April 29 2020

Apr 29, 2020

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

醒世箴言

There is a verse: Everybody believes there is a next year, and all families cultivate crops for next year. Everybody believes there is a next life; so, why don’t they cultivate now for blessings in their next life?

We believe there is tomorrow, next year, and the future; so, today we prepare for tomorrow, next year, and the future. If there is a next life, shouldn’t we prepare for it?

有一首偈說:「人人知道有來年,家家盡種來年穀;人人知道有來生,何不修取來生福?」我們都曉得有明天、有明年、有將來,所以今天都為明天準備,現在都為將來準備;如果有下輩子的話,豈不是這輩子就要先為下輩子準備了嗎。

Namo Amituofo!

April 28 2020

Apr 28, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

With respect to virtues of ordinary beings, we say this is virtuous, and that is non-virtuous. However, from the Buddha’s perspective, the virtues in the eighty thousand eons are not considered to be “true virtues” and the non-virtues that lead us to fall into hell are not “true non-virtues”.

However, having said that, we have to try our best to practice virtues and refrain from non-virtues, simply because it is our duty and responsibility. Nowadays, people emphasize Humanistic Pure Land practice. Its objective is to purify the human mind, and in so doing, purify society. This only applies to Worldly Truth. However, as far as the Ultimate Truth is concerned, these are not real true virtues.

以我們凡夫來說善就是善,惡就是惡,但從佛的眼光來講,八萬大劫的善不是真正的善,墮落阿鼻地獄的惡不是真正的惡。

不過,雖說如此,還是要儘量去惡行善,因為去惡行善是人的本份,現在一般所強調的人間淨土(淨化人心、淨化社會),也都必需要固守、實踐,但從究竟上來說,他不是真實的。

Namo Amituofo!

April 27 2020

Apr 27, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

If you don’t want to recite Amitabha’s Name, it indicates there is a problem in your mind of taking refuge. One should know - the matter of rebirth is of the utmost importance. It is the highest objective of the Buddhist path.

如果不想念佛,則表示歸命的心有問題。要知道:往生之事非常重大,一生目的即在這裡。

Namo Amituofo!

April 26 2020

Apr 26, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Amitabha’s deliverance is pro-active and positive. It doesn’t require sentient beings to pray, ask , bargain , or qualify. Their wisdom, knowledge, capacity to practice, and their virtues are not taken into account. The important thing is believing that Amitabha has come to save you, As long as you are willing to accept his Infinite Compassion and aspire to be reborn by reciting his Name, it is all accomplished immediately.

彌陀的救度,主動積極而來,不須經眾生祈求拜託;不講條件,不擇對象,與 慧、學問無關,也與修行如何,為人善惡無關。重要的是,彌陀要救你, 你是否相信?你是否答應?只要你肯接受,肯被救,願生稱名,當下即一切圓成。

Namo Amituofo!

April 25 2020

Apr 25, 2020

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

Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

(continued)

As a person in charge, we should do our best, act in accord with the causal conditions, and remain even minded . All matters should be approached with the attitude of staying calm and rational, respectful and harmonious. It is not wise to lose our temper and react emotionally.

Generally, it’s easy to work hard, but not easy to deal with blame from others. If we can do both, the merits and virtues of our work will be perfect and complete. So, no matter what, we always emphasize being rational, not overly emotional.

所以主事者,既盡心力,便應隨緣,保持平常心,以恭順無諍的態度,理性冷靜的面對;若因此而負氣,甚至有情緒反應,則甚為不智。

任勞容易任怨難,若能任勞也任怨,則功德圓滿。因此,事無大小,都要理性抬頭,切莫情緒用事。

Namo Amituofo!

April 24 2020

Apr 24, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

If we do something for others, even though it is well done, perfect and complete, some people are satisfied, but some are not; some praise, but some criticize. This is inevitable, because all of us are ordinary beings dwelling in the world of fivefold turbidity.

Nevertheless, once we decide to do something, we should think it through and strive to do our best to complete it. If people praise us, we can feel good; but, if people criticize us, we shouldn’t be upset, because we have tried our best. We should understand that those responses were simply due to causal conditions.

為大眾做事,即使做得好,做得圓滿,都會有人滿意有人不滿意,都會受讚美,也會遭批評;身處五濁惡世,彼此都是凡夫,難免如此。

但只要經過決議,自己也深思熟慮、盡心盡力之後,若受讚美,固可欣慰,即遭批評,也不必氣餒;因為已盡心力,而因緣如此。

Namo Amituofo!

April 23 2020

Apr 23, 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〉:

(continued)

Further on in the passage on rebirth for those in the lowest level of the low tier, those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions are taken into account; but, those slandering the Right Dharma are excluded. As they have committed the Five Gravest Transgressions already, the Buddha doesn’t abandon them to reincarnate [in the cycle of birth-and-death]. The Buddha returns to embrace them with his great compassion. However, as they haven’t committed the offense of slandering the Right Dharma, the Buddha warns them to refrain from doing so. He says, “If you slander the Right Dharma now, you cannot attain rebirth in the Pure Land at this time.” If they have already, they must wait to be embraced and delivered.

Though they attain rebirth, their flowers remain closed for many eons. While in that state they will have three kinds of obstructions: 1. they cannot see the Buddha and the sacred beings, 2. they cannot hear the Right Dharma, 3. they cannot participate and make offerings. Apart from these three, they do not have any other kinds of “suffering.” The Sutra says, “Like the Bhiksu, they dwell in the joy of the Third Dhyana Heaven.”

又下品下生中,取五逆,除謗法者,其五逆 已作,不可捨令流轉,還發大悲,攝取往生。然謗法之罪未為,又止言:「若起謗法,即不得生」,此就未造業而解也; 若造,還攝得生。

雖得生彼,華合逕於多劫。此等罪人, 在華內時, 有三種障:一者不得見佛及諸聖眾。二者不得聽聞 正法。三者不得歷事供養。除此以外,更無諸苦。

《經》云:「猶如比丘,入三禪之樂」也。應知。雖在華中多劫不開, 可不勝阿鼻地獄之中,長時永劫受諸苦痛也。此義就抑止門解竟。

Namo Amituofo!

April 22 2020

Apr 22, 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〉:

Question: Among Amitabha’s 48 vows there are exclusions for those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions and slander the Right Dharma. They cannot attain rebirth. However, here in the passage on rebirth for those in the lowest level in the low tier, those slandering the Right Dharma are excluded; but, it embraces those who have committed the Five Gravest Transgressions. What does this mean?

As said in the 48 vows for rebirth, there are exclusions for those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions and slander the Right Dharma. The karmic obstructions carried by those in this group are extremely heavy. If sentient beings commit them, they will directly fall into Avici Hell, to suffer there for many eons. Thus, the Tathagata is afraid for those who commit these two wrongdoings and advises them against it. However, this doesn’t mean that he does not embrace them.

問曰:如四十八願中,唯除五逆、誹謗正法,不得往生。今此《觀經》下品下生中,簡謗法,攝五逆者,有何意也?

答曰:此義仰就抑止門中解。如四十八願中,除謗法、五逆者,然此之二業,其障極重,眾生若造,直入阿鼻,歷劫周慞,無由可出。但如來恐其造斯二過,方便止言:「不得往生」, 亦不是不攝也。

Namo Amituofo!

April 21 2020

Apr 21, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

The importance is related to the fundamental spirit and characteristics of the Pure Land School - comprehensive deliverance to ten thousand kinds of people, with all levels of aptitude, and peace and joy in easy practice. Without these, we ordinary beings in the turbid world have no way to be liberated. The nature of great kindness and compassion, giving happiness, and eradicating suffering practically vanishes.

其重要性關係到淨土宗建立的根本精神,不可不加以重視,不可不加以明確判定,否則淨土宗普度萬機、易行安樂的特色不能彰顯,我等濁惡凡夫的解脫沒有門路,而佛教大慈大悲、拔苦與樂的本質也蕩然無存。

Namo Amituofo!

April 20 2020

Apr 20, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

Among ordinary beings, there are those that are kind and those that are wicked. The extremely wicked people are those who slander the right Dharma and have no virtuous roots. They serve as an example to illustrate that the targets of Amitabha’s deliverance are those who commit karmic offenses for their entire lives, including those who slander the right Dharma and have no virtuous roots. It boundlessly comforts all kind and wicked ordinary beings.

This example illustrates that, if even those who slander the right Dharma and have no virtuous roots can be delivered by Amitabha Buddha, liberated from Avici Hell, and reborn in the Pure Land of Bliss, doesn’t it mean that anyone can be reborn? So, all people can be delivered by Amitabha Buddha, and they are “qualified” for rebirth. This point is very important. If we did not differentiate and clarify this point, we would never be sure whether we are included in Amitabha’s compassionate deliverance.

(to be continued tomorrow)

凡夫之中有善有惡,惡中之極即是逆謗闡提的眾生,而由「下品下生」的事證,確知彌陀的救度,是「縱令一生造惡」的根機,且極惡如逆謗闡提的眾生亦加以救度,這給與一切善惡凡夫無盡的安慰。

因為,如果逆謗闡提都能蒙佛救度,脫離阿鼻地獄,往生極樂淨土,則有何人不能往生?所以,人人都能蒙佛救度,人人都往生有份。這一點很重要,這一點如果不加以甄別、顯明,則不知彌陀的大悲救度有沒有包含我?我有沒有份?

Namo Amituofo!

April 19 2020

Apr 19, 2020

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

醒世箴言

Life is comprised of relationships, whether they are rewarding graces or lingering resentments, whether incurring debts or repaying debts. Once we repay all debts, and clear all karma, we can definitely leave this world. However, if we cannot clear all of our debts, it is impossible for us to leave.

All Buddhists should recognize this fact. If we come across adverse circumstances, we should know these are the result of karmic seeds we planted in the past, not due to the judgement of a God or King Yama. It was all created by ourselves. For these reasons, we should have no regrets or resentments. Do not blame any other people or deity, and accept it for what it is. This is the only way we can repay these debts.

However, in the meantime, new karmic debts appear while we have not yet cleared the previous ones. Thus, we see that our karmic debts never end! We owe debts to each other forever.

人生都是一個緣,不是報恩,就是報怨,不是討債就是還債,只要債還完了,業了了,就一定會離開這個世間;如果這個業債還沒有結清,要離開是不可能的。

所以,我們學佛者要認清這個事實,碰到逆境時,要知道這是我們過去自己播下的,不是上帝所安排,也不是閻羅王所判定,完全是我們自己安排、造作而來的,應該無怨無悔,不怨天、不尤人的甘心來承受,這樣才能夠還清這個債務;不然舊債未還,又加新殃,豈不是永遠都在結冤結怨?永遠都在冤冤相報。

Namo Amituofo!

April 18 2020

Apr 18, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

There are three kinds of fields of blessings – field of respect, field of grace, and field of compassion. Despite having a field, we have no power to cultivate it and, if we have the power to cultivate, we have no field. In either case, we cannot attain any blessings as rewards. However, if we have the three kinds of fields, we should cherish them and treat them with great care.

敬田、恩田、悲田就是佛法中所謂的「三種福田」。有田,但沒有力量耕耘, 或者有力量耕耘,而沒有田,都不能得到福報。如果有這三田,我們就應該善加珍惜,好好把握。

Namo Amituofo!

April 17 2020

Apr 17, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

(continued)

No matter whether we are sacred or ordinary beings, no matter whether we are kind or wicked people, all of our afflictions will completely melt once we arrive in the Land of Bliss, the unconditioned realm of Nirvana. It is just like water on the surface of a road, whether clean or dirty, it immediately becomes the same sea water once it enters the great sea. Just as scraps of metal melt in a great furnace and become gold, we can change from ordinary to sacred beings.

不管是聖人、凡夫、善人、惡人,只要到了無為涅槃的極樂世界,所有的煩惱,就會完全被融化;就像路面上的水,不管清淨的、骯髒的,一旦進了大海,立刻跟大海的水一樣;再怎麼樣的破銅爛鐵,一旦投入大冶烘爐,就立刻變鐵成金,轉凡成聖。

Namo Amituofo!

April 16 2020

Apr 16, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

(continued)

He is a Buddha with no notion of self and other. He treats enemies and friends equally, and self and others as one entity. He regards every individual as his only child, as a part of himself.

Sentient beings who have severe afflictions, heavy karmic obstructions, and obstinate minds that are difficult to subdue, cannot be saved, and cannot find a place of final settlement. It is lucky that we have come across Amitabha’s pro-active and equal deliverance, and our ultimate home - his Land of Bliss.

(to be continued tomorrow)

祂是佛,沒有人相、我相、眾生相、壽者相,冤親平等,自他一體,把我們每個人都看成祂的獨生兒女、看成祂自己。

像我們這樣煩惱強盛、業障深重,心性剛強、難調難伏的眾生,無人可救,無處可歸,慶幸有彌陀主動、平等地救度,又建設極樂世界讓我們眾生有歸依處。

Namo Amituofo!

April 15 2020

Apr 15, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

Within the universe, only Amitabha Buddha really understands us, accommodates us, forgives us and does not slight or forsake us. He even jumps into the sea of suffering full of the five kinds of turbidity, to rescue us and carry us to the shore, without caring about being contaminated.

Amitabha Buddha is omnipresent. He is with us in all times and all places. Amitabha Buddha has infinite wisdom and compassion. He can see, hear, and know our involuntary karma and our sufferings.

(to be continued tomorrow)

在宇宙之中,真正瞭解我們、包容我們、體諒我們、不嫌厭我們,甚至不惜污染,親自跳進五濁惡世的苦海抱住我們,救我們到岸上的,只有阿彌陀佛。

阿彌陀佛無時不在、無處不在;阿彌陀佛智慧無量、慈悲無盡,我們的苦,我們的業力、身不由己,祂都看到了,都聽到了,都知道了。

Namo Amituofo!

April 14 2020

Apr 14, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Amitabha Buddha is pro-active and assertive, and acts with the utmost urgency. He takes pity on suffering sentient beings in the ten directions, trapped in reincarnation due to their karmic offenses. In response, he has created the Land of Bliss for us, and accomplished all of the merits and virtues necessary for our rebirth there. Namo Amituofo! He freely gives them to us and calls us to receive them.It is truly the greatest kindness and compassion offered in the Buddhist teachings!

阿彌陀佛主動的、積極的、迫切的、疼惜憐憫我們十方輪迴的眾生,不忍我們永無窮盡的輪迴造罪、受苦受難,所以為我們完成極樂世界,為我們完成往生極樂世界的功德資糧──「南無阿彌陀佛」送給我們、呼喚我們來領受,這個就是佛教真正大慈大悲的地方。

Namo Amituofo!

April 13 2020

Apr 13, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

If a person serves sentient beings with the mind of no-self and the mind of equality, his blessed virtues are immeasurable. I hope that all of our executives can deeply realize Amitabha’s great compassionate mind, and serve people with the mind of no-self and no attachment. We should work hard without any complaints or regrets.

為眾生服務,若能以無我心、平等心,則其福德不可思量。希望職事幹部們都能深體彌陀大悲佛心,無我不執著,理性不情緒的為人服務,而任勞任怨,無怨無悔。

Namo Amituofo!

April 12 2020

Apr 12, 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〉:

There is no retribution if there is no karma; there is no effect if there is no cause. If the causal karma is unhappiness, how can the retributive effect not be suffering? If the cause of evil karma is still in effect, the retributive suffering is not yet finished.

非業不受其報,非因不受其果; 因業既非是樂,果報焉能不苦。 造惡之因既具,酬報之劫未窮。

Namo Amituofo!

April 11 2020

Apr 11, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

(continued)

That those of no virtues in the three karmas can be reborn is the reason why this teaching is special, rare, easy and splendid. Thus, our teaching aims at returning to this Name, and we say it is “absolute other-power” – total reliance on Amitabha’s deliverance. What we do is just recite Amitabha’s Name.

Though we may go deeper into understanding the profound sutras, or becoming wiser and more benevolent, we must all recite “Namo Amituofo” at the end, if we wish to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. The fact is, our understanding of the sutras and our knowledge are useless and functionless here.

這個法門的特殊、可貴、容易與殊勝就在這裏,連三業無功的人也能往生,因此我們這個法門就回歸到這句名號的本身,所以我們說「絕對他力」──完全任憑彌陀的救度,我們只是念佛而已!

即使我們再深入經藏,再有智慧,再怎麼樣的賢能,也只是老老實實的稱念「南無阿彌陀佛」,好像自己以前所懂的經文,所擁有的知識,在這裏都不相干了,都運用不上了,都無用武之地了,其實正是這樣。

Namo Amituofo!

April 10 2020

Apr 10, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

For a person at the lowest level in the low tier, as described in the Contemplation Sutra, his three kinds of bodily, verbal and mental karma are useless and functionless, because: he cannot quietly listen to this Name, or silently perceive this principle, or recite the Name consistently. However, if he recites “Namo Amituofo”, “Namo Amituofo” in a hurry, he can still be reborn.

Rebirth is within the six-character Name – Namo Amituofo; but, it is not dependent on our meritorious practices, benevolence, nor our ability to cultivate, not at all.

《觀經》下品下生的人,他的身、口、意三業都沒有作用,可說「三業無功」,因為他不是靜靜地在聽這句名號,或者寂靜地在思惟這個道理,或者是一句一句好好的念這個名號,他都沒有,他很匆忙的念「南無阿彌陀佛」「南無阿彌陀佛」......也不曉得「南無阿彌陀佛」是什麼?這樣也往生了。

往生就在「南無阿彌陀佛」六字名號的本身,而不在我們的功行,不在我們很賢能、很會修行,都不是。

Namo Amituofo!

April 9 2020

Apr 9, 2020

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

醒世箴言

Buddhism teaches us to accept the inevitability of death and the universality of impermanence, and aims to transcend them. It is said that, If King Yama (King of the Hell realms) determines you die at three in the morning, you cannot survive after five. Death is not negotiable. Once death approaches, it is impossible to beg for a longer life.

佛教重視死,重視無常,目的是要超越它。所謂:「閻王註定三更死,不能留人過五更。」死是不許商量的,一旦面臨死的時候,怎樣求情都不可能。

Namo Amituofo!

April 8 2020

Apr 8, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

Jeopardy is a common karma; but, a kind man with accumulated virtues, or a devoted Amitabha-reciter will avoid this common karma, and form his own unique uncommon karma.

災難是一種共業,但是行善積德的人、或是虔誠念佛的人,就會脫離這樣的共業,形成自己獨有的不共業。

Namo Amituofo!

April 7 2020

Apr 7, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

When first born, a baby cannot sit or stand. Apart from putting him in a cradle, we can hold him in our arms, in front of our chests. His mother will raise him and take care of him in this way. When he plays on the floor, he is never out of his mother’s sight, because his mother is afraid he will be hurt by touching dangerous things or falling into a hole, etc. This is the compassionate mind of a mother.

Similarly, each Amitabha-reciter is Amitabha’s baby. As Amitabha Buddha’s body, in the form of light, permeates the entire universe, we are never forsaken by him.

Amitabha Buddha always watches us and takes care of us. He will welcome and receive us to the Land of Bliss, to attain the same level of Buddhahood as he, when the time comes.

當嬰兒出生,還不會坐,也不會站,除了把他放在搖籃,就是懷抱在手中、胸前,母親是這樣的養育他、照顧他,即使他在地面遊戲,母親的視線也都時刻不離地觀照著他,深怕他碰到危險物品,或者是陷入坑洞,這個就是慈母之心。

同樣的,每個念佛人都等同是彌陀的嬰兒,阿彌陀佛的佛身充滿整個大宇宙的光明,是永遠不可能捨離他的,阿彌陀佛永遠看著我、照顧著我,時間一到就迎接我們到極樂世界繼承祂的佛位。

Namo Amituofo!

April 6 2020

Apr 6, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Amitabha’s vows are targeted at sentient beings in the ten directions. Among sentient beings in the ten directions, other than buddhas, the other nine kinds of sentient beings need Amitabha’s deliverance for leaving reincarnation within the Six Realms in the Three Domains. They also expedite the achievement of Buddhahood through surpassing the Hinayana path by dedication to Mahayana teachings.

阿彌陀佛的願,是以十方眾生為對象的,而十方眾生中需要彌陀救度的,除了已經成佛的佛以外,其他九法界都需要彌陀的救度,一方面能夠離開三界六道輪迴,一方面能夠迴小向大,也能夠快速成就佛道。

Namo Amituofo!

April 5 2020

Apr 5, 2020

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

Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

To serve others, we have to be wholehearted, without blaming and having no regrets. We should strive to realize great compassion and the wisdom of “emptiness.” We are one entity, and there is no differentiation between you and me.

We benefit ourselves by benefitting others. If we realize that, we can serve others with diligence, without any complaints or regrets. We should behave like a kind mother bringing up her kids, or welcoming an uninvited friend.

Moreover, we are unconditionally endowed by Amitabha Buddha, and are equally forgiven by Amitabha. We are also equally nourished by Amitabha’s love. We deeply feel Amitabha’s undifferentiated grace. So, though we may be slandered by others or criticized for no reason, we have the courage to deal with it and bear it.

服務大眾要能任勞任怨、無怨無悔,必須體悟「大悲心」與「空性慧」。眾生一體,人我無別,為他即是為自,為自必須為他;能如此體悟,則能任勞,也能任怨,無怨無悔,猶如慈母赴兒,亦如不請之友。

何況我們受彌陀無條件的惠施,蒙彌陀不計較的包容,同渥彌陀大悲之愛,深感彌陀同體之恩;即使遭無根之謗,或求全之譭,也有力量勇於面對,敢於承當。

Namo Amituofo!

April 4 2020

Apr 4, 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〉:

In regard to Amitabha’s merits and virtues, whether for a virtuous or non-virtuous person; upon hearing [and believing in] Amitabha’s Name, his karmic offenses accumulated during many eons are eradicated.

善人為說,彌陀功德。罪人既聞, 彌陀名號, 即除罪多劫。

Namo Amituofo!

April 3 2020

Apr 3, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

Those whose aptitude places them in the lowest level in the low tier are regarded as evil people. They don’t begin Amitabha-recitation until they are near the end-of-life, not like us who recite Amitabha’s Name at present. In terms of the number of recitations, they need only recite ten times at most. However, we observe laws, practice virtues, and accumulate merits. We may commit offenses; but, they are not as heavy as the Five Gravest Transgressions. Furthermore, we have already begun to exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name and aspired to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Therefore, we will recite many more than ten times, probably hundreds, thousands, even millions of recitations.

So, those who are “evil, near the end-of-life, and ten times” can be reborn. Those who are “good in the present life and recite many times” are not mentioned.

下品下生的根機,論他人是個惡人,不是善人;論他是臨終才開始念佛,不像我們現在就開始念佛了;論他所念數目,頂多就是十句,可是我們奉公守法,行善積德,雖有罪業,不至五逆,而且從現在就「專稱彌陀佛名,願生彌陀淨土」,一生所念的佛何止十句呢?千百萬億都有了。

那麼,像這樣的「惡人、臨終、十念」都能夠往生了,何況是善人平生多念呢?

Namo Amituofo!

April 2 2020

Apr 2, 2020

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

醒世箴言

Actually, human desires are impure, contaminated, and hidden. Though they are inconspicuous, like an undercurrent, their roots are deep and firm. They seem to be stationary; but, desires arise to become obstructions when we wish to practice and cultivate.

So, we find we lack effort in cultivation, and our bodies and hearts are burned by the fires of hell. We are in despair. As the Infinite Life Sutra says, “When death comes, fear and regret come one after the other.”

其實,人之欲望都是不乾淨、有污染,而且是深沉的。雖不顯露, 卻如暗流, 可謂根柢深植。平時按兵不動,一到想起心修行時,欲望便起,處處成障。

因此修行乏力,直覺地獄之火一直燃燒著身、燃燒著心,那個時候,只有絕望。所以, 人一到最後, 無不絕望。因此,《無量壽經》言:「大命將終,悔懼交至」。

Namo Amituofo!

April 1 2020

Apr 1, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Practicing Various Virtues

眾善奉行

“Injustice in the three periods of time” means in this lifetime people learn Buddhism and practice generosity, so that they accumulate abundant merits and virtues. In their next life, people enjoy wealth and health; but, commit offenses unconsciously in that joyous environment. In their third lifetime they will decline and fall. So, Shakyamuni Buddha preaches his teaching, with no intention of asking us to accumulate merits through virtuous practices for future enjoyment, in human or celestial realms. No! He asks us to dedicate them for rebirth in the Land of Bliss when we are close to death.

所謂的「三世冤」,就是說這一輩子學佛、布施累積了很多的功德,下一輩子就享受富貴,接著,人在歡樂當中,不知不覺就造惡了,第三輩子就墮落了。

所以釋迦牟尼佛宣說佛法,不是要我們行善積德來升天或當人享福樂,不是!是要我們迴向臨終往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

March 31 2020

Mar 31, 2020

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

皈命彌陀

Amitabha Buddha treats us as himself or his parents, and bears our debts in countless eons. He opens the treasure store of the Dharma and enables us to accomplish merits and virtues. This enables us to: avoid poverty and jeopardies, turn all kinds of fear to peace and safety, leave the cycle of birth-and-death forever, and be reborn in the Pure Land of Peace and Joy in the future.

Though there are plenty of compassionate vows made by all buddhas, only Amitabha has one such as this. Therefore, among all buddhas and bodhisattvas, only Amitabha has the deepest, most intimate relationship with sentient beings.

阿彌陀佛不但將我們看成祂自己,甚至將我們看成祂的父母,為我們承擔曠劫以來所負業債。祂為我們開法藏,使我們成就功德,現世脫離貧苦,免除厄難,一切恐懼,轉為大安;未來往生安樂淨土,永離六道輪迴。

如是悲願,諸佛雖多,唯有彌陀一佛而已。故諸佛菩薩中,唯有彌陀與眾生緣份最深、最親、最近。

Namo Amituofo!

March 30 2020

Mar 30, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Those reborn through Amitabha-recitation are Bodhisattvas of Equal Enlightenment, i.e. Buddhas after One-More-Lifetime. Then, they will practice the virtues of universal benevolence. “Practice” means “giving to all”. “Virtues of universal benevolence” means “to manifest and appear as a Buddha to deliver sentient beings universally”. It does not mean “Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence”.

念佛往生的人,到了極樂世界就示現等覺,也就是一生補處,然後「修習普賢之德」。「修習」就是廣施、展現的意思,「普賢之德」就是以佛的顯化來救度眾生,而不是普賢菩薩的那個菩薩願。

Namo Amituofo!

March 29 2020

Mar 29, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A Buddhist should have a spirit of dedication and sacrifice, and should not take advantage of others, whether they wish to: clear karmic offenses, enrich blessings, build longevity for themseves, or work in a Buddhist organization for benefitting sentient beings. Thus, they must cultivate a mind of “hard work with no complaints or regrets”.

Working hard and not caring about praise or complaints is supposed to be a characteristic of a Buddhist practitioner. This is because enduring hardship helps to end suffering, and perseverance increases blessings. As an executive member of a Buddhist organization, we should behave in these ways. The Buddha says, “We should make good connections with people first, before we can become a Buddha”.

He also says, “We must first be a cow and a horse to serve sentient beings, if we wish to pursue the unsurpassed Buddhist Way.”

學佛人不管是為自己消災解難、增福延壽,或發心為佛門做事、饒益眾生,都要有犧牲奉獻的精神,吃虧不較的心量,因此必須培養「任勞任怨、無怨無悔」的胸襟。

忍苦耐勞、不計毀譽,本來就是行者本色,因為吃苦即是了苦,忍辱能夠增福;而身為佛門職事幹部,更應如此。佛陀開示說:「未成佛道,先結人緣」,又說「欲求無上佛道,先做眾生馬牛」。

Namo Amituofo!

March 28 2020

Mar 28, 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〉:

What is heard from the manifested Buddha’s praise concerns “the merits of reciting Amitabha’s Name.” Hearing sutras is not mentioned. What is the underlying wish of the Buddha? It is merely to advise people to recite Amitabha’s Name exclusively with right aspiration, because this guarantees rebirth. This is different from other miscellaneous and distracted karmic practices for rebirth.

It should be noted that this Sutra and other Pure Land sutras widely praise the merits of name-recitation everywhere, and urge people to recite Amitabha’s Name for rebirth and in order to attain important benefits.

所聞化讚,但述「稱佛之功,我來迎汝」,不論聞經之事。 然望佛願意者,唯勸正念稱名,往生義疾,不同雜散之業。如此經及諸部中,處處廣歎,勸令稱名,將為要益也。應知。

Namo Amituofo!

March 27 2020

Mar 27, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Contemplation Sutra

《佛說觀無量壽經》

If even an evil person can attain rebirth through ten recitations near the end-of-life, who else cannot be reborn? It is because you can’t be more evil than those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds. For this reason, we shouldn’t be so critical of ourselves when we begin Amitabha-recitation. By reciting up to ten times we are assured of rebirth!

So, the passage on rebirth for those at the lowest level in the low tier inspires faith in us that: “regardless of their blessings and offenses, regardless of their proficiency and skill in practice, all sentient beings can be reborn as long as they recite Amitabha’s Name.”

惡人臨終十念都能夠往生了,那哪裡還會有不能夠往生的人呢?因為再惡都沒有五逆十惡的惡,再慢我們都還不至於臨終,我們現在就開始念佛,而且都超過十聲,豈不是我們現在念佛就必定往生,所謂「眾生稱念,必得往生」。

所以「下品下生」的經文就是在開啟我們:「所有一切眾生,只要念佛,不論罪福多少,功夫有無,都能往生」的信心。

Namo Amituofo!