June 22 2020

Jun 22, 2020

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

淨土信仰

An Amitabha-reciter is a wonderfully good man or woman. “Wonderful” refers to a wonderful lotus flower. So, the Pure Land teaching is called the Lotus School, and Amitabha-reciters are called lotus friends.

念佛人就是「妙好人」,「妙」就是指妙蓮花,所以,淨土法門又稱為「蓮宗」,念佛人稱為「蓮友」。

Namo Amituofo!

June 21 2020

Jun 21, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A practitioner should gently nourish a peaceful and serene mind. The method is: sit quietly and recite Amitabha’s Name when we get up in the morning; keep silent or talk as little as we can for whatever time we can afterward. We do this because we cannot experience the “taste” of the world if we don’t have a serene mind. Just as in tasting food, we must eat slowly. The truths of the universe are very fine and delicate. In order to TOUCH them, we must quiet our minds.

修行人最好能善自培養寧靜的心。方法是早上起來先靜坐念佛,平日與人見面,儘量不要說話,話愈少愈好。因為,天下間的滋味,如果沒有寧靜的心,沒辦法體會。就像食物的味道,需要細細的咀嚼;而宇宙的真理很微細,我們必須以寂靜的心,才能體會,才能夠和宇宙的真理相TOUCH。

Namo Amituofo!

June 20 2020

Jun 20, 2020

An excerpt from the Epilogue of the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄

《觀經疏》:

I hope all beings who hear [the Dharma] can believe, and all sentient beings who read [the Dharma] can aspire to be reborn in the West.

The Commentary [on the Contemplation Sutra] is already certified by the Buddhas to be ultimate and definitive; thus, one should not add to it or delete from it by one sentence, or even one word. Those who make copies of it should accept it as a sutra.

One ought to be aware.

願使:含靈聞之生信,有識睹者西歸。

此義已請證定竟,一句一字,不可加減,欲寫者一如經法。應知。

Namo Amituofo!

June 19 2020

Jun 19, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

It is very clearly, simply, and precisely said in the Amitabha Sutra: “One cannot be reborn in that Land (of Bliss) with few blessings and roots of virtues, accumulated among causal conditions.” This means: for ordinary beings in the Land of Saha, among the eight schools and 84,000 teachings, no matter which school or which teaching we practice, as long as it relies on our own power to cultivate, it is regarded as having insufficient blessings or roots of virtues to enable one to be reborn.

《阿彌陀經》已經非常清楚明白、簡單扼要地告訴我們說:「不可以少善根福德因緣得生彼國。」意思即是說:以我們凡夫在娑婆世界所修的八宗裏面、八萬四千法門當中,無論修哪一宗、哪一個法門,只要是依靠自己的力量所修的,都是少善根、少福德,這個不能往生。所以, 不是靠我們在這裏所修的功德來祈求往生的。

Namo Amituofo!

June 18 2020

Jun 18, 2020

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

醒世箴言

Inevitably all people must die. However, If we constantly dwell on this truth, our lives will be shrouded in complete darkness. Thus, as a coping mechanism, we avoid thinking about it.

However, even if we can forget death, death will not forget us! It can suddenly attack us at any time. We must positively confront and resolve our fear of death. In so doing, we can naturally acquire a true life, filled with brilliance and happiness.

所有人都非一死不可!若老實地凝視這事實時,我們的人生便會陷入黑暗之中,因此平生儘量地忘懷於死,這是世人共同的心態。

然而,即使我們能忘記死,而死卻不會忘記我們,且會突然襲擊我們。若能正面跟死接手,並解決死的問題時,自然也就能夠真正得到明朗快樂的人生了。

Namo Amituofo!

June 17 2020

Jun 17, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Master Yinguang says, “It is easier to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss than to become a human in the next life. Why?

Rebirth in the Land of Bliss is readily available, as long as we are willing to recite Amitabha’s Name. However, if we want to become a human being in the next life, we must accumulate merits and virtues through the practice of the Five Precepts, which is much more difficult than Amitabha-recitation. Thus, attaining rebirth in the Land of Bliss to become a Buddha, is easier to attain than to reincarnate as a human or heavenly being.

往生極樂世界就如印光大師所說的,比下輩子再度當人還來得容易,為什麼?

往生極樂世界是現成的,只要你願意,只要你念佛,就能夠往生;可是下輩子當人,必須要累積五戒的功德。累積五戒的功德很困難,而念佛很容易,所以往生極樂世界成佛比你輪迴來當人、生天還來得容易。

Namo Amituofo!

June 16 2020

Jun 16, 2020

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

淨土信仰

A “Pundarika” is a white lotus flower with a thousand leaves. It is extremely rare, exceeding all other flowers in nobleness. “Pundarika” is a metaphor used to express the nobleness of an Amitabha-reciter, which surpasses that of many other people. It shows that an Amitabha-reciter is a true Buddhist disciple. Though his body still exists in this world, it has already transcended the Six Realms; though he has not yet been reborn in the Land of Bliss, he is already considered a citizen of the Pure Land.

「芬陀利華」即是千葉白蓮,世間罕有,其尊貴遠超眾花之上。以「芬陀利華」譬喻念佛人之罕有尊貴,遠超眾人之上,顯示念佛人是真佛弟子,身雖在人間,已超六道外;雖未生極樂,已是淨土人。

Namo Amituofo!

June 15 2020

Jun 15, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

People influence each other; however, what influences others most is not eloquence, but moral conduct. Moral conduct is a kind of intangible magnetic field, which can convert others once it is produced.

A person who has faith and the joy of the Dharma is naturally radiant, like the light of the sun. His behaviour reflects that he knows he is always embraced by Amitabha’s compassionate deliverance. It is an implicit way to inspire others to also believe and accept Amitabha’s deliverance.

人跟人之間是會相互影響的,往往能真正感化人的,不是口才,而是德行。德行有一種看不到的無形磁場,散播出去就能改變對方。

一個內在有信心、有法喜的人,他的面貌自然就會容光煥發,舉止會流露出他被彌陀慈悲救度的感懷,無形當中就會啟發他人對淨土法門的信受。

Namo Amituofo!

June 14 2020

Jun 14, 2020

An excerpt from the Epilogue of the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄《觀經疏》:

I now wish to disclose the essential meaning of the Contemplation Sutra, which is definitive at all times.

某今欲出此《觀經》要義,楷定古今。

Namo Amituofo!

June 13 2020

Jun 13, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

Within the 1858 words (in Chinese) in the Amitabha Sutra, it does not mention any other teachings, but only introduces the splendid adornments of the Land of Bliss, where there are various kinds of happiness and no suffering. It also asks all of us who hear this sutra to aspire to be reborn that Land. When we hear about such a world, how can we not admire it and wish to go there?

In the Sutra, it also briefly explains about the passive way that prevents us from rebirth, and the active way that facilitates rebirth. That is to say, one who has few roots of virtues and blessings cannot be reborn; but, what are abundant roots of virtues and blessings? The Sutra states very clearly that holding fast to the Name gives us Amitabha’s abundant roots of virtues and blessings.

《阿彌陀經》短短一千八百五十八個字,完全沒有說其他的法門,單只介紹極樂世界的殊勝莊嚴,無有眾苦但受諸樂的境界,並且要我們「眾生聞者,應當發願,願生彼國」。這樣的世界我們當然欣慕,可是要怎麼去呢?

經文上就從「消極」的無法往生以及「積極」的能夠往生作一個概要的說明。也就是說,少善根福德就不能夠往生;那什麼是多善根福德呢?經文非常清楚的顯明執持名號就是多善根福德。

Namo Amituofo!

June 12 2020

Jun 12, 2020

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

醒世箴言

When we participate in a funeral service or make an incense offering, we should realize that it is not just for the one who has died, but also for ourselves. For we shall one day be like him or her lying there.

Studying and practicing the Buddhist teachings should be done now, and not be put off until the future, or even tomorrow. If we procrastinate until the future, or until tomorrow, our procrastination will go on endlessly. Thus, we should not wait until it is too late and all we can do is look back with remorse.

我們去參加告別式,或為人拈香,要體會不是只有對方如此,有朝一日,我們也會像他那樣,躺在那裏。

學佛修行這件事,現在就要進行,不能期望將來,也不能等待明天,如果是期待將來,就有無盡的將來可以期待;如果是等待明天,永遠都在等待明天。這樣,終有一日會措手不及,那時才懊惱遺憾,已成徒然。

Namo Amituofo!

June 11 2020

Jun 11, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Rebirth is not rooted in one’s skill in the practice of Amitabha-recitation; but, in the merit and virtues of Amitabha’s Name itself and in Amitabha’s vow power. It doesn’t matter whether you recite well or not. All those who recite Amitabha’s Name will be reborn.

往生不在念佛的功夫,而是在於名號本身的功德,在於彌陀願力所使然;既然這樣,也無所謂念得好與不好,念得好與不好都能往生。

Namo Amituofo!

June 10 2020

Jun 10, 2020

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

It is the function of the Name to enable the reciter (Amitabha-reciter) to become a Buddha through rebirth in the Land of Bliss in the coming life (the next lifetime). That is why Shakyamuni Buddha praises the Name by using the analogy of the “Pundarika” (the white lotus flower). He says (to Ananda) that, among humankind Amitabha reciters are like “Pundarika” flowers.

No matter whether a person is a sacred being or an ordinary being, a good or an evil person, a monastic or a householder, an adult or a child, a human or an animal, a heavenly or a hell being, as long as he recites Amitabha’s Name, Ananda, you should not look down upon or neglect him, as this person is already a “Pundarika” among humankind.

這一句名號的功能,能使念祂的人(念佛人)次生(下一輩子)往生極樂世界成佛。因此, 釋迦牟尼佛就預先以「芬陀利華」來比喻、讚歎,而言:「若念佛者,當知此人則是人中芬陀利華。」

不管聖人、凡夫、善人、惡人、出家、在家,不管大人、小孩,不管人類、畜牲,不管天上、地獄,只要他能夠念佛的話,那麼阿難你要知道,你不要輕易的忽略,不要輕看念佛人,當知這個人就已經是人中的芬陀利華了。

Namo Amituofo!

June 9 2020

Jun 9, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Why is Amitabha-recitation so simple, but the merits and virtues so splendid? It is entirely because of the power of the merit and virtues in Amitabha’s Name. It is not the name of an ordinary being, or a name of ordinary matter ; but, it is the Name of Amitabha Buddha, who is the King of all Buddhas. This Name encompasses and contains all of the merit and virtues of the Perfect Enlightenment of Amitabha Buddha.

However, the concept of the relationship between the Name and the body of Amitabha Buddha is extremely profound, so ordinary people are not able to understand it. This makes it difficult for them believe it. Thus, it is said that Pure Land is an easy-to-practice, but difficult-to-believe teaching.

為什麼念佛這麼簡單,功德那麼殊勝呢?完全都是這句名號的功德力用,祂不是一般凡夫的名號,不是一般人事物的名號,祂是佛中之王的阿彌陀佛的名號,這個名號涵蓋著阿彌陀佛的正覺功德在裡面。

不過,這一句名號跟阿彌陀佛本體的關係,義理非常深,一般人理解不來,理解不來他就無法相信。因此說淨土法門是易行難信。

Namo Amituofo!

June 8 2020

Jun 8, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A master or a teacher can most impress and inspire others, not by his knowledge, his eloquence, or his tactics, but all by his moral conduct. Only their moral conduct can truly impress others, so that people never forget them. That which most impresses others is moral conduct, and moral conduct is derived from and revealed through compassion.

一位師父或一位師長之所以能夠感人,不是靠他的學問,也不是靠辯才,也不是靠手腕,完全是憑他的德行,唯有德行才能真正感動對方,能夠使對方一生都念念不忘。所以能感人的不是其他,是德行,而德行當然是從慈悲所流露的。

Namo Amituofo!

June 7 2020

Jun 7, 2020

An excerpt from the Epilogue in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

善導大師語錄《觀經疏》:

I have noticed that it is difficult to come across a real school of Buddhism and the important teaching of Pure Land. It is my wish that all living beings in the Five Realms are able to be reborn; therefore, I urge them to deeply listen to this teaching for future generations.

竊以真宗叵遇,淨土之要難逢,欲使五趣齊生,是以勸聞於後代。

Namo Amituofo!

June 6 2020

Jun 6, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

What does the Amitabha Sutra say? It talks about ‘holding fast to the Name”. Holding fast to the Name is “abundant” in virtuous roots and meritorious blessings. As far as rebirth in the Land of Bliss is concerned, if we are lax in holding fast to the Name, we will have “few” virtuous roots and meritorious blessings, and it will not be possible to attain rebirth.

Only reciting Amitabha’s Name is mentioned in the Amitabha Sutra. It does not mention: the Three Learnings, the Six Paramitas, Mahayana, Theravada, exoteric, or esoteric teachings. It only recommends name-recitation in accordance with the Fundamental Vow.

《阿彌陀經》在講什麼?在講「執持名號」。只有執持名號,才是多善根多福德,要往生極樂世界,如果沒有執持名號的話就是少善根少福德,不可得生。

這樣講起來,《阿彌陀經》也只講持名念佛,沒有講三學、六度萬行、其他各宗各派、大乘、小乘、顯教、密教,通通沒有,就只講淨土宗的「本願稱名」。

Namo Amituofo!

June 5 2020

Jun 5, 2020

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

醒世箴言

It is common for all human beings to have a fear of death. However, no matter how fearful we are, sooner or later we have to face it. If we can face it with positivity, it is possible to solve it.

Therefore, as Buddhists, we should not avoid the subject of death; but, deeply consider it. Many monastics, especially the great monks, put a big poster with the word “death” on the head board of their beds.

人對死的恐懼是一種普遍共有的心情,但是再怎樣恐懼,也非面對不可,逃避它最後會被死所逼迫而痛苦;如果積極的面對它,就有可能解決它、超越它。

所以我們學佛的人,不可以逃避,要正視死亡。很多出家人,尤其是高僧大德們,往往以一個大大的「死」字貼在床頭。

Namo Amituofo!

June 4 2020

Jun 4, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings encouraging us to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

There are many Buddhists and Amitabha-reciters in the world. However, most of them seek for blessings and rewards in the present life, or wish to be born with a healthy body and other blessings in their next life. If this is the case, these thoughts are contrary to the intent of Amitabha Buddha.

In his 18th Vow Amitabha Buddha asks us to be reborn in his Land of Bliss, and leave the cycle of birth-and-death. Unfortunately many Buddhists believe we must continue to live in the Land of Saha for a long time. Because they accept this false belief, they cannot be reborn in the Pure Land. Thus, their efforts in Amitabha-recitation are in vain.

世上學佛念佛的人很多,但大部分都為了求得現生的福報,或是下輩子還能夠得好人身,再度獲得人身的種種福報,如果是這種願的話,就跟阿彌陀佛相違背了。

因為第十八願說的是「欲生我國」,阿彌陀佛是要我們往生極樂世界,離開生死,可是我們偏偏進入生死;阿彌陀佛要我們往生極樂世界,可是我們偏偏要長住娑婆,這就跟佛願相違背。跟佛願相違背的話,就不能往生;不能往生,我們一輩子念佛就盡付東流了,因為沒有達成最終目標。

Namo Amituofo!

June 3 2020

Jun 3, 2020

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

淨土信仰

The Pure Land teachings should help us have peace of mind. If we embrace the Pure Land teachings; but, still suffer from afflictions and uneasiness despite practicing Amitabha-recitation, it is a sign that we don’t fully understand the teachings.

Under this circumstance, we should recite Amitabha’s Name on the one hand, and read more books written by Master Shandao on the other. There are answers for many questions within these books.

淨土法門本來就是要安我們的心的,而且讓我們大安心、大滿足,既然遇到這個法門,如果還有苦惱、有不安,那就表示:雖然念佛,但是還不瞭解這個法門。

這樣的話,就務必一方面念佛、一方面多看我們出版的善導大師思想的書,很多問題在這些書中都有解答。

Namo Amituofo!

June 2 2020

Jun 2, 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 practice wholesome deeds, our virtues will be enriched. If we don’t practice them, our virtues will remain the same.

There is a saying, “In the “yin” world, there is an assessment every three years.” It means that we accumulate virtues through good practices, even though it may seem nothing special has transpired, and we haven’t received any reward. Actually, it may simply take time (three years) to “ripen”. In this way it is very much like planting a crop. It may take a half year, a year, or three years to receive the harvest.

「善日加修,德日加厚」,「善」如果不日加修,「德」就停在原地不能進了。

還有「陰間三年一考較」,就是說,我們行善積德或念佛,好像當下沒有什麼感應、沒有什麼果報、效用,其實不是的,往往要經過三年之後。

但也未必如此,這是一種比喻。就好像種植物,有的種下去半年之後就有收成,有的要一年,有的要三年才有收成。

Namo Amituofo!

June 1 2020

Jun 1, 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〉:

The Samadhi of Amitabha-Recollection / Amitabha-Recitation is not an ordinary practice as compared with the other assorted virtues. Its functional capacity is splendid and transcendent. If a person recites Amitabha’s Name without ceasing, he is as rare as the “Pundarika” (a white lotus-flower).

“Pundarika” means a good, rare, and wonderful flower among humankind. It is also known as the legendary Flower of “Cai”.

Those who exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name are always accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, as if they are their shadows. They are like close relatives, good friends, and advisors. We receive these great benefits in this life and, at the end of this life, we immediately enter Amitabha’s home - the Pure Land. Once there, we can hear the Dharma for as long as we like and make offerings to the Buddhas in person. As the cause is perfect and the rewards are complete, how can we foolishly delay taking our seat in that Dharma hall?

念佛三昧,功能超絕,實非雜善,得為比類。 若能相續念佛者,此人甚為稀有,更無物可以方之,故引芬陀利為喻。

言「芬陀利」者,名人中好華,亦名稀有華,亦名人中上上華,亦名人中妙好華;此華相傳名蔡華是。 若念佛者:即是人中好人,人中妙好人,人中上上人,人中稀有人,人中最勝人也。

專念彌陀名者,即觀音、勢至,常隨影護, 亦如親友知識也。今生既蒙此益, 捨命即入諸佛之家,即淨土是也。到彼長時聞法, 歷事供養,因圓果滿,道場之座豈賒!

Namo Amituofo!

May 31 2020

May 31, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

These three paragraphs in the Sutra are very important, and, because of their importance, if they are not correctly understood, wrongly interpreted, or deliberately misinterpreted, they can form a great barrier to the teaching of Amitabha-recitation, So, Amitabha-reciters who recite the Amitabha Sutra must have the correct understanding of these three paragraphs.

The main points of these three paragraphs are:

1. One cannot attain birth in that land with few roots of virtues or merits in causal conditions,

2. With a “concentrated” and undistracted mind,

3. Minds do not fall into confusion

這三段經文很重要,但也因為很重要,所以如果沒有正確了解,反而是錯解,甚至被人故意曲解,那就會對念佛法門造成莫大的障礙;所以誦《阿彌陀經》的念佛者,都必須對這三段經文先有正確的了解。

這三段經文的主要重點是對: (一)「不可以少善根福德因緣得生彼國」; (二)「一心不亂」; (三)「心不顛倒」等三段之正確理解與信仰。

Namo Amituofo!

May 30 2020

May 30, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

Amitabha-reciters usually put emphasis on the Amitabha Sutra in Chinese Pure Land Teaching. They recite the Amitabha Sutra in the morning and evening as a daily practice.

However, many of them are tripped up by three paragraphs in the Amitabha Sutra. Even worse, because of their misunderstanding and misinterpretation of these three paragraphs, they suffer a setback and lose the confidence that studying this teaching properly would give them. This is a matter of deep regret.

(to be continued tomorrow)

自古以來,中國淨土法門的念佛者都很重視《阿彌陀經》,所以把《阿彌陀經》列為每天早晚都必須課誦的日課。可是有很多學淨土法門的人,往往被《阿彌陀經》裏面的三段核心經文所絆倒,甚至因為錯會、誤解了這三段經文,致而退失了學習這個法門的信心,這是一件很可惜的事。

Namo Amituofo!

May 29 2020

May 29, 2020

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

醒世箴言

Birth must come with death. However, many people do not know whether life exists after death. As they approach death, they are fearful and do not know what to do.

If people understand the reality of death, and know there is an eternal and joyful home, will feel peaceful and relaxed when facing death. Those who don’t know better, find the cycle of repeated birth-and-death horrifying.

生必有死,但一般人對死後的有無,死後將會如何,一無所知,一旦面臨死亡,往往驚慌恐懼,不知所措。

人若能了解死亡的真相,而且知道死後另有永恒安樂的歸處,便可安心面對死亡,不憂不懼。否則對死有懼,則求生畏死;然死既難免,則生亦有怖。

Namo Amituofo!

May 28 2020

May 28, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Through countless eons, we have undergone many cycles of births and deaths. We may have studied and practiced at a level higher than many people; but, are still unable to leave the cycle of birth-and-death in reincarnation. We may have repeatedly been born as an esteemed monk and reincarnated as an ordinary being at other times. Even if we can dwell in the state of Dhyana, we are still ordinary beings. Though we may achieve a deep level in meditation and ascend to the Heaven of Non-Perception and Not Non-Perception, and have great paranormal power, we still cannot leave the cycle of birth-and-death. We are bound to recycle in accordance with our karma when this lifetime ends.

曠劫以來,我們生生死死、死死生生,比一般人更深的功夫我們可能都已學過、修過,但是一直沒有離開生死輪迴,所以反反覆覆,有時候轉生為高僧,有時候轉生為一般凡夫,就算現在能夠入禪定,也還是一個凡夫。即使非想非非想處天那麼深的禪定,有大神通,,還是脫離不了生死輪迴,壽命到時還是隨業流轉。

Namo Amituofo!

May 27 2020

May 27, 2020

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

淨土信仰

When an Amitabha-reciter is close to death, it is 100% assured that Amitabha Buddha will appear before him. If he doesn’t see Amitabha, he could not have been an Amitabha-reciter. This is purely the Law of Cause and Effect.

So, if an Amitabha-reciter believes he is near the end-of-life and does not see Amitabha Buddha appear before him and gets annoyed, it shows that he does not understand this principle – Amitabha Buddha does not come because his time is not yet up. When his time is truly up, Amitabha Buddha will definitely appear before him.

As you see, he does not need to worry. He worries because he does not understand. Because he does not understand, he does not believe. If he does not believe, of course he will get annoyed. As it is said, “Belief is deep if understanding is clear.”

一個念佛人臨終時,阿彌陀佛百分之百決定現前,臨終之時未見到阿彌陀佛現前,他就不是一個念佛人了,因為有什麼樣的因,就有什麼樣的果,因果是必然的。

因此,若是一個念佛人,已經快到了臨終之時,卻還沒有見到阿彌陀佛現前,因而心生煩惱,就表示他對這個道理還不瞭解,因為時候未到彌陀才未現前,只要時間到了,阿彌陀佛一定會現前,他終究會看到阿彌陀佛的;所以不需要有這樣的疑惑,有疑惑就是對道理不明瞭。對道理不明就會不信,不信就會不安,不安就會苦惱,故云:「理明信深」。

Namo Amituofo!

May 26 2020

May 26, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

We are not an ordinary group in society, but a group which has been formed to practice the Buddhist teachings. Each of us comes here for practice.

Conceptually, we must adopt the Buddha’s teachings first. As it is said, “the Way is produced once the roots have been planted.” If we adopt this concept as our root, the branches will naturally develop. That is to say, as we are Buddhist practitioners, we should check whether our thoughts and conduct (expressed via the three karmas of body, mouth, and mind) comply with the standards of a true practitioner. If not, we should feel ashamed and try to improve.

我們是一個團體,而這個團體不是一般的社會團體,是佛教的修行團體,每一個人都是為了修行而來的。

這是在觀念上大家必須先確立的,如果有這種觀念的話,所謂「本立而道生」,根本確立,枝末就會自然生長,也就是說,既然我們是一個修行團體,我們是一個修行人,那我們的三業行為──身、口、意,起心動念和言語行為,是不是合乎一個行者的標準?是不是一個行者所應該展現的?如果不是的話,是不是有慚愧心呢?

Namo Amituofo!