

Namo Amituofo!

January 28 2020

Jan 28, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

When those of the lowest level in the low tier, who bear heavy offenses, are frightened, in pain, or angry; if they merely recite Amitabha’s Name ten times, they can change their destinies, say goodbye to the Land of Saha, and ascend to the Land of Bliss.

Thus, it is deduced that: regardless who you are, at what time, at what place, under any circumstances, with what state of mind, or how many times you recite. You can simply recite Amitabha’s Name and attain rebirth, naturally attain all necessary merits and virtues, functional capacity, and actions through Amitabha-recitation.

下品下生的極重罪人,迫在臨終恐懼、慌亂、痛苦、不安之際,只是念佛十聲,便乾坤轉移,長揖娑婆,高登極樂。以此推論,則不論何人、何時、何處、何緣、何心、何數,都能念佛,都能往生,都自然具足念佛必有的功德、功能與作用。

Namo Amituofo!